Byrsotria fumigata, commonly known as the Cuban burrowing cockroach, is a large, robust, and docile species of cockroach native to Cuba and parts of the Caribbean. Belonging to the family Blaberidae, this non-pest species is widely popular among exotic invertebrate enthusiasts due to its hardy nature, peaceful temperament, and ease of maintenance.
 
Key Characteristics & Anatomy
Size: Adults are large, with females reaching 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 inches) and males slightly smaller at 4 to 4.5 cm.
Sexual Dimorphism: Females are completely wingless, stout, and heavier. Males are narrower and possess either short or long, reduced wings.
Locomotion: They cannot fly and cannot climb smooth surfaces like glass or plastic, making containment straightforward.
Lifespan: They live for roughly 1.5 to 2 years.
 
Captivity & Care Requirements
Enclosure: A 20 to 30-litre tank or well-ventilated plastic tub works perfectly. A secure lid is recommended, though they rarely attempt to escape.
Substrate: As a fossorial (burrowing) species, they require a deep substrate layer (minimum 7–10 cm) composed of damp coco coir, topsoil, or peat moss mixed with decaying leaf litter and wood.
Temperature & Humidity: Keep them at a stable temperature range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). They are quite forgiving with air humidity, but keeping one corner of the substrate damp ensures proper hydration and successful molting.
Diet: They are generalist detritivores. In captivity, you can feed them a varied diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, leaf litter, decaying wood, and dry protein sources like fish flakes or dog kibble.
 
Reproduction & Social Behaviour
Breeding Type: They are ovoviviparous, meaning the female carries fertilized eggs internally in a brood sac and gives birth to live young.
Brood Care: After a roughly one-month gestation period, females birth 20 to 40 nymphs. Uniquely, the mother exhibits brooding behaviour, protecting the young nymphs who aggregate beneath her for shelter and pheromones.
Growth: Nymphs take about 5 to 7 months to reach sexual maturity, moulting 6 to 8 times along the way.