Simandoa Cave Cockroaches - Simandoa conserfariam
Disclaimer: I can only attest to how the species I keep respond under the conditions I keep them. Even the best care under a certain set of parameters may be met with failure under others.
For any questions or to mention anything I have wrong or have missed, email me at rockinroachesandmore@gmail.com!
Summary
The Simandoa Cave roach is an incredibly beautiful species, with a fraught history. It is known only from a single cave in the Simandou region of Guinea, from whence a number of specimens were taken. When the researchers returned to the cave at a later date, it had been mined and destroyed, leaving the Simandoa Cave roach extinct in the wild to the best of current knowledge. This species is in a unique position: it is extremely rate in the wild, presumed extinct, and kept alive almost entirely by the efforts of hobbyist who keep the species as pets. To this purpose, it should be kept with the utmost care, and given to as many keepers as possible to maintain a steady population, far from true extinction. The Simandoa Cave roach is a somber reminder of the delicacy of many of the incredible species, yet-unknown and easily destroyed, that exist and ought to continue to exist for future generations to see and admire.
In regards to care, the Simanoa Cave roach is not a picky customer. The species, a marvelous example of a stubbornly adaptable order, eat exactly what other roaches will. Though they bear great resemblance to H.flexivitta, they share none of the unpleasant behaviors, and still squeak. Their coloring, proposed to be aposematic, is far more brilliant and contrasting than the Giant Lobster roach, however. They do not reproduce as quickly, and do not take as well to crowding, but the adults often gather and raise their wings (displaying or spreading pheromones, I haven't a clue, but it is a striking sight) in plain sight, allowing one to admire their beautiful striping. I would suggest this species to anyone who cares to keep any species of roach, for their conservational value and ease of care.
Feeding
All my roaches are fed the same, and the Simandoa Cave roach is no different, nor does it seem to dislike being fed thusly. They do seem to strongly appreciate grapes, however. Mine do well on a steady diet of oranges, apples, and cut-up whole carrots, though they often as not leave the carrots in favor of the fruit. I have also successfully fed them watermelon and grapes. In addition to a diet composed predominantly of fruits and vegetables, they require some form of protein, given based on the size of the colony and about twice a week. Mine are given cat food, but I imagine any sort of kibble would go over well, as well as fish food. I would not suggest any kind of raw or cooked meat, fish, or shellfish, though only because of the inevitable smell.
Environment
The Simandoa Cave roach does not appear to mind room temperature, though they do very well with added heat. The room I keep mine in is 80°F (26.7°C), with an approx. humidity of 60%. The species reportedly prefers 70°-85°F, but can withstand short experiences above that (as evidenced by an accidental night at 90°F). Any temperature below optimal will cause a decline in growth rate and activity of the colony, and may result in an increase in mortality. Some keepers opt to provide their roaches with secondary heat sources, preferably a weak heat mat stuck to the side of the enclosure, NOT a heat lamp (too much heat, and they dislike the light) or too strong a source.
This species prefers some moisture in the substrate, at least on one side of the enclosure, and leaf-litter or loose substrate for the nymphs to hide in. They can, however, endure many conditions, including dry spells, though I do not suggest subjecting them to this. Ensuring the colony always has some food with a high water content (oranges, apples, watermelon, grapes, zucchini) will be also help in this regard.
Light is a non-issue for this species. They don't require - or want - additional sources beyond a room light, though they don't seem to mind indirect sunlight from a window. Ensure the enclosure is never in direct sunlight!
Enclosure
This species seems to more-or-less tolerate crowding, and starter colonies of 6-12 roaches can be kept in a regular 10-gallon glass tank until the adult begin to exhibit nibble marks on their antennae, though this point depends almost entirely on the surface area of the hides they are given. Crowding does seem to suppress breeding, though I don't know to what extent. They may also be kept just as easily in a Rubbermaid bin, or any largeish plastic container of a similar size, though that's not as pretty. A lid is necessary, as this species can technically fly (or flutter short distances, mostly), though it very rarely does. As substrate, the options are flexible. If cost is an issue, the roaches will do well on regular outdoors soil, though I strongly suggest laying it out in a 1in thick layer and baking it at around 400°F for 20 minutes, or until totally dry, first, to prevent taking home unwanted hitchhikers or disease. I also strongly suggest you take extreme care to select soil that has not had fertilizer, insecticide, or any strong chemical applied, as the roaches, often detrivores in the wild, will nibble on most anything you put in their tank, including the substrate. Otherwise, coconut coir or (if the only option, for it's unsustainably harvested) peat moss will hold moisture and work well. Just dampen it first, to prevent particulate matter from covering everything (and making you sneeze!) when you put it in the tank.
Once you have your substrate, it's on to the décor. Egg flats will work well, if cost is an issue. If it's an option, however, I suggest large flat pieces of bark and sturdy twigs: these keep humidity well in the lower layers, and this species' nymphs enjoy being able to hide. It doesn't need to be cork bark, just something appropriately sized you find outside and either forget in the back of a closet for a few months to dry out, or send through the oven at the aforementioned 400°F for 20min or so. The more the better, and a 10-gallon tank can hold more than you think.
In addition to the purely utilitarian purpose of giving the roaches a hide, the contents of the tank can make it nice to look at, too. A well-set up roach tank full of handsome little guys is simply cool looking. To this purpose, I often use plastic fake plants. I get them more than half-off at Michael's seasonally, and they really add something. Before putting them in the tank, always wash them thoroughly. I use Dawn dish soap and warm water, let them soak for a while, then give them a good scrub, let 'em dry, and throw them in the tank to arrange. For this species, it is suggested that leaflitter or the equivalent be present. Leaflitter is the easiest means to ensure the nymphs have somewhere humid to hide out, and can be gathered in most places from the outdoors. Hardwood leaves, such as oak, are preferred, but maple, ginkgo and the like will do.
Other Information
- Adult size is about 1.85in.
- Ovoviviparous
- Winged! Flies poorly.
- Climbs.
An adult Simandoa Cave roach. Note the bright red legs, yellow-striped abdomen, speckled wings, and the lovely border around the black pronotum.