Description
Archimandrita tesselata — the Peppered Roach — is one of the most beloved and enduring large roaches in the invertebrate hobby. Chunky, robust, and beautifully speckled, these are the kind of roach that converts skeptics on sight. If you love big, impressive invertebrates, the Peppered Roach belongs in your collection.
Worth noting for the taxonomically curious: recent evidence has begun to call the identity of hobby-traded stock into question. Animals that have circulated under the name A. tesselata for decades may in fact represent Archimandrita marmorata. The science is still developing, and the trade name persists — but it’s a fascinating wrinkle for collectors who appreciate knowing the full story behind their animals.
Regardless of where the taxonomy ultimately lands, the care requirements and appeal of these roaches are well-established. They are hardy, long-lived, and rewarding to keep — a true staple species that has earned its place in the hobby through decades of consistent performance in captivity.
Care Highlights
- Temperature: 75–85°F; warm and stable conditions preferred
- Humidity: High — keep the enclosure humid with a moist substrate; this species does best with consistent moisture
- Substrate: Several inches of coconut fiber or peat-based mix; deep enough for burrowing and moisture retention
- Hides: Sturdy vertical cork bark is highly recommended — these roaches prefer to rest vertically and will use upright hides extensively
- Feeding: Dry dog or cat food, fruits, vegetables, leaf litter, and grains; varied diet encouraged
- Enclosure: Large, well-ventilated enclosure with smooth upper walls or Fluon barrier to prevent escape
- Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate — forgiving, hardy, and an excellent introduction to large display roaches
A Live Arrival Guarantee is included with every purchase. In the unlikely event of a DOA, photo and video documentation of the specimen in original packaging is required to process a claim.
