Description
The Hemiblabera tenebricosa 'Elliot Key', commonly known as Broad Keys Roach, is a beautiful and distinctive roach species featuring exceptional coloration and impressive patterns. This stunning roach is the most colorful Hemiblabera in culture, with adults sporting red striping on their abdomens (this being more obvious on males than females). Even nymphs have more patterning on them than the other species in culture, making it one of the most visually striking and sought-after Hemiblabera species available in the hobby.
This species was apparently in culture at least once decades ago, though was quickly overtaken in culture by the larger H.roseni. The current stock in culture was collected in Monroe County, Florida. This species reaches a size of 1–1.5 inches at maturity. Adults can live a year or two, with females generally living longer than males. Females gestate their broods for 3–4 months, and the resulting offspring take an additional 5–7 months to mature depending on conditions. This genus spends most of its time underground but will also run around on the surface a bit at night. Known for its exceptional red striping, beautiful patterned nymphs, hardy nature, fascinating burrowing behavior, Florida Keys origin, and unique colorful appearance, this species is a prized specimen for keepers who appreciate colorful roaches with distinctive characteristics.
Key Features:
- Most colorful Hemiblabera species in culture
- Adults sport red striping on abdomens
- Nymphs have more patterning than other species
- Collected from Monroe County, Florida
- Size reaching 1–1.5 inches in length
- Adults live 1–2 years
- Live-bearers with 3–4 month gestation
- Offspring mature in 5–7 months
- Fascinating burrowing behavior
- Hardy and easy to breed
- Unique Florida Keys locality
- Excellent feeder insect or pet species
- Spends most time underground
- Beginner to intermediate care level
- Live arrival guarantee with safe, discreet shipping
Housing: Generally anything 1 gallon or bigger works for a starter culture. This genus spends most of its time underground but will also run around on the surface a bit at night. No hides are needed, just a substrate that's at least a couple inches deep. Substrate composition isn't very important—straight coconut fiber, potting soil, or a more organically rich medium can be used, as long as it holds moisture well and is easy to dig through. This genus generally prefers high humidity and isn't picky about ventilation either.
Temperature: Anywhere in the range of 68–85°F will work for breeding, though obviously the warmer it is, the quicker they'll grow and breed.
Diet: Dog food, fruits, and veggies will work well as the staple diet.
Maintenance: This is a hardy genus, though Serriata infections, excessive grain mite explosions, and excessive phorid fly outbreaks can present problems to a colony (though those are more so symptoms of overfeeding, overcrowding, and filth buildups than anything). Care is pretty typical for this genus.
Perfect for keepers seeking the most colorful Hemiblabera species with beautiful red striping on adults and exceptional patterning on nymphs. This unique Florida Keys locality species from Monroe County is a fascinating burrowing roach that's perfect for both pet keeping and as a feeder insect. Each culture is carefully prepared and comes with comprehensive care information to ensure long-term success with this stunning species.
