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American Cockroach — Fact Sheet

Periplaneta americana · American Cockroach

📋 At a glance

Adult size3.5-5.3 cm
Lifespan1.2-2.5 years
SubspeciesNo captive-care subspecies split
OriginSee the full care guide for distribution details.
ActivityNocturnal
DifficultyAdvanced
LegalCITES: not listed; EU: not listed; local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

  • Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

  • Basking spot: 29-32 °C
  • Warm zone: 24-29 °C
  • Cool zone: 22-25 °C
  • Night: 20-24 °C

🪳 Feeding

  • Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

  • Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.