Giant burrowing cockroach

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Giant burrowing cockroach
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Blattodea Family: Blaberidae Genus: Macropanesthia Species: M. rhinoceros
Binomial name
Macropanesthia rhinoceros Saussure, 1895

The giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is also known as the rhinoceros cockroach and litter bug. They are native to Australia and mostly found in tropical parts of Queensland. Some people like to keep them as pets and describe them as easy to care for, although they are somewhat difficult to obtain outside of Australia^{[citation needed]}. They are the world's heaviest species of cockroach (although not the largest by length) and can weigh up to 35 g (1.2 oz)^[1][2] and measure up to 80 mm (3.1 in)^[1] in length. They can live for up to 10 years.^[2] Unlike some other cockroaches, they do not have wings and are not considered a pest. The cockroach plays a vital part in the ecosystem by munching on dead leaves and recycling other matter. True to their name, they may burrow down in soil to a depth of about 1 metre (3.3 ft)^[1] where they make a permanent home. The species is ovoviviparous.

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c} The rhinoceros cockroach...as a pet?
2. ^ ^{a b} Pet facts: giant burrowing cockroaches. Retrieved on October, 2005.