# 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!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Urban areas

![Death's head cockroach](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Blaberus_fg01.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Fritz Geller-Grimm, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blaberus_fg01.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Blattodea
- **Family:** Blaberidae
- **Genus:** Blaberus

## 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

- **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.
- **Master Recycler:** Death's head cockroach has a powerful digestive system that helps them break down decaying plant matter, recycling nutrients in nature.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
- [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## 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?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## Where to spot

- [Monsanto Insectarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/monsanto-insectarium) — Missouri, US · Zoo

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Death's head cockroach: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deaths-head-cockroach)