Unleash the secrets to happy, healthy Dubia roaches! Are you tired of confusion surrounding the right temperature for your feeder insects? Look no further! This article is your ultimate guide to keeping your Dubia roaches thriving. From colonies to feeders, we've got you covered. Get ready for some roach-keeping success!
Dubia roaches are native to South America, where the temperature is hot and humid in the summer and mild the rest of the year. In the forests and grasslands where they are found, they take refuge under rocks, wood, and other debris where the ground is cooler. During the night, when temperatures drop, they come out to forage and move around.
Dubia roaches have two stages of life in captivity: nymphs and breeding adults. To keep them healthy, it's important to provide the right temperature. For optimal growth, keep the temperature between 80 and 85 degrees. Temperatures over 85 can cause stress, and the higher the temperature, the worse the impact. If the temperature is too low (below 65), the roaches won't grow or reproduce as expected. Small nymphs are especially sensitive to heat stress (above 95 degrees) and need a cooler place and moisture to survive. Dubia roaches can handle cool temperatures and can survive drops as low as the 30s.
For breeding adults, the ideal temperature range is between 75 and 80 degrees. Keeping the temperature too high, even if it seems to produce more babies, can lead to less frequent breeding and impact the future breeding cycle 2 or 3 months later. To ensure a healthy population, keep the temperature below 85 degrees and provide a cooler area for the adults to retreat to. If exposed to high temperatures for too long, the adults may stop breeding completely.
To keep Dubia roaches as healthy feeders, aim to maintain room temperature as this slows down their growth and ensures a consistent supply of appropriate-sized feeders.
There are several options to control the temperature in your dubia roach habitat. The most economical is to place the container near a warm reptile enclosure and monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Another option is to use a heat pad under the container, (if the container is on the floor, use a towel between the heat pad and floor for insulation) and a thermostat for temperature control. Always verify the accuracy of your thermostat with a thermometer. We heat and cool an entire building (with a hvac system) to 78 degrees to 80 degrees.
In conclusion, getting the temperature right for your dubia roaches is crucial for their health and well-being. Follow these tips to keep your roaches happy, healthy, and thriving in captivity.