Death's head cockroach
ExploreInsects
Death's head cockroach
Blaberus craniifer
The Death's head cockroach is a unique insect known for its skull-like pattern on its back. These cockroaches are often found in warm places and can be quite surprising to see!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Death's head cockroach has a dark brown, flattened body with a striking skull-like pattern on its pronotum. Its wings are typically black or very dark, contrasting with the lighter body markings. This unique "death's head" pattern makes it easily identifiable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderBlattodeaFamilyBlaberidaeGenusBlaberus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite having wings, they are not very good at flying.
Their babies, called nymphs, shed their skin many times as they grow!
These roaches are often kept as unique and interesting pets.
They can survive for over a month without any food!
Special abilities
Ability
Hissing Warning
Death's head cockroach can produce a loud hiss by forcing air through tiny holes, called spiracles, that helps them scare away predators.
Ability
Master Recycler
Death's head cockroach has a powerful digestive system that helps them break down decaying plant matter, recycling nutrients in nature.
Ability
Skull Camouflage
Death's head cockroach has a unique skull-like marking that helps them blend into dark, decaying environments or deter predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 65-90 mm
- Size
- 55-75 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-730 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They munch on decaying plants and fallen fruits, acting as nature's clean-up crew to recycle nutrients.
Primary Foods
- decaying wood
- leaf litter
- fallen fruit
- rotting vegetation
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Hunts various nocturnal insects.
eaten by
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
Omnivore eating insects and decaying matter.
parasitizes
Green Muscardine Fungus
Metarhizium anisopliae
Infects and kills many insect species.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch insects without asking an adult first. Some can be surprising!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Death's head cockroach?
The easiest way to identify Death's head cockroach is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
What is Death's head cockroach's wingspan?
65-90 mm
How big is Death's head cockroach?
55-75 mm
How long does Death's head cockroach live?
365-730 days
What does Death's head cockroach eat?
They munch on decaying plants and fallen fruits, acting as nature's clean-up crew to recycle nutrients.
Where is Death's head cockroach usually found?
Urban areas
How does Death's head cockroach hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Death's head cockroach have?
6
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