Invertebrate · Cockroach
Red runner roach care guide
Blatta lateralis
The red runner roach is a beginner-level cockroach from North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia. Adults reach Body 2–2.5 cm and live 1 year in captivity. Fast-breeding feeder; use a vaseline or tape barrier and a tight lid.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 26–32°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a red runner roach cost in Canada?
Red runner roach quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 2–2.5 cm
- Lifespan
- 1 year
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 26–32°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Red runner roach 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 Mix3 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a red runner roach eat?
Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit. Keep dry chow available and offer produce or water crystals 2–3 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast runners that can climb some surfaces; not a handling species.
Health watch: Colonies stall when too cool or too dry.
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 red runner roach bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Red runner roach FAQ
Is the red runner roach good for beginners?
Yes – the red runner roach is a good choice for beginners. Fast runners that can climb some surfaces; not a handling species.
What size enclosure does a red runner roach 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 red runner roach cost in Canada?
Typically $20–40 CAD to buy, about $140–250 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red runner roach need?
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a red runner roach eat?
Omnivore – roach chow, vegetables, fruit. Keep dry chow available and offer produce or water crystals 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.