Domino Roach

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

The body is glossy black with bold, pure white spots arranged like the pips on domino tiles. The upper abdomen has a hidden orange-yellow flash that shows when the wings lift. Nymphs are plain brown, hairy and live underground until the final moult.12

Personality what they are like

Domino roaches are gentle, sociable and non-aggressive. They do not bite and are calm when handled, though handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid stress. They are most active during the day and enjoy climbing on cork bark.25

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Provide a terrarium of at least 30x20x20 cm for a small colony of 5-10 roaches. Include deep leaf litter and soil for burrowing, plus cork bark, branches and plants for climbing and hiding. Adults climb glass, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Keep the substrate slightly damp but not wet, misting once or twice a week.61

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming is needed. Remove uneaten fresh food promptly to prevent mould. Provide a shallow dish of water or mist regularly, though fresh fruit may supply enough moisture. No special bathing is required.36

Home where they are happiest

Keep at 21-29°C with moderate humidity around 40-60%. Use a substrate of coconut fibre mixed with leaf litter, 5-8 cm deep, kept on the drier side with one damp corner. Provide good ventilation and a heat mat on the side if the room is cool. This species is not venomous and is legal to keep in most places, but always check local regulations.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Offer a varied diet of fresh vegetables and fruit such as carrot, courgette and apple, plus grains, fish flakes or prepared insect food. Dried hardwood leaves, especially oak, are important for gut microbes. Provide a small amount of protein food occasionally and a cuttlebone or crushed eggshell for calcium.12

Company who they like around

Domino roaches are highly social and do best in groups of five or more. They are peaceful and show no aggression or cannibalism. A colony establishes more reliably than a pair, and they enjoy interacting on the surface.15

The story where it all began

The Domino Roach comes from the dry scrublands of southern India and Sri Lanka. It has been kept as a pet for many years and is popular because of its attractive pattern and calm nature. Interestingly, a 2009 study suggested that many captive-bred 'Domino Roaches' may actually belong to a separate, closely related species called Therea bernhardti, which differs mainly in the hindwings and small details of the wing pattern. The species is also known for its remarkable mimicry of a toxic ground beetle, which helps protect it from predators.71

Recognised by the official bits

PostPods

Glossy black body with crisp white spots arranged like domino pips, active during the day, and a hidden flash of orange-yellow on the upper abdomen.1

BreederDirect

Rounded body with bold black-and-white pattern believed to mimic the toxic ground beetle Anthia sexguttata.2