| Blaberus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Blaberus giganteus | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Blattodea |
| Family: | Blaberidae |
| Subfamily: | Blaberinae |
| Genus: | Blaberus Serville, 1831 |
| Species | |
|
see text | |
| Diversity[1] | |
| 31 species | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Blaberus is a genus of cockroaches native to the Neotropics found in the Americas.[1] At least 31 valid species are in the genus, as well as at least 39 invalid species, and some of them are popular among hobbyists as pets or as feed for other arthropods (Blaberus discoidalis in particular serves this function). Unlike several genera of cockroaches considered to be pests, this genus keeps its ootheca in its abdomen until the time it hatches. They generally require a relative humidity of 60% or higher to thrive and temperatures above 25 °C (28-30 °C is best) to reproduce.
Blaberus giganteus is one of the world's longest cockroaches. B. craniifer's popular name, "death's head roach" is often attributed to B. discoidalis, as well.