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Giant burrowing cockroach

Macropanesthia rhinoceros

A species of Macropanesthia, Also known as Queensland giant cockroach

The giant burrowing cockroach is identifiable by its large size and weight. An adult can reach over 60 mm and up to 75-80 mm, and can weigh up to 30-35 grams. The pronotum is a prominent plate-like structure that covers the first segment of the thorax, has short tubercles at the sides, and can exceed 15 mm. Their pronotum assists with digging, acting as a shovel while its abdomen rests on the ground. The cockroach use their spiny tibiae in order to dig and burrow into the ground. The giant burrowing cockroach is well adapted for burrowing and digging with large back legs and a strong body armour, which offers protection from predators. It is one of few native Australian cockroaches without wings, with a concurrent lack of mobility. It is nocturnal. Adult males and females can be differentiated by the size of the "scoop" on the pronotum, which covers the head; with the male having a much more pronounced scoop. They grow by moulting several times before reaching full size. When a cockroach moults, it will appear pure white except for the eyes. Individuals have lifespans up to ten years in captivity. Adult males are more commonly-encountered than females. As in other hemimetabolous insects, the immature stages of the giant burrowing cockroaches are referred to as nymphs. Nymphs are creamy white when born, but soon develop a reddish brown colour. Both adult females and males are dark brown. Nymphs remain with their mothers for five to seven months, and she provides food and cares for them.

General Info About Giant burrowing cockroach
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Attributes of Giant burrowing cockroach
Colors
Brown
Red
Habitat
The giant burrowing cockroach species are mostly found in Queensland, Australia. It is commonly found along the coastal stretch between Rockhampton and Cooktown. The cockroach can also be located on the islands of the Whitsundays. The species build burrows that can stretch up to one metre underground, which is where it stores food and lives permanently. Burrow depth appears to change depending on soil type, with burrows ranging from approximately 10 cm underground to 100 cm. It is prevalent in dry Eucalyptus woodlands in the northeastern territory within Australia. There are 18 known geographical populations of the cockroach along subtropical Queensland. The cockroach has a wide geographical distribution in relation to other burrowing cockroach species. It is present across a one thousand kilometre range. The cockroach can be found in both dry and wet areas of Australia. Common dry areas it inhabits include Maiden Springs, Boonderoo and Alpha. Common wet areas the cockroach is found in include Cooktown, Magnetic island and the Whitsundays. Locations that are in the mid-range between dry and wet regions where the cockroach is present include Coen, Rochford Scrub and Mount Garnet. Populations of the cockroach can be geographically isolated due to unsuitable ground soil or by water. The species tends to prefer the drier savanna areas west of the Great Dividing Range. The most common vegetation where the cockroach is found is Eucalyptus woodland and grass.
Adult Food Sources
Decaying wood, leaf litter, decayed fruits, organic compost, fallen tree bark
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Giant burrowing cockroach
Rare; not threatened
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Predators of Giant burrowing cockroach Larvae
Araneae (spiders), mantodea (praying mantises), amphibia (frogs and toads), reptilia (small reptiles like geckos), aves (birds), insectivorous mammals (various small mammals), odonata (dragonflies nymphs in case of near-aquatic environments)
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Predators of Adult Giant burrowing cockroach
Aves (larger birds), mammalia (small predatory mammals e.g. shrews and rodents), araneae (large spiders), mantodea (large praying mantises), reptilia (reptiles including larger geckos and small snakes)
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Interesting Facts About Giant burrowing cockroach
Giant burrowing cockroach can live without its head for several weeks due to its open circulatory system and the fact that it breathes through spiracles along its body segments.
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Scientific Classification of Giant burrowing cockroach
Tips for Finding Giant burrowing cockroach
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Youth Habitat of Giant burrowing cockroach
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Giant burrowing cockroach Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of giant burrowing cockroach are usually nestled in a safe, hidden environment such as under decaying logs or leaf litter. Nymphs, resembling miniature adults, can be found in similar habitats where they have access to abundant organic matter to consume. Adult giant burrowing cockroach prefer damp, dark locations and are often encountered beneath logs, rocks, or in crevices within their rainforest ecosystems. When looking for the various growth stages, searching these places methodically by carefully turning over logs and debris, and inspecting crevices should yield observations of giant burrowing cockroach at different points in their life cycle.
Are Giant burrowing cockroach harmful?
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