Simandoa Cave Roach
ExploreInsects
Simandoa Cave Roach
simandoa conserfariam
The Simandoa Cave Roach (Simandoa conserfariam) is a legendary insect with a bittersweet history. Originally endemic to a single unique cave in the Simandou region of Guinea, West Africa, this stunning species is now classified as Extinct in the Wild. Their entire native habitat was completely destroyed by bauxite mining operations in the early 2000s. Fortunately, a small group of these roaches was collected by scientists just prior to the cave's destruction, saving the species from total extinction. Today, they thrive globally in captivity, maintained by dedicated hobbyists, zoos, and research institutions. Known for their striking colors and docile nature, they serve as crucial conservation ambassadors, illustrating the fragile nature of micro-endemic cave ecosystems.
Habitat: Historically found exclusively inside a single humid cave system in Guinea, specifically living on or near deep piles of bat guano.
Appearance
This species is highly distinctive, featuring a velvety, pitch-black oval body beautifully bordered by a creamy-white to pale-yellow margin along the outer edges of its pronotum and wings. The pronotum is large and shield-like, adorned with two vibrant, bright orange-yellow spots that closely resemble eyes. Adults possess fully developed, dark translucent wings that cover their abdomen, while the wingless nymphs are rougher in texture with a more uniform dark coloration and subtle golden speckling.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderBlattodeaFamilyBlaberidaeGenusSimandoa
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Every single Simandoa Cave Roach alive today descends from a small rescue colony collected in Guinea in 2002.
They are ovoviviparous, meaning the female carries her egg capsule internally and gives birth to fully formed, live nymphs.
Unlike pest roach species, they are extremely clean, cannot climb smooth glass surfaces, and do not infest human homes.
Special abilities
Ability
Guano Bio-Recycling
Highly specialized digestive tract allowing them to consume and process nutrient-rich bat guano, converting cave waste into usable soil nutrients.
Ability
Aposematic Mimicry
Bright eye-like spots on the pronotum deter potential cave predators by mimicking the eyes of a much larger animal in low-light conditions.
Ability
Social Grouping
Exhibits strong aggregation behavior, clustering together to conserve body moisture and defend against fluctuating microclimates.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3+ cm
- Wingspan
- 5+ cm
- Weight
- 0.002+ kg
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
- Top Speed
- 1 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 20+
- Incubation
- 30+ days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on decomposing organic material found on the cave floor, with a heavy reliance on bat guano and associated fungal growths.
Primary Foods
- Bat guano
- Decaying leaf litter
- Fungal mycelium
- Decomposing wood
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
mutualism
Giant Roundleaf Bat
Macronycteris gigas
Sought refuge and fed on the nutrient-rich droppings provided by this cave-dwelling bat species.
eaten by
Whip Spider
Phrynichus scaber
Preyed upon young nymphs and adult roaches in the dark recesses of the Simandoa cave system.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Simandoa Cave Roach?
The easiest way to identify Simandoa Cave Roach is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Simandoa Cave Roach?
3+ cm
What is Simandoa Cave Roach's wingspan?
5+ cm
How much does Simandoa Cave Roach weigh?
0.002+ kg
How long does Simandoa Cave Roach live?
1+ years
How fast can Simandoa Cave Roach move?
1 km/h
What does Simandoa Cave Roach eat?
Feeds primarily on decomposing organic material found on the cave floor, with a heavy reliance on bat guano and associated fungal growths.
Where is Simandoa Cave Roach usually found?
Historically found exclusively inside a single humid cave system in Guinea, specifically living on or near deep piles of bat guano.
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