Discoid Roaches vs Dubia Roaches vs Crickets: The Complete 2026 Comparison
Matt Goren
Discoid Roaches vs Dubia Roaches vs Crickets: The 2026 Comparison
These are the three most commonly compared feeder insects in the hobby. Here is the definitive side-by-side breakdown.
| Category | Discoid Roaches | Dubia Roaches | Crickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~20% | ~23% | ~15-21% |
| Fat | ~7% | ~7% | ~6% |
| Ca:P Ratio | 0.77:1 | 0.74:1 | 0.13:1 |
| Smell | None | None | Strong ammonia |
| Noise | Silent | Silent | Loud chirping |
| Bite risk | None | None | Yes — bites sleeping reptiles |
| Escape risk | None | None | High |
| Shelf life | Weeks-months | Weeks-months | 1-2 weeks (then die) |
| Gut-loadable | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Legal in Florida? | YES — all 50 states | NO — banned in FL | Yes |
| Breeding speed | Moderate (60-day gestation) | Faster (28-35 days) | Fast |
The Verdict
Discoid roaches win overall. They match dubia nutrition with universal legality. They destroy crickets in every practical category — smell, noise, biting, escapes, shelf life, and Ca:P ratio. Dubia have a slight protein edge (23% vs 20%) and faster breeding, but are illegal in Florida — making discoids the safer universal choice.
Crickets are the budget option that works in a pinch, but the quality-of-life difference between crickets and roaches is so dramatic that most keepers who try roaches never go back.
Shop discoid roaches — the universal feeder that does everything crickets wish they could.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
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