Giant Burrowing Cockroach

The Giant Burrowing Cockroach is endemic to Australia and is found primarily in the tropical and subtropical regions of northeastern Queensland, with a range extending from the Cape York Peninsula south through coastal and inland areas to approximately Townsville. They inhabit dry eucalyptus forests, dry sclerophyll woodland and open scrubland — environments characterised by deep, sandy or loamy soils and a thick layer of dry leaf litter.

They are one of the world's largest cockroach species by weight, and unlike most cockroaches, they are entirely non-pest species — they do not infest homes, do not fly, and are not associated with disease vectors in the way introduced pest cockroaches are. In their natural habitat, they play a critical ecological role as decomposers, pulling dry leaf litter underground and breaking it down into nutrients that enrich the soil — earning them the informal nickname 'litter bug'.

Giant Burrowing Cockroaches live in complex burrow systems they excavate themselves, sometimes to a depth of one metre, where they shelter from extreme heat and predators. They are one of only a small number of cockroach species in the world that display extended parental care, with females retaining live young in a brood pouch and continuing to care for nymphs for several months after birth.

Giant Burrowing Cockroaches are dedicated burrowers and their enclosure must accommodate this fundamental behaviour. A minimum enclosure for one to three adults is 40 cm L × 30 cm W × 40 cm H — height is important to allow the necessary substrate depth. A secure, well-fitting lid is essential; although these cockroaches cannot climb smooth glass or plastic and do not fly, nymphs are smaller and more agile, and all individuals should be securely contained.

Substrate is the single most critical component of the setup. A deep layer of 20–25 cm of a sandy loam mix — ideally two parts clean play sand to one part coconut fibre or organic potting mix (no added fertilisers or pesticides) — allows cockroaches to excavate burrows of a natural depth and complexity. Do not use soil from the garden, which may contain pesticide residues, pathogens or introduced invertebrates.

Maintain the substrate slightly dry to slightly moist in the lower levels — in the wild, burrows reach moisture at depth while the surface remains dry. Lightly misting one corner of the substrate every one to two weeks maintains a moisture gradient without saturating the enclosure. The surface should always remain dry. A thick layer of dry eucalyptus leaf litter on the surface of the substrate is essential — this is both food and environmental complexity.

Temperature should be maintained at 24–30°C. Giant Burrowing Cockroaches are tropical animals and should not be exposed to temperatures below 18°C for extended periods. A low-wattage heat mat on the side of the enclosure, regulated by a thermostat, is suitable. No UVB or specialised lighting is required — these are nocturnal animals that naturally spend most of their lives underground. A simple 12-hour ambient light cycle is sufficient.

Giant Burrowing Cockroaches are specialist decomposers in the wild, subsisting almost entirely on dry leaf litter — particularly dry eucalyptus leaves, which form the foundation of their captive diet. A constant, generous supply of dry eucalyptus leaves should always be available in the enclosure, both on the surface and mixed into the substrate for burrowing animals to access underground.

Supplement the leaf litter diet with small quantities of dry rolled oats or plain bran, which provide carbohydrates and additional nutrients. Dried native bark and cork can also be offered for gnawing. Fresh food should be offered only sparingly — thin slices of apple, carrot, sweet potato or banana can be provided once or twice a week as a treat and a source of additional moisture. Remove fresh food within 24–48 hours to prevent mould growth, which can be harmful.

Food exemptions and water: avoid exotic fruit, citrus, and all processed or seasoned human foods. Fresh water is not essential — cockroaches obtain sufficient moisture from their food — but a very shallow, pebble-filled water cap can be provided as a precautionary water source for nymphs. Do not allow the substrate to become oversaturated.

Giant Burrowing Cockroaches can be handled gently and most individuals become accustomed to brief handling without distress. Allow newly acquired animals at least one week to settle before handling begins. Pick up by gently scooping from underneath — never grab from above or by a leg. Handle close to the ground or over a flat surface, as a fall from height can injure these animals.

The hissing sound produced when first picked up is normal and will often cease within a few seconds as the animal settles. Handling sessions should be kept brief — five to ten minutes — and should never be forced if the animal is visibly stressed. Wash hands before and after handling. Children should always be supervised, and hands must be washed immediately after contact.

Despite their seemingly simple lifestyle, Giant Burrowing Cockroaches benefit from a complex, naturalistic enclosure that allows full expression of their natural behaviours. A deep, burrowing-appropriate substrate that allows them to excavate their own tunnel systems is the most important form of enrichment — cockroaches that cannot burrow will be persistently stressed and will not thrive.

A generous, varied leaf litter layer — eucalyptus leaves of different sizes and ages, mixed with dried bark pieces and small sections of cork — encourages foraging behaviour and allows animals to select the material they prefer. Adding flat rocks, sections of cork bark and small pieces of dried hardwood to the surface creates a varied and interesting surface environment and gives animals that have emerged from their burrows a choice of shelters.

For breeding groups, providing adequate space and multiple deep substrate areas reduces competition and allows females to establish separate burrow systems for maternal care. Observing the animals in the evening — when they are most active — and watching them interact with their environment is one of the genuine rewards of keeping this species.

Giant Burrowing Cockroaches are exceptionally hardy and rarely suffer from illness when husbandry is correct. The most common problems encountered are almost exclusively husbandry-related. Mould in the substrate or on food items is the most frequent issue and typically results from excessive moisture or uneaten fresh food left too long — ensure the surface substrate remains dry, remove fresh food promptly and avoid over-misting. Severe mould growth can cause respiratory problems and should be addressed with a partial substrate change.

Dehydration can occur if the enclosure is kept consistently too dry — ensure there is some moisture gradient in the lower substrate layers and consider a shallow, pebble-filled water cap. Cannibalism of nymphs is rare but can occur if nymphs are separated from the mother too early, the group is overcrowded, or food is consistently scarce — maintain adequate leaf litter at all times and do not separate nymphs before two to three months of age.

Pesticide exposure is a serious risk — never use insecticides, flea treatments or surface sprays anywhere near the enclosure, and ensure all leaf litter and substrate materials are sourced from pesticide-free environments. Introduced pest mites can colonise damp enclosures — maintain correct moisture levels and replace substrate if a significant mite population is observed.