Gyna caffrorum

Gyna caffrorum – The noble porcelain cockroach from Africa

Gyna caffrorum, also known as the porcelain cockroach, is one of the most beautiful cockroach species of all and originates from various regions of Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Their name “porcelain cockroach” is no coincidence – the animals have a shiny, almost glassy surface structure and a softly shimmering coloration that ranges from delicate cream and beige tones to elegant shades of brown. Each animal is unique, as the pattern varies individually.

With a size of around 2-3 cm, Gyna caffrorum is one of the smaller cockroach species. Despite their size, they are very active, agile and true climbing artists. They use every structure in the terrarium, but rarely fly, which makes them particularly pleasant to keep.

When kept, these cockroaches prefer temperatures of 24-28 °C and a moderate humidity of around 60-70 %. A mixture of forest soil, leaves and some rotten wood is suitable as a substrate. As the animals like to hide between leaves and bark, the terrarium should be well structured and offer plenty of places to retreat to.

Gyna caffrorum are omnivores with a preference for sweet, soft fruit such as banana or mango, but will also eat vegetables or special cockroach food. They are considered very peaceful and can easily be kept in groups.

Breeding is simple: the females carry their oothecae in their bodies until they hatch, allowing the young to hatch immediately and be distributed throughout the terrarium. As they can reproduce quickly, they are suitable both as a breeding project for enthusiasts and as a decorative and active enrichment in a well-planted terrarium.

With its elegant appearance, peaceful nature and uncomplicated keeping, Gyna caffrorum is a cockroach species that will delight even people who are not normally fans of these insects.