Red Runner Roaches: The Complex Turkestan Cockroaches
Posted by Mason Whitaker on Aug 7th 2024
Red runner roaches, or the Turkestan cockroach, are among the most exciting and complex creatures in the exotic pet trade.
Although they are considered pests, these roaches are used as feeder insects by owners of exotic pets such as reptiles, amphibians, and other obligate insectivores.
However, these are not the cockroaches that one sometimes finds around the household; there is much more to them than one can see.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Turkestan roaches’ ecology, feeding methods, development cycle, and requirements and learn how they reproduce and discern. In addition, TopFlight Dubia will give you tips on how to avoid infestations, feed your reptiles, and much more!
What Are Turkestan Roaches?
Turkestan cockroaches, scientifically called Shelfordella tartara, are giant insects belonging to the cockroach group that live in the Middle East, Central Asia, and several African countries.
Because of their nature and the color of their bodies, they are often called red runner cockroaches. They are usually found in warm, seasonal areas with little or no humidity.
Quick Look
- Scientific Name: Shelfordella tartara
- Common Name: Turkestan Cockroach, Red Runner Cockroach
- Origin: Middle East, Central Asia, parts of Africa
- Color: Reddish-brown with characteristic red stripes
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long
- Lifespan: 1–2 years
Habitat & Distribution
Turkestan roaches are known to be most active and well-suited to dry, warm conditions. They are mainly found in the desert, fields, and nearly any area with sparse vegetation.
In terms of habitat for your pet or breeding colony, they prefer environments with:
- Temperature: 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C)
- Humidity: Low to moderate, ranging from 40 to 60 %.
- Shelter: They look for shady, hidden areas, such as under stones, logs, or timber.
A correct setting of the conditions of the captive environment of Turkestan roaches is critical to ensure that they are healthy and reproduce well.
Diet & Feeding Habits
Turkestan red runners are omnivores, feeding on almost everything in their path. They feed on plant parts, leaves, dead plants, and small insects.
When bred in confinement, they feed on vegetables and proteins and are considered a quality meal for exotic pets such as geckos, bearded dragons, and chameleons.
Can Dubia Roaches Eat Grapes?
Yes, Dubia roaches, and through extension, Turkestan roaches can feed on grapes well.
Grapes are good makeovers to supply body fluids and natural sugars to the body system. |
CAUTION
They should only be fed occasionally since excessive fruit feeding may lead to digestive upset or an upset dietary balance. Also, ensure that the uneaten food, especially the grapes, is removed to avoid mold development.
Can Dubia Roaches Eat Potatoes?
These cockroaches with red stripes can consume potatoes, but raw potatoes should be avoided.
CAUTION
When raw potatoes are ingested, the starch may prove difficult for roaches to digest.
Are Turkestan Cockroaches In Your House? How To Identify Them?
The runner cockroach is mainly red, and its physical features make it very distinguishable. Here’s how to recognize them:
- Color: Deep red-brown with extended red barring along flight feathers edges and tail band.
- Size: They can reach a size of between 1 and 1.5 inches, much smaller than some other cockroach species.
- Movement: They are very fast-moving insects. Because they are fast and unpredictable, they are called the ‘red runners.’
- Wings: Adult male congenital roaches possess flight wings, but females are short-winged and almost bristly wingless.
Males are also less robust than their female counterparts.
Life Cycle & Reproduction
Turkestan red runners can breed efficiently depending on environmental conditions. You must know more about its life cycle to make your colony the best.
Stages Of Cycle
Egg Case: The female red runner roach even lays an ootheca, an egg case that can produce 15-40 babies. The female lays the egg case when she is several days old and drops it in a safe, appropriate environment.
Nymphs: Once they emerge from eggs, they look almost like without wings but are small and less in color. Before they attain maturity, they undergo several molting or shedding of their skin.
Adulthood: After 2-4 months on average, the roaches reach adulthood and start to reproduce.
Control & Management
Like most other insects, Turkestan red runners need specific conditions to be arranged in their enclosure: proper temperature, humidity, and diet. Here are some essential care tips:
- Temperature Control
The optimum temperature for their growth and reproduction should be slightly raised, ranging from 80°F to 95°F. Maintain heat and keep the humidity constant and warm.
- Humidity
Contrary to other roaches, these species do not necessarily need high humidity, but it is needed to some extent. The optimum range is between 40 and 60 %. If the humidity is too high, you can lightly mist the enclosure to reach the right level.
- Food and Water
Ensure a constant supply of green and fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Provide water intake, including cucumbers, squash, carrots, and many more.
- Housing
A large plastic tub or glass aquarium with a secure top makes an excellent home for Turkestan roach Colonies.
- Breeding
To breed them, the environment is recommended to be stable and warm. Indeed, you will notice egg cases being developed at some places where the female roaches are secure.
When you’re a feeder breeder, ensure that you get rid of the excess adults, as this will avoid overcrowding of the colony. |
Preventing Over Infestation
This shows that, if allowed to multiply to the levels of overpopulation, they can become a real problem. To prevent an infestation, follow these tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Food residues and wastes should be discarded frequently to prevent accumulation everywhere.
- Control Food Access: Generally, do not overfeed. Aggressive feeding exposes the pests to high populations, which is attributed to a high reproduction rate.
- Proper Containment: Make sure that the pet enclosure you chose is tightly locked to avoid the escape of roaches.
Conclusion: Delicious Food For Your Exotic Pet
Turkestan roaches are an intriguing and indispensable part of pet care. Not only are they a favourite food of many reptiles, but they are also easy to maintain, breed fast, and can easily be domesticated.
They are quite hardy and fulfilling to raise, so they are ideal for feeding reptiles since they give them natural food. Dubia roaches are the equivalent food for your geckos and bearded dragons.
TopFlight Dubia is there for you to provide you with the best quality roaches. Explore our collection and never let your pet go hungry.