Can you recommend me a species/genus ?

[vounti]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a species that get a bit large (4-5 cm) to feed to my tarantulas. Therefore, a species that doesn't take ages to reproduce (although I can totally wait some time for them to set up in the new environment). Also I'd like them to breed at room temp because my mother always stresses out about the electricity bill. I would love them not to burrow so they don't get lost in my T enclosures. Finally, if the species can't climb and doesn't require much humidity it's a bonus for me (but not needed at all)

I thought about Periplaneta americana maybe ? Im waiting for more suggestions

 

Currently I am keeping dubias, Pycnoscelus surinamensis and Gromphradorhina portentosa species just to give you an idea of my experience

 

Thank you very much for your time

[FlamingSwampert]

Probably Blaberus sp. There are so many to choose from and they make great feeders & pets.

[vounti]

I'm glad you think they can fit ! I was worried about the gestation time. Now I hesitate between B. craniifer and B. giganteus

 

thanks !

[FlamingSwampert]

On 5/23/2021 at 12:39 PM, vounti said:

I'm glad you think they can fit ! I was worried about the gestation time. Now I hesitate between B. craniifer and B. giganteus

 

thanks !

You're welcome!

[RenOfTheRoaches]

It might be hard to find a large species that doesn't climb or burrow. Most roaches can either fly, burrow, or climb/run fast. some like P. americana can do 2 of the 3 but don't really burrow. If you don't want climbing, I'd steer clear of any hissers, Periplaneta species, or many other common non burrowers. I'd suggest Turkestans (B or S lateralis) but they don't get large at all. I honestly recommend a Blaberus species or Eublaberus species. Good ones include B. craniifer and giganteus as well as E. posticus or E. sp Ivory. Honestly, orange heads might work best as they're one of the cheaper large feeders, breed fast, and don't climb or fly. But being ultra honest, I'd honestly either stick with dubia or orange heads if you don't want climbing. If you don't mind climbers, I'd recommend P. Americana or even potentially Paratemnopteryx colouniana (Though these guys are rather small). Hope that helps! Turkestans are like the only ones I find that can't fly (well anyway) burrow or climb. They're just kinda small for full size Ts. I might recommend superworms actually. My Pink Toe loves them and I can easily put them in her web or tong feed her. Though she doesn't burrow so I would steer clear of superworms for burrowing Ts. They could get lost in the substrate and will harm pets if left hungry.

[RenOfTheRoaches]

Just now, RenOfTheRoaches said:

It might be hard to find a large species that doesn't climb or burrow. Most roaches can either fly, burrow, or climb/run fast. some like P. americana can do 2 of the 3 but don't really burrow. If you don't want climbing, I'd steer clear of any hissers, Periplaneta species, or many other common non burrowers. I'd suggest Turkestans (B or S lateralis) but they don't get large at all. I honestly recommend a Blaberus species or Eublaberus species. Good ones include B. craniifer and giganteus as well as E. posticus or E. sp Ivory. Honestly, orange heads might work best as they're one of the cheaper large feeders, breed fast, and don't climb or fly. But being ultra honest, I'd honestly either stick with dubia or orange heads if you don't want climbing. If you don't mind climbers, I'd recommend P. Americana or even potentially Paratemnopteryx colouniana (Though these guys are rather small). Hope that helps! Turkestans are like the only ones I find that can't fly (well anyway) burrow or climb. They're just kinda small for full size Ts. I might recommend superworms actually. My Pink Toe loves them and I can easily put them in her web or tong feed her. Though she doesn't burrow so I would steer clear of superworms for burrowing Ts. They could get lost in the substrate and will harm pets if left hungry.

Most other species other than the ones I mentioned might be a pain to either keep or feed due to burrowing, climbing and slow reproduction. 

[Allpet Roaches]

On 5/23/2021 at 12:39 PM, vounti said:

I'm glad you think they can fit ! I was worried about the gestation time. Now I hesitate between B. craniifer and B. giganteus

 

thanks !

B. giganteus is my favorite Blaberus.

[Randomjoe]

If you decide tp go with Blaberus as feeders you might want to look at B. atropos mine breed fairly quick. I've also read that B fusca are the fastest breeding of the Blaberus.

[vounti]

Thank you all ! I'll go with Blaberus giganteus. I was already interested in keeping them so being able to feed them to my tarantulas is another reason to get a colony!

Dubias are awesome but the only problem I have is that they burrow in my fossorial enclosures and sometimes play dead 😕 Other than that they are just perfect feeders

 

By the way, thank you @RenOfTheRoaches for being so cautions when recommending superworms to feed tarantulas. I know they, or even smaller mealworms, can kill a molting or freshly molted T. I always crush their head so they don't bite nor burrow. 

 

Thanks again everyone