Distribution: Tropical & Subtropical regions around the world, Often shipped in the soil of tropical plants, Established in the South East United States from North Carolina to Texas and commonly in Florida.

Description: The Shadow Roach (Pycnoscelus nigra) are much different than any other roach we sell. This slow moving roach is a parthenogenic species. This means that the entire colony is made up of female roaches. If a male is ever produced it is sterile and of no use to the colony. Males are rarely produced.  This species loves to burrow and is already an invasive species in Florida which is why we are allowed to ship this species to Florida. This roach if escaped can readily breed in house plants, or anywhere a soil substrate they can burrow is found. This species will attempt to fly but are very poor flyers.

Nick Names: Shadow Roach,

Size: 4.5MM as Nymphs to 18-25MM as Adults

Sexing: Shadow Roach females have shorter wings than the males

Lifespan: 6-12 months

Difficulty Level: Easy

Caging: Pycnoscelus nigra roaches can climb glass or plastic. I like to house all of my roaches in rubbermaid or sterlite containers with screened lids.

Substrate: I use egg crates positioned vertically for additional floor/living space in the sterlite tubs. A substrate of coconut coir or peat moss can be used as can other soil mixtures. We use coconut coir as a substrate at Pritchett's Small Pets. If you use any kind of substrate from a hardware store or garden center, MAKE SURE IT IS FERTILIZER AND PESTICIDE FREE!

Required Temperatures: 78 - 95 degrees F

Humidity: 40%-50% You can keep a spray bottle handy to help keep humidity up in dry areas. If you use a substrate wetting it down periodically can help maintain proper humidity as well.

Food Requirements: They will eat almost anything organic. I keep my home made dry roach food available to them at all times. When feeding any fresh fruits or vegetables, do not put in more then they can eat in 24-36 hour period to avoid problems caused by rotten/moldy food.

Maintenance: Keep food and water available at all times. Clean out the waste as needed. I do not allow the waste to get any deeper then 4 inches. I also leave some in as the babys seem to do better when they can feed on their parents waste. Since this nymphs are so small, it is important to check the waste before disposing of it.

Breeding Notes: Females can give birth once a month of about 30-36 roaches. One roach is capable of starting a colony although it would take time.