Eupolyphaga sinensis (Chinese Medicinal Roach)

Eupolyphaga sinensis

(Chinese Medicinal Roach)

Eupolyphaga sinensis (the Chinese Medicinal Roach) is a stout Blattodean from China and Mongolia. The common name for this species is taken from its use in traditional Chinese medicine and although most of its supposed health benefits are bunk, it has actually been shown to possess tumor-inhibiting properties. Adult females are wingless and quite oddly shaped compared to the ordinary cockroach. They are nearly as tall as they are wide! Males, on the other hand, mature winged and nearly identical to America's Arenivaga bolliana. There is something that both sexes share up until this point though - exceptionally dense setae. These hair-like structures actually form neat engravements on the front halves of the roaches' bodies, but perhaps most compelling of all, appear to display an iridescence in the right light! 😀

Adult Size - Male (31 mm), Female (28 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

E.sinensis aren't particularly large or crowding sensitive, so their enclosure doesn't need to be spacious.

Ventilation level - High

Hides - Not necessary

Barrier/Secure Lid - Not necessary

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Substrate

E.sinensis aren't picky about their substrate as long as it holds moisture well, isn't abrasive, and is deep enough to burrow in.

Type - Not picky

Moisture level - 1/2 moist & 1/2 dry

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Food

E.sinensis don't accept many of the foods that average roaches do. They do best if fed proteinaceous pet foods & dead hardwood leaves.

Type - Proteinaceous pet foods & dead hardwood leaves

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Temperature

E.sinensis can be kept into the low 70s, but grows and breeds fastest at warmer temperatures.

Range - 70 F to 85 F