Unlike the flies which require proper heat & humidity, or pinhead crickets who will die off for what seems like no reason; "pinhead" lats will thrive on any fruit, vegetable or grain fragments you offer them, and won't die when kept at room temperature. Unlike FFF, lats can't climb glass, and won't escape out of screen vents. Lats won't burrow and hide in the spiders enclosure. They'll simply run around and are easy for the spider to find. Lats have significantly more nutritional value than flies so you don't have to feed your sling as often. The Versi's gave their feeding waltz of approval! After you get over the fact they're "roaches" what's not to like?
These sound perfect! Do they grow into adults very quickly? Or do they stay smallish?
ReplyDeleteThe adults grow to the size of a large cricket. The only downside with B. lateralis is the adults could possibly be invasive. I have had many escape only to die a few days later. In order to survive and reproduce they need to be warm, humid and have a constant food and water source. For the "pinhead" babies to get out, grow to adulthood and invade a home is extremely unlikely, I wouldn't worry about it. If you want a colony I would make sure to keep it somewhere it wouldn't be a problem if some did escape. A garage or storage shed is ideal. You can use heat ropes or heat pads to keep your roach colonies warm. I hope this helps answer your question! -Jamie
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