A dark brown dubia roach beside a ruler. — Photo: Nicky.Animals, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dubia Roach

Blaptica dubia

A South American forest cockroach that eats fruit and is widely raised as food for zoo and pet reptiles.

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About the Dubia Roach

Dubia roaches live in tropical and subtropical forests of southern South America. They are nocturnal and eat mostly fruit.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Blaptica dubia^[1]
Diet: Frugivore. Mostly fruit.^[1]
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests.^[1]
Where it lives: Southern South America.^[1]
Group life: Nocturnal.^[1]
Conservation status: Not evaluated by the IUCN.^[1]

Fun facts

Dubia roaches make very little odor.^[1]
They're a popular food for zoo reptiles.^[1]

Vocabulary

insect: A small animal with six legs and a body in three parts: head, thorax and abdomen.
frugivore: An animal that eats mostly fruit.
nocturnal: Active mainly at night.
protein: A nutrient that helps bodies grow and repair.
exoskeleton: A hard outer covering that supports and protects an animal's body.

See it in person

Oakland ZooOakland, California · House of BugsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Oakland Zoo. “Dubia Roach.” https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/dubia-roach/ (accessed 2026-10-02)

Facts last checked 2026-10-02.

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