Macropanesthia rhinoceros (Rhino Roach)

Macropanesthia rhinoceros

(Rhino Roach)

Macropanesthia rhinoceros is the heaviest cockroach on earth. Particularly large individuals have been known to weighed up to an astounding 35 grams! Its moniker, the Rhino Roach, is inspired by the strongly upturned anterior margins on the pronota of adult males, which resemble rhinoceros horns. Unlike most burrowing roaches, which simply swim through their substrate, M.rhinoceros actually create semi-permanent tunnels in nature! They will sit in these caverns during the daytime hours, only emerging under the cover of darkness to fetch tasty helpings of dead leaves. Adult females give birth annually in late spring-summer, when environmental conditions are most favorable. Although somehow rarely mentioned, this species can actually hiss! 

Adult Size - Male (90 mm), Female (80 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

M.rhinoceros are massive, so their enclosure should have some space.  Adult males are usually separated from gravid adult females to prevent infanticide. 

Ventilation level - Moderate

Hides - Necessary

Barrier/Secure Lid - Not Necessary

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Substrate

M.rhinoceros can suffer fatal mismolts if their substrate is too deep. It is recommended that you only provide enough to ever so slightly cover the roach.

Type - Not picky

Moisture level - Half moist & half dry

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Food

M.rhinoceros eats foods that the average roach does, but should also be offered dead hardwood leaves.

Type - Normal roach diet w/ dead hardwood leaves

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Temperature

M.rhinoceros can be kept into the high 60s, but grows fastest at warmer temperatures. Don't let them get too hot though - temps above the high 70s can kill these roaches.

Range - 68 F to 78 F