Lucihormetica verrucosa, commonly known as the Headlight Cockroach or Warty Glowspot Cockroach, is a species of burrowing cockroach native to South America (Colombia and Venezuela).

Appearance and "Headlights"

Size: Adults grow to about 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2 inches) in length.

Texture: They have a rugged, heavily textured, and bumpy exoskeleton (giving them the "warty" name) with a dark brown or black body.

Sexual Dimorphism: Adult males feature two prominent yellow-to-orange spots on their pronotum (the shield-like segment behind the head) that resemble tiny headlights. Females lack these spots and are typically broader and heavier.

Do they glow? Despite their common name and past scientific theories suggesting bioluminescence, captive specimens do not actually produce their own light. Their spots can fluoresce under UV light and change intensity or colour (ranging from yellow to deep red) depending on dietary carotenoids like carrots.

Care and Husbandry

Temperature: Keep them warm, ideally between 24°C and 28°C (75–85°F).

Housing & Substrate: They are strong burrowers and secretive nocturnal animals. Provide a deep, moisture-retaining organic substrate (at least 10 cm deep) mixed with coco fibre, decaying wood, and leaf litter.

Escaping: Adults are capable of climbing smooth plastic and glass, so a secure, well-ventilated enclosure with a tight lid is necessary.

Diet: They are omnivorous scavengers. Feed them a mix of fresh vegetables (like carrots, courgettes, and leafy greens), occasional fruit, and dry protein sources like fish flakes or cat food.

Reproduction: Females are ovoviviparous (giving birth to live young) and populations grow at a steady, manageable pace rather than overrunning an enclosure.