Sleepy Lemur Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 I wasn't aware some Blaberus sp possess defensive odors until my colony of B. Fusca matured into adults. The bin itself actually smells quite pleasant from the oak wood placed around the cage, but when disturbed, they give off a horrible smell. I don't even know what to compare it to. When picked up the smell is much worse, and will actually stick to my hand, calling for an immediate hand washing. When left alone, the smell is not present. But anything more than feeding and a spritz of water triggers the release of the aweful smell. Has anyone else noticed this defense mechanism? Is it a well known "deterrent" that I'm just not familiar with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cariblatta lutea Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Pretty much all Blaberus species I kept have produced "onion" smell when threatened. Some species seem to do it more frequently than others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hisserdude Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Yeah, my Blaberus hybrids have made that "onion" smell, it's horrid. One of my Byrsotria fumigata female made that musk as well, man it stinks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovebugfarm Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Is it stronger then e posticas smell? I dont mind my orange heads smell. Then again i worked as a trash collector and have a rat colony so i may not be the best judge of odors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleepy Lemur Posted July 10, 2016 Author Share Posted July 10, 2016 Ah. So it's quite common. Yeah, I guess onion is the best way to describe it. Pretty raunchy for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenevanica Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 This is quite strange, as I've never noticed a defensive smell associated with any of my Blaberus sp. or my E. posticus. Perhaps I'm just not sensitive to smells? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovebugfarm Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 Well i think it has to do with the number of adults the ones makeing the most odor and ventilation. I dont use a lid for max air flow when i did mesh lid it held in air a lil more and smell was more prominant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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