Discoid Roaches vs Dubia: The Florida-Legal Feeder Reptile Owners Should Know About

If you’ve spent time in Florida’s reptile world, you’ve probably heard the same thing from breeders, shops, and forums: “You can’t use dubia roaches here.” And it’s true—Blaptica dubia are banned in Florida due to agricultural restrictions. That leaves a lot of people wondering: what’s the best legal feeder alternative?

The answer isn’t some obscure workaround. It’s discoid roaches—Blaberus discoidalis. And not only are they legal, they’re actually one of the best feeder options out there. Let’s break down why.

Dubias Are Banned in Florida. But That Doesn’t Mean You’re Out of Options.

 

Florida law prohibits owning or selling dubia roaches. It’s a hard stop. They’re considered a threat to the environment if they were ever to escape and establish. That means any shop selling dubias—or any keeper feeding them—runs a legal risk.

Discoid roaches, however, are completely legal in Florida. They’re in the same family as dubias, and they function almost identically in care, nutrition, and reptile preference. No legal gray area. No stress.

What Are Discoid Roaches, and Why Haven’t You Heard More About Them?

 

Discoid roaches are often overlooked simply because dubias took the spotlight early on. But here’s what makes discoids stand out:

• Same shape and size range as dubias—perfect for reptiles of all ages
• Don’t climb or fly, making them easy to contain
• Odorless and clean when raised properly
• Naturally high in moisture and protein—ideal for hydration and growth in reptiles
• Easy to gutload with high-quality nutrition before feeding

They’re not just an alternative. They’re a legit upgrade in many cases.

Discoids Deliver the Nutrition Reptiles Need

Reptiles need feeders that fuel them with the right balance of protein, fat, and hydration. Discoid roaches check every box.

They’re high in moisture—usually around 65 to 70 percent—which helps with hydration. Their protein levels are right in the ideal range for growth and maintenance, especially for lizards like bearded dragons, skinks, and monitors. And unlike crickets or mealworms, they don’t spike in fat or come with extra risk of impaction.

You can also gutload discoids just like dubias, which means your animal gets the added benefit of whatever premium diet the roaches were eating. At All Angles Creatures, we raise ours on a proprietary chow blend and fresh produce—no fillers, no junk.

Behavior Makes Them Ideal Feeders

Discoids move slowly enough for your reptile to hunt, but not so slowly they become ignored. They don’t burrow into substrate the way superworms or mealworms sometimes do. And they can’t climb smooth plastic or glass, which means no escapees in your bin or enclosure.

They’re also completely silent. No chirping like crickets. No flying. No stink. Just simple, effective, clean feeders.

 

 

 

Great for These Animals (and More):

 

Discoid roaches are a staple feeder for a wide range of reptiles and exotic pets. Some of the top ones include:

• Bearded dragons
• Blue tongue skinks
• Ackie monitors
• Leopard geckos
• Crested geckos (for adults)
• Chameleons
• Tarantulas
• Amphibians like pacman frogs and tree frogs

They’re even gaining popularity among exotic mammal owners looking for enrichment feeders.

Florida Pet Stores Are Already Making the Switch

 

Many shops across Florida have already phased out dubias entirely and now rely on discoids as their core roach feeder. Why? Because it’s the simplest way to stay legal, avoid risk, and still give customers a top-tier feeder.

When raised right, discoid roaches have no downside. The only challenge is finding a supplier who puts the same care into them that you would.

That’s why we breed every roach at All Angles Creatures in a temperature-controlled lab, monitor their hydration and gutloading, and back every shipment with a no-questions-asked live arrival guarantee. Whether you’re ordering a few dozen or stocking a store, we’ve got your back.

Bottom Line: Discoid Roaches Aren’t Just Legal. They’re Legit.

 

Don’t think of discoids as a backup plan for dubias. Think of them as the Florida-approved upgrade.

They’re clean, quiet, nutritious, and perfect for your reptiles. Whether you’re a first-time keeper, a serious breeder, or running a reptile shop, discoids give you all the benefits without the legal baggage.

 

 

Want to Try Them?

 

We raise our discoid roaches with love and deliver them with pride.