Blaberus colloseus play dead

[Allpet Roaches]

I'm not sure if anyone's mentioned it but I was just thinking how amusing it is that the nymphs of this species curl up and play dead. Anyone see this in another species? I haven't noticed it in other Blaberus.

 

[cindy]

My baby Dubias will sometimes do that.

 

[Allpet Roaches]

This is a very strong behavior. You can dig up a group of a few dozen and every single one will play dead for a time.

 

[cindy]

Wow!! I am getting some from Kyle next week and excited to see this behavior! I am glad I was fore-warned!

 

[Zephyr]

I haven't noticed this behavior in B. giganteus, but young nymphs of that species will curl their abdomens up at you like little scorpions.

 

[Walking Leaf]

I noticed this behavior with my Blaberus giganteus some years ago. I actually thought they were dead so I put them aside. I left the room and when I came back, the nymph was gone. I found it some days later on the floor and put it back in the roachbox. They don't even move when I dig in the substrate or pick them up, very convincing!