25/05/2026
What Are Dubia Roaches?
Blaptica dubia, commonly known as the Dubia roach or Orange-spotted roach, is a medium-sized tropical cockroach native to Central and South America. They have become the feeder insect of choice for reptile keepers worldwide, and for good reason.
Why Choose Dubia Roaches as Feeders?
Exceptional nutrition: Dubias are roughly 36% protein and rich in calcium, making them one of the most nutritious feeder insects available.
Low odor: Unlike crickets, dubia roaches produce very little smell when kept properly.
Quiet: No chirping — ever.
Slow-moving: They can't fly, jump, or climb smooth surfaces, making them easy to contain and safe for your animals.
Long lifespan: Adults live 1–2 years, giving you time to build a self-sustaining colony.
Housing Your Dubia Colony
A standard plastic storage tub works perfectly. Aim for at least 10–15 gallons for a starter colony. Egg flats or cardboard egg cartons provide excellent vertical surface area and hiding spots — dubias thrive when they have plenty of places to hide and cluster.
Keep temperatures between 85–95°F (29–35°C) on the warm side; this is critical for breeding. Cooler temperatures will slow reproduction significantly. A heat mat or radiant heat panel under or behind the enclosure works well.
Feeding & Gutloading
Dubias are omnivores and will eat almost anything, which makes gutloading easy. Offer a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits — carrots, squash, leafy greens, and apples are favorites. A dry grain-based diet (oats, bran, dry dog food) provides protein. Whatever your roaches eat, your animals eat, so quality gutloading directly boosts the nutrition your reptiles receive.
Provide a shallow water dish with water crystals to maintain humidity,prevent drowning and hydrate.
Breeding Basics
Blaptica dubia are ovoviviparous — females gestate eggs internally and give birth to live nymphs. A single female can produce 20–35 nymphs every 60 days under optimal conditions. Maintain a ratio of roughly 1 male to every 3–5 females for best results. Nymphs reach adulthood in approximately 4–5 months.
Health & Common Issues
Mold: Remove uneaten fresh food within 24–48 hours to prevent mold buildup.
Humidity: Moderate humidity (around 40–60%) is ideal. Too dry and nymphs struggle to molt; too wet and mold becomes a problem.
Stress: Overcrowding or frequent disturbance can slow reproduction. Give the colony time to settle.
Shop Our Dubia Roaches
We carry live Dubia roaches in four sizes so you can match the perfect feeder to your animal. A good rule of thumb: choose a roach no wider than the widest part of your pet's head.
https://www.fieldlifepets.com/products/blaptica-dubia
