We take care of our Discoids almost identically to the Madagascar Hissing Roach. The one big difference is that the Discoid can't climb glass so they are not as hard to contain. They do have wings but really don't use them much. This is the species that has for some 20 odd years been mistakenly sold as the Death's Head or (Blaberus craniifer). Although they are very similar in appearance, the Discoid grows to an Adult length of approximately 35-45mm while the Death's Head grows to an Adult length of approximately 43-60mm. This is a very prolific species that is easy to get hold of and makes a great food source for reptiles and arachnids.
Habitat:
TEMPERATURE & LIGHTING:
DAYS 82-96 F. NIGHTS NO LESS THAN 68 F. NO SPECIAL LIGHTING IS NEEDED.
FOOD & WATER:
Hard chunk dog food works great and they love it. KEEP FOOD AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES. We have noticed that this species although not terribly aggressive to its own kind will nibble on its neighbors wings. This doesn't cause a tremendous amount of damage but keeping a steady supply of protein enriched food available (the chunk dog food) seems to curb this activity a little. Carrots and some other veggies can be feed but make sure you remove the uneaten waste. They seem to like the dog food more. Misting the open area lightly a couple times a week away from the egg crates as to keep them dry helps give a higher humidity which seems to put a smile on their little faces and aids in the reproductive process
Use a sponge cut to size in the drinker ring of the chick waterer TO PREVENT BABIES FROM DROWNING. KEEP WATER CLEAN AND AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES.
GROWTH & REPRODUCTION:
This species reproduces quicker then some of the others and can under ideal conditions give you a successfully reproducing colony in a shot period of time.