Orange Head Cockroaches

Meet our newest roach friends — the Orange Head Roach!

Orange Heads are still a pretty uncommon species in the feeder world, and honestly, we think they’re seriously underrated both as feeders and as classroom or home display pets.

Out of all the roach species we’re currently working with, these are some of the fastest movers — but surprisingly, they’re also among the least escape-oriented we’ve dealt with. They’re heavy-bodied at every size, climb very poorly, and would much rather burrow into deep substrate when startled than run up walls or lids.

A few things we really love about them:

• Heavy-bodied and substantial at every size
• Poor climbers compared to many feeder roaches
• Excellent eaters with strong feeding responses
• Active and fun to observe above ground
• Beautiful coloration throughout their life cycle
• Great alternative feeder option to dubia
• They smell... different?  A different almost citrus smell!

Young Orange Heads have a bright, glossy red coloration, while adults develop their signature orange-headed look along with full wings in both males and females.

Whether you’re looking for a unique feeder insect, a classroom colony, or just something different to keep and observe, we think these guys deserve way more attention than they get.

Give them a try as an alternative to dubia at any size!