Blaberidae

Archimandrita marmorata ex. tesselata

· (Stoll, 1813) · Blaberidae

Temperature: 22–29 °C
Adult size: approx. 55–75 mm
Humidity: high, approx. 70% – needed for proper moulting
Origin: Central America
Substrate: a layer of soil with crushed dry leaves; vertical bark or egg crate for nymphs to hang from during the final moult
Diet: dry leaves (staple), fruit, vegetables, dry food
Reproduction: ovoviviparous, approx. 30 nymphs per litter, 2–3 litters a year
Development: slow – approx. 9–12 months or longer

difficulty: moderate climbs glass: no flies: no

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More about the species

Sexes, stages and pitfalls

How to sex them

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♂ male

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♀ female

Adults

Both sexes are fully winged. Males are longer and slimmer, females shorter, broader and heavier with a larger pronotum; males have longer antennae.

Nymphs

Nymphs: in the last 2–3 instars, check the underside of the abdomen – females have one large terminal plate, males a narrower plate with 1–2 small extra segments behind it (often with tiny styli). Not practical in young nymphs.

Life stages

Nymphs are wingless, flat, mottled brown burrowers. Adults are pale, tan-grey and “peppered”. A large, slow-growing species.

Common problems

Failed final moults – with crowding, no vertical hides, low temperature or dry air.
Stale wet air without ventilation: deaths, mould, mites.
Slow dehydration of adults – keep the substrate moist.

Good to know

Hobby lines formerly sold as A. tesselata turned out to be A. marmorata – hence the “ex. tesselata” label. A. tessellata Rehn, 1903 is a separate species; reliable identification requires examining male genitalia.

Taxonomy

Order: Blattodea
Family: Blaberidae
Subfamily: Blaberinae
Synonyms: Blatta marmorata Stoll, 1813
Trade names: peppered roach, giant peppered roach

From my breeding room

Photos and videos

Shots of Archimandrita marmorata ex. tesselata from my breeding room. Click a photo to enlarge it.

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