Urban Roaches
Chrome Roaches - Gyna caffrorum
Chrome Roaches - Gyna caffrorum
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No sales to Florida or Hawaii :(
Gyna caffrorum or chrome cockroaches are an absolutely stunning small to medium sized roach species that max out around 2 inches and do best in colony setups.
They are exceptionally easy to care for when compared to other cockroaches as they require very little maintenance. They are also a perfect starter roach to introduce to the kids to teach them about the not-so-popular bugs.
Chrome roaches are incapable of biting. However, they are fast runners and adults are capable of climbing smooth surfaces as well as flying.
While adults are capable of flying you will hardly ever see them fly if given the proper setup.
These roaches get their name from the remarkable whitish, blueish, grayish coloration that give each roach their own uniquely beautiful patterning.
They originate from South Africa
Gyna caffrorum are a non pest species of roach, this means if a few were to escape their enclosure there's no risk of them invading your home. In fact, they will most likely die in a week or soo
Female specimens are broader/bigger than the smaller males, which are much more active.
Care/husbandry:
- Enclosure - These roaches do best in a plastic/sterilite enclosure that has a lid with an airtight seal. Make sure you give them a sufficient amount of cross ventilation by drilling holes on the side of the enclosure. You want to put the holes somewhere the roaches can't reach and are smaller than the adults. Or else you’ll have winged adults climb up to the ventilation holes and crawl right out
- Substrate - These roaches love to burrow so the substrate needs to be deep yet not compact. Personally I use a substrate of coconut fiber, peat moss, sphagnum moss and leaf litter. Keep substrate moderately moist (but do not over moisten)
- Temperature - between 77°F - 85°F or 25°C - 30°C
- Feeding - These roaches are far from picky eaters, they will eat pretty much all fruits and vegetables. However, they will need a source of protein. Personally I use bee pollen and koi pellets but dried dog food, Repashy bug burger and any other protein dense foods will work just as well.
Other useful information:
Latin/Scientific name: Gyna caffrorum
Common name: Chrome Cockroach
Climb status: adults can climb smooth surfaces
Flight status: adults can climb smooth surfaces
Locale: Southern Africa
Size: 1-2 inches or 3-5 centimeters
Handleability: moderate
Growth rate: Slow growing but will grow faster if kept warmer
Life expectancy: roughly two years+
Recommended keeper experience level: beginner to intermediate
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SHIPPING
Shipping costs:
I charge a standard rate of $50 for shipping tarantulas, and isopods.
I take a loss on shipping, on every package.
There are many costs associated with shipping that are not evident on the surface level:
An insulated box.
Cold/heat pack.
The vials that the animals go inside of have to be drilled a certain way.
The preparation of the vials with padding takes labor to make.
So $50 for shipping is actually a bargain.
Packages go out usually Monday/Tuesday and sometimes Wednesday.
I will not ship after Wednesday, because if there are shipping delays, I do not want it to go over the weekend.
Live Arrival Guarantee:
I offer LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee) on every single package that I ship.
Animals usually arrive at your doorstep, or your nearest FedEx hub the following day after I ship. Usually 10am, but that is not always the case.
Sometimes it might take an additional day to arrive, but that is rare.
In the RARE case that the animal/s arrive DOA (dead on arrival), the receiver MUST send photos and video to me within an hour documenting the condition of the said animal.
We will then discuss replacement options if that is the case.
I've been shipping and sending hundreds if not thousands of packages over the last 10 years with an impeccable track record.
Shipping costs on DOA’s are never refundable.
Local Pick Up:
Local pick up in Los Angeles is always available.
If you live close, come pick up the animals.
I can also personally deliver the animals the same/next day if the order is over $200.
FAQ
FAQ
Where do you get your enclosures?
For a good quality enclosure, I recommend Herpcult Enclosures
What substrate do you use?
I prefer coco fiber substrate mixed with peat. Usually a 80/20 mixture.
Coco or similar
Sphagnum Peat Moss or similar
What temperature do you keep your tarantulas in?
I have my room set at 80°F, but they will be perfectly fine in temperatures between 69°F-83°F. I prefer using the Govee thermometer.
Are tarantulas venomous?
Yes, all spiders are venomous. However, tarantulas do not possess a medically significant venom. There have been no records of any humans dying due to a tarantula bite.
What happens if I get bit by a tarantula?
On the rare occasion that you get bit by a tarantula, remain calm. Do not run hot water over the wound because it will speed up the spread of the venom. Instead, clean the bite mark with room temperature water and monitor your symptoms. If your pain does not go away, please consult a physician.
What do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas crickets, roaches, mealworms, or superworms. However, crickets are always the easiest and most accessible from pet stores.
Tongs I use are- My favorite option or a less expensive alternative.
How often do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas once a week or bi-weekly.