Red Runner Roaches: The Ultimate Feeder Insect Guide
Red Runner Roaches (Blatta lateralis), also known as Turkestan roaches, are an excellent feeder insect for a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Unlike Dubia roaches, Red Runners are small, fast-moving, and highly active, making them irresistible to reptiles that prefer to hunt live prey.
Many people worry about roaches becoming pests in their home, but Red Runner roaches are NOT the same as household roaches like German cockroaches or American cockroaches. They require specific conditions to breed and thrive, making them unlikely to infest your home if properly stored.
In this guide, we’ll cover Red Runner roach care, nutrition, breeding, and how they compare to other feeders like Dubia roaches, crickets, and mealworms.
How Are Red Runner Roaches Different From Household Roaches?
One of the biggest concerns about feeder roaches is the fear of an infestation, but Red Runner roaches are NOT like the common cockroaches that invade homes. Here’s how they differ:
🦗 Red Runner Roaches (Feeder Roach) vs. German Cockroaches (Household Pest)
🚨 Key Takeaway: Red Runner roaches are NOT household pests and require specific conditions to breed, making infestation highly unlikely.
Why Choose Red Runner Roaches as Feeders?
Red Runner roaches are an excellent alternative to crickets and Dubia roaches, offering several unique benefits:
1. Highly Active & Stimulates Hunting Instincts
Red Runners move quickly, triggering natural predatory behaviors in reptiles. This makes them more engaging than Dubia roaches, which tend to stay still.
2. High Protein, Low Fat
They have a better protein-to-fat ratio than crickets and mealworms, making them a great staple feeder for growing reptiles.
3. No Noise, No Odor
Unlike crickets, Red Runner roaches do not chirp or make noise. They also produce less odor than crickets, making them easier to store.
4. No Climbing or Jumping
Unlike crickets, Red Runner roaches cannot jump, and females cannot climb smooth surfaces, making them easier to contain.
5. Fast Breeding for Self-Sustaining Colonies
If you’re looking to breed your own feeder roaches, Red Runners reproduce quickly and easily under the right conditions.
Red Runner Roach Nutrition
Red Runner roaches provide excellent nutrition for reptiles and amphibians due to their high protein, low fat, and good calcium levels.
Red Runner Roach Nutritional Profile (Per 100g Dry Weight)
Protein: ~63%
Fat: ~14%
Calcium: ~20 mg/kg
Moisture Content: ~66%
Red Runner Roaches vs. Other Feeder Insects
✔ Higher Protein Than Dubia Roaches – Great for muscle growth and energy.
✔ Less Fat Than Mealworms & Superworms – Good for weight control in reptiles.
✔ Moderate Moisture Content – Helps with hydration but not excessive like hornworms.
How to Store & Care for Red Runner Roaches
Red Runner roaches are easy to store and require very little maintenance.
1. Housing & Environment
Use a well-ventilated plastic bin with a secure lid (males can flutter).
Keep at 85-95°F for best growth.
Use egg cartons or cardboard for hiding spaces.
2. Feeding Red Runner Roaches
Feed them a high-quality diet to gut-load them before feeding them to your reptiles.
Best foods: Fresh veggies, fruits, dry grains, and commercial roach chow.
Avoid: Moldy food, excessive moisture (prevents bacterial growth).
3. Watering
Use water crystals or a moist sponge to prevent drowning.
Do NOT use standing water—they will drown.
4. Breeding Tips
Keep males & females together in a warm, dry environment.
Females lay egg cases (oothecae), which hatch in 3-5 weeks.
A well-maintained colony will replenish itself regularly.
Best Reptiles & Pets for Red Runner Roaches
Red Runner roaches are great for a variety of insectivores, including:
🦎 Bearded Dragons – High protein & easy to digest.
🦎 Chameleons – Stimulates hunting behavior.
🦎 Leopard Geckos & Crested Geckos – Great alternative to crickets.
🐍 Small Snakes – Readily eaten by insect-eating snake species.
🐸 Pacman Frogs, Tree Frogs, & Toads – Active prey makes them more exciting.
🐢 Box Turtles & Aquatic Turtles – A high-protein supplement.
🕷 Tarantulas & Invertebrates – Excellent for large spiders and scorpions.
Where to Buy Red Runner Roaches
At PNW Reptile Bites, we offer high-quality Red Runner roaches in various sizes to meet your reptile’s needs.
📌 Order now! We offer flat-rate shipping and local pickup options for your convenience.
🌍 Shop Now: www.PNWReptileBites.com
Final Thoughts
Red Runner roaches are an amazing feeder insect that provide high protein, low fat, and excellent hunting stimulation for reptiles. Unlike household roaches, they cannot infest your home and are odorless, silent, and easy to maintain.
Whether you're feeding bearded dragons, geckos, or tarantulas, Red Runners are a top-tier choice. Start feeding them today and see the benefits for yourself!
🐛🦎 Happy Feeding!
