Invertebrate · Cockroach
Death's head cockroach care guide
Blaberus craniifer
The death's head cockroach is a beginner-level cockroach from Mexico, Central America, Caribbean. Adults reach Body 5–6 cm and live 1–2 years in captivity. Colony species.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 26–30°C
- Humidity 60–70%
How much does a death's head cockroach cost in Canada?
Death's head cockroach quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 5–6 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Mexico, Central America, Caribbean
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 26–30°C
- Humidity
- 60–70%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, roach chow
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Death's head cockroach enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–70%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a death's head cockroach eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, roach chow. Keep dry chow available and offer fresh produce 2–3 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile and cannot climb glass.
Health watch: Slow growth and failed breeding below 25°C.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a death's head cockroach bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Death's head cockroach FAQ
Is the death's head cockroach good for beginners?
Yes – the death's head cockroach is a good choice for beginners. Docile and cannot climb glass.
What size enclosure does a death's head cockroach need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a death's head cockroach cost in Canada?
Typically $20–40 CAD to buy, about $150–260 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a death's head cockroach need?
Temperature: 26–30°C. Humidity: 60–70%.
What does a death's head cockroach eat?
Omnivore – vegetables, fruit, roach chow. Keep dry chow available and offer fresh produce 2–3 times weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.