Pseudoglomeris magnifica “Emerald cockroach”

Pseudoglomeris magnifica – The iridescent emerald cockroach

Pseudoglomeris magnifica, better known as the emerald cockroach, is one of the most colorful cockroach species in the world and impresses with its metallic, shimmering emerald green shell. Depending on the incidence of light, it displays a fascinating play of colors ranging from rich green to golden to bluish reflections. With a size of around two and a half to three centimetres, it is a medium-sized cockroach and a real eye-catcher in the terrarium.

This particular species originates from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where it lives in a warm and humid climate. In the terrarium, the emerald cockroach feels most comfortable at temperatures between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 70 to 80 percent. A loose, moist substrate of forest soil, leaf humus and white rotten wood provides ideal conditions. Pieces of cork, bark slabs and branches provide hiding places and climbing opportunities. As it is an excellent climber, an escape-proof terrarium with smooth walls is particularly important.

The Pseudoglomeris magnifica “emerald cockroach” is mainly active at dusk and at night, but can also be seen during the day if well acclimatized. Its movements are calm and deliberate, which makes it a pleasant animal to observe. Their diet is uncomplicated and they are happy to eat fruit, vegetables, leaves, white rotten wood and protein-rich supplements such as cockroach food or dried gammarus. Flower pollen is also very popular! Fresh water or a damp patch of moss should always be available.

An exciting feature of this species is its behavior when disturbed. It can curl up tightly, which makes it look like a shiny, closed shield. This behavior, combined with its unusual coloration, makes it not only biologically interesting, but also very attractive for collectors and lovers of exotic terrarium animals.

Breeding in a terrarium is possible, but requires constant climatic conditions. The female lays oothecae, from which the young hatch after a few weeks. These initially show an inconspicuous coloration, but develop the impressive metallic sheen of the adults as they grow older. Pseudoglomeris magnifica “Emerald Cockroach” is therefore not only an extraordinary animal to observe, but also a true enrichment for any exotic collection.