Description
The Periplaneta lateralis, commonly known as Red Runner Roach, is a non-climbing species and a personal favorite feeder choice among experienced keepers. This exceptional feeder roach is similarly sized to crickets at all parallel life stages, but these are far, far hardier and easier to maintain. The Red Runner Roach cultures easily on a thin layer of substrate with standing egg crate on top, making it one of the most straightforward and reliable feeder colonies to establish and maintain.
This species offers significant advantages over traditional cricket feeders. Red Runners are more durable, produce less odor, have longer lifespans, and are quieter than crickets while providing comparable nutritional value. The non-climbing nature of this species makes containment simple and escapes virtually impossible with basic precautions. Known for its ease of culture, cricket-comparable sizing across all life stages, superior hardiness compared to crickets, non-climbing behavior, and simple setup requirements, the Red Runner Roach is a prized specimen for keepers who want the best feeder roach available for their collection.
Key Features:
- Non-climbing species—easy to contain
- Personal favorite feeder choice
- Similarly sized to crickets at all life stages
- Far hardier than crickets
- Cultures easily with minimal setup
- Thin substrate layer with standing egg crate
- Prolific breeding
- Less odor than crickets
- Quieter than crickets
- Longer lifespan than crickets
- Excellent nutritional value
- Self-sustaining feeder colony
- Beginner to intermediate care level
- Live arrival guarantee with safe, discreet shipping
Housing: Use a simple container with adequate ventilation. Since this is a non-climbing species, a standard plastic bin works perfectly. Provide a thin layer of substrate (coconut fiber or similar) on the bottom, then place egg crate standing vertically on top to maximize surface area. This simple setup is all that's needed for a thriving, productive colony.
Temperature: Room temperature to warm temperatures work well for breeding. The warmer they are, the faster they'll breed. Maintain temperatures between 75–85°F for optimal reproduction rates.
Humidity: Moderate humidity levels are suitable. Mist the enclosure lightly as needed or provide a water source to maintain appropriate moisture without creating overly wet conditions.
Diet: Dog/cat/fish food or similar protein-based foods work as the staple diet. Fruits and vegetables can be offered as supplemental food. Red Runners are protein-hungry, so ensure adequate protein availability to prevent cannibalism and support rapid growth.
Maintenance: This species is quite easy and forgiving. The simple setup with thin substrate and standing egg crate makes maintenance straightforward. Regular feeding and occasional substrate changes are all that's needed to maintain a thriving, productive colony.
Perfect for keepers seeking the ultimate feeder roach that outperforms crickets in every way—hardier, easier to culture, less odor, quieter, and just as appropriately sized across all life stages. The Red Runner Roach is the personal favorite feeder choice for a reason! Each culture is carefully prepared and comes with comprehensive care information to ensure long-term success with this exceptional feeder species.
