Death's Head Cockroach
Blaberus craniifer
Did you know?
- Death's head cockroaches are part of the Blaberidae family, which they share with other giant roaches.
- Their name comes from the skull-like marking on their head.
- They live in Central America and parts of southern Florida.
- They are omnivores.
- Due to their 'spooky' coloration, they are sometimes kept as pets.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects with flattened bodies adapted for squeezing into narrow hiding places. They among the most successful insects in the world, and they were already common long before the dinosaurs appeared.
Coloration
Death's head cockroaches have a dark black coloration on their wings, with a light-brown head which boasts a black skull-like marking.
Threat Level
- Unknown
- Common
- Near Threatened
- Threatened
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
Unknown
The status of the Death's Head Cockroach is unknown.
Range
Central America and parts of southern Florida
Habitat
Forest and wooded areas
we care about death's head cockroaches
The Saint Louis Zoo takes care of death's head cockroaches in the Insectarium at the Zoo. Learn more about how we are helping wildlife around the world.
Find this animal in Discovery Corner
SAINT LOUIS ZOO ZONE
Discovery Corner
Whether you are looking for an animal to meet up-close, or prefer those safely housed behind glass, you'll find it at Discovery Corner. Follow a butterfly's wandering flight.