Mixed Strain

A mixed strain dubia roach is a feeder or breeding colony of Blaptica dubia made up of roaches from more than one source rather than a named, tightly selected line. Dubias are live-bearing tropical roaches from Central and South America, with heavy-bodied nymphs, adult females with short wing pads, and slimmer adult males with full wings. In mixed colonies, color and pattern are usually normal wild type: brown to black adults, tan or orange markings, occasional spotted or striped-looking individuals, and pale white roaches right after a molt. The label does not imply a true morph unless the breeder has documented selection behind it.

Keepers use mixed strain dubias mainly as feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, birds, and some fish, or as starter colonies for home production. A healthy colony needs warmth, darkness, vertical hides, dry ventilation, moisture from foods or water crystals, and a steady diet that can be gut-loaded before feeding out. Mixing unrelated stock can improve numbers after a bottleneck, but quarantine new roaches to reduce mites, mold, and pest contamination. Local rules may restrict possession in some areas.

Colors: Black, Brown, Orange, Spotted, Striped, Tan, White, Wild Type