Technical Data Sheet: Elliptorhina javanica
Scientific Name: Elliptorhina javanica
Taxonomic Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Blattodea
- Family: Blaberidae
- Genus: Elliptorhina
- Species: Elliptorhina javanica
Description:
- Morphology: Elongated and flattened body, small head, long and thin antennae, legs adapted for running and climbing.
- Color: Ranges from dark brown to lighter shades, with some individual variations.
Habitat:
- Native to Madagascar, but have also established in other areas, especially in warm and humid climates.
- Natural habitats: Tropical rainforests.
- Urban areas: Often found in places with abundant organic matter and moisture, such as basements, sewers, and kitchens.
Behavior:
- Nocturnal: Primarily active at night.
- Hiding: During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices.
- Feeding: Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic matter, including decaying food, paper, and cardboard.
Importance:
- Pets: Valued in entomology as pets and study subjects.
- Live food: Widely used as live food in the breeding and maintenance of reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic animals in captivity.
