Discoid Roach FAQ: The 20 Most Common Questions, Answered

FAQ: Legality and Basics

Are discoid roaches legal?

Yes, in all 50 states, including Florida. The legal name is Blaberus discoidalis. They're widely available from reputable breeders like All Angles Creatures and are commonly used as feeder insects for reptiles. No permits or licenses are required to own or breed them.

What exactly is a discoid roach?

A discoid roach is a medium-sized roach species originating from Central and South America. They're named for the disc-like pattern on their bodies. Unlike some roach species, discoids cannot climb smooth surfaces, cannot fly, don't bite, produce no odor, and make no noise. These traits make them ideal for captive feeding.

What are the nutritional specs?

Discoid roaches are roughly 20% protein, 7% fat, with a moisture content around 65% and a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 0.77:1. This makes them a solid, balanced feeder insect for most reptiles. They're best offered as part of a varied diet that also includes other insects and, for appropriate species, vegetables or greens.

FAQ: Sizing and Selection

What sizes do discoid roaches come in?

Discoid roaches are sold in three standard sizes: Small (roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch), Medium (roughly 1/2 to 3/4 inch), and Large (3/4 inch and up). When you receive roaches, they may vary slightly in size within each category because they're live animals at different growth stages (instars). This size variation actually works in your favor—it gives your reptile a natural size range to hunt.

How do I choose the right size for my reptile?

Match roach size to your reptile's mouth. A good rule of thumb: the roach should be roughly the same width as your reptile's head or slightly smaller. For hatchlings, small roaches are standard. For juveniles and adults, medium and large roaches are appropriate. When in doubt, start with small roaches and observe how your reptile handles them. If your reptile is struggling or leaving partial roaches uneaten, you've gone too large. If it's consuming them too quickly and you want to boost nutrition per meal, move up a size.

Do discoid roaches grow?

Yes. Roaches go through multiple molts (called instars) as they grow from nymphs to adults. If you keep a colony, you'll have a natural mix of sizes as roaches age. A single "small" roach you buy today will eventually become a medium or large roach as it grows. This makes maintaining a colony valuable—you get a continuous supply of roaches across the size spectrum.

FAQ: Care and Storage

How do I store discoid roaches?

Discoid roaches do well at room temperature in a well-ventilated plastic bin. A 10 to 20-gallon storage container works well. Provide 1 to 2 inches of substrate (coconut husk or aspen shavings), a shallow water source (a bottle cap or piece of sponge in water), and some hiding spots (egg cartons or pieces of bark). Keep the bin in a location with ambient air circulation but away from direct sunlight. No heat lamp is needed.

What should I feed my roach colony?

Offer small amounts of fresh vegetables every 48 hours: carrots, squash, zucchini, cucumber, or hardy greens like kale. Avoid fruit, which ferments quickly and promotes ammonia. Remove uneaten food after 24 hours. Roaches also eat each other's shed skin and frass for extra nutrition, so they don't need constant feeding. A good rule: feed what they'll consume in a day or two.

Do discoid roaches need special lighting?

No. Discoids are nocturnal and do fine in ambient room light. No UVB or heat lamps are required. Keep them in a quiet, cool location away from direct heat or sunlight. A dark closet corner or shelf works perfectly.

Can discoid roaches escape?

No. Discoid roaches cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces like glass or plastic. This is one of their best features as feeder insects. They can climb rough surfaces or screen, so don't leave mesh directly on top of the roaches without a barrier, but a standard storage bin with a lid or screen cover will contain them reliably.

FAQ: Breeding and Population

Can I breed discoid roaches?

Yes, and they breed relatively easily in captivity. A healthy colony of mixed males and females will reproduce steadily at room temperature. Females produce live nymphs rather than eggs (ovoviviparous reproduction). You'll start seeing new nymphs within weeks of setting up a colony.

How fast do discoid colonies grow?

It depends on your colony size and conditions, but a well-maintained colony typically doubles in population every 2 to 3 months at room temperature. This growth is slower than crickets, which is actually a benefit—your colony won't explode uncontrollably. Start with 50 to 100 roaches, and within a few months, you'll have a self-sustaining population producing steady feeders.

Do I need both males and females?

Yes, if you want breeding. Females produce nymphs only if they've mated. If you want a non-breeding colony (just for feeding, no reproduction), males only will work, but most keepers prefer a mixed colony for steady population growth and sustainability. A ratio of roughly 1 male to 2 to 3 females supports reliable breeding.

FAQ: Feeding Your Reptile

How often should I feed roaches to my reptile?

Feeding frequency depends on your reptile's age and species. Hatchlings typically eat daily or multiple times daily. Juveniles eat 5 to 6 days a week. Adults may eat every other day or 2 to 3 times a week. Consult species-specific care guides for exact recommendations, and adjust based on your reptile's appetite and growth.

Will roaches bite my reptile?

No. Discoid roaches do not bite. This is one of the key advantages over crickets. Crickets often bite and stress reptiles, especially small or young individuals. Discoids are calm, slow-moving feeders that pose no risk to your reptile beyond being eaten.

Do I need to gut-load roaches before feeding?

All Angles Creatures ships discoid roaches pre-gut-loaded with organic produce, so they're ready to feed immediately. If you keep a colony longer, continue feeding them fresh vegetables to maintain their nutritional quality. Well-fed roaches are better feeders for your reptile.

Can discoids be dusted with supplements?

Yes. You can dust roaches with calcium powder or other supplements just as you would crickets. Coat them lightly and offer immediately. Some keepers dust occasionally; others dust every other feeding. Follow supplementation advice for your specific reptile species.

FAQ: Health and Problems

Why does my roach bin smell?

Ammonia smell indicates overfeeding produce, poor ventilation, or inadequate cleaning. A healthy roach colony should have no odor. Address the issue by reducing food portions, improving ventilation (add mesh sides or drill more air holes), and doing a partial or full substrate change. See our detailed ammonia guide for step-by-step fixes.

What if my roaches are dying?

Sudden die-off usually points to environmental stress: temperature extremes, ammonia buildup, dehydration, or mold. Check that your bin is well-ventilated, the water source is available, and the temperature is stable (aim for 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Do a partial bin clean, remove dead roaches, and replace any moldy substrate. Most colonies recover quickly with these basic steps.

Can discoid roaches carry parasites?

Discoids can potentially carry parasites, as can any insect. This risk is minimized by sourcing roaches from reputable breeders and maintaining a clean colony. Regular feeding and cleaning of your roach bin reduce parasite load. Starting a colony from healthy stock is your best insurance.