Huge Cockroaches

The cockroach can rightfully be called the king of the roaches, but there are some species that are much more terrifying than others . An African Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) is a cockroach that is considered a giant among cockroaches. In fact, it is on the top ten list of largest living insects. The size of this species varies within about an inch measuring anywhere from two to three inches in length . In spite of the fact that the wings are nonfunctional, this type of cockroach fly very well. It has been recorded that some cockroaches were even recorded traveling as far away as 3 miles from their birth place . Other kinds of Giant Cockroaches include the Nile Valley Leaf-Cutter (Odontotaenius disjunctus) , which grows up to three inches long and mainly feeds on dead plant material and live plant material when they become adults. Some other types include the Archimedes’ original beetle (Archimedes goliath), which is found in Central and South America, and Giant Burrowing Cockroach (Macrophalangium maximus), both of which are believed to have originated in temperate forests, not tropical ones.

Huge Cockroaches

While the Giant Burrowing Cockroach is not known to be threatened, its habitat is at risk.

Up until 2019 the cockroaches at Reedy Creek were mistaken for the more commonly occuring Macropanesthia rhinoceros also known as the Rhinoceros Cockroach or the Litterbug. These gigantic roaches are endemic to Queensland and prefer life in the compacted sands of forests in north east Australia. They’re found along the coast from Rockhampton to Cooktown, and on the Whitsunday Islands.

However, a visit from renowned cockroach expert Dr Harley Rose from the University of Sydney, has revealed that the roaches on Reedy Creek are, in fact, Macropanesthia rothi – a much rarer species. The difference is marked by a couple of extra spines on the roach’s abdomen. ​

There are only three specimens of the rothi species known to science and virtually no study has been done on them (though we expect a lot of the traits of the more common Giant Burrowing Cockroaches to apply).

The rothi species at Reedy Creek needs to burrow in loose sandy soils like the ones in the Agnes Water region as part of its lifecycle. We think this species is endemic to a small area and might even be restricted to 10km-12km of the coastline near Reedy Creek.

Giant Burrowing Cockroach behaviour

Giant Burrowing Cockroaches certainly live up to their name. Measuring up to 80mm, they’re giants of the cockroach world and as big as the palm of your hand!

 

 

Unlike most insects, Giant Burrowing Cockroaches are wingless as there’s little need for wings when you spend most of your life underground!

During the day they live at the end of their burrows, in a chamber that can be one metre deep in the soil. They dig burrows with their stocky, spade-like legs. Males have a particularly pronounced ‘scoop’ – shields on the top of their heads that are perfectly suited for digging, and fighting with rival males.

They’re most active at night when they surface to gather food from the forest floor. They cart their loot – dry leaves, twigs and bark – underground to eat in the comfort of their chambers.

They’re particularly partial to crispy Eucalyptus leaves. In this way, the species is an important nutrient recycler – converting leaf litter into soil.

Unlike most insects, which lay eggs, the female Giant Burrowing Cockroach gives birth to live young. In each clutch there are up to 30 young (nymphs). The female cares for her offspring in her underground chamber, feeding them the leaf litter she gathers at night.

During this time the nymphs moult (shed their outer layer) up to 12 times, before they’re fully grown. The Giant Burrowing Cockroach is generally solitary, meeting only to mate. After many months the young will eventually leave the family home, venturing out to dig burrows of their own.

Huge Cockroaches

 

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List Of Huge Cockroaches