The Giant Burrowing Cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is a large Australian insect featured in the standard edition of Planet Zoo.
Zoopedia Informaton
General[]
Population in the Wild: Unknown
The Giant burrowing cockroach (or Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is a large insect native to the scrublands and dry forests of Northern Australia. They measure approximately 8cm long, weigh 30g, and are dark reddish-brown in color. They are so named for their habit of digging burrows in the sandy earth, often delving up to 1m into the ground. They are popular pet because of the ease of care and their positive response to being handled.
Social[]
In the Wild, the giant burrowing cockroach may either be solitary, or a breeding male and female may live together in a burrow caring for their offspring.
Reproduction[]
When a male and female encounter each other, they will move into the female's burrow and mate. After 3 months, the female will give birth to between 3 and 30 young, who will remain in the burrow for 4 to 6 months, being taken care of by their parents, who each bring them small pieces of leaf litter from the surface to eat. Giant burrowing cockroaches are fully grown at approximately 3 years old, after they have been through 12 molts.
Animal Care
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Trivia
Zoopedia Fun Facts[]
- The giant burrowing cockroach is the heaviest species of cockroach and can weigh up to 1.225oz.
- The giant burrowing cockroach gives birth to live young.
- Giant burrowing cockroach males have a 'scoop' like shield on top of their head, which they use for digging and for fighting with rival males.
- Giant burrowing cockroaches 'hiss' by pushing air out of their body segments. They do this when disturbed or when fighting.
- Unlike other cockroach species, the giant burrowing cockroach does not have any wings and also can't climb.