Where to actually buy Diploptera punctata in bulk

[terrence]

For a research class, I'm studying the effects of JH hormonal treatment and diet on Diploptera punctata, or the pacific mimic beetle roach, to see if I may be able to increase the production of roach's milk for actual consumption. Not many sites sell this fellow, and I need a sample of at least 15 (7 male + 8 female) for the study, with a control group of about 10 (5 male + 5 female) that do not have the after mentioned corpora allata (JH production gland) removed or have the same high protein/sugar diet. From where would I be able to gather these roaches? I have checked several sites mentioned for basic roach breeders such as the invertebrate dude, roach crossing, and bugs in cyberspace. The first 2 sites are out of stock, and the third does not deliver to florida, where my residence is. I have also checked a couple of insect research labs around me, and none of them have an excess stock of pacific mimic beetle roaches, don't know where I can start.

Any tips for keeping these roaches are appreciated too.

 

[TylerBlack]

For a research class, I'm studying the effects of JH hormonal treatment and diet on Diploptera punctata, or the pacific mimic beetle roach, to see if I may be able to increase the production of roach's milk for actual consumption.

Diploptera punctata can be frustrating to source, especially in bulk and especially with Florida shipping restrictions. Your best bet may be contacting private hobby breeders directly rather than relying only on storefront stock pages. Try posting a wanted ad here with your location, and also check roach/invert groups where people maintain small colonies but don’t always list them publicly. University labs may also know who originally supplied their cultures, even if they don’t have surplus themselves.

For keeping them, plan for a slow, steady colony rather than fast production. Keep them warm, moderately humid with good ventilation, plenty of hides, and a varied diet with dry roach chow plus fruits/veg in small amounts. Since this is for research and involves gland removal/hormonal treatment, make sure your class has the needed animal-use/containment approval and that Florida regulations allow possession/shipping before anyone sends them.