Therea bernhardti

Technical Sheet: Therea bernhardti

Common name: Domino Cockroach / Bernhardt’s Armadillo Cockroach
Scientific name: Therea bernhardti
Origin: Southern India, mainly Hyderabad region and nearby areas
Size: Approximately 3 to 4 cm
Coloration: Dark brown and black tones with a segmented pattern visible in hard protective plates covering its body
Lifespan: 1 to 2 years in captivity
Ideal temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
Humidity: Moderate, around 50-60%
Diet: Omnivorous; accepts fresh fruits, vegetables, dry leaves, and specialized cockroach food
Behavior: Non-flying, peaceful, primarily nocturnal
Reproduction: Small oothecae with several eggs, easy breeding under suitable conditions
Minimum terrarium size: 10 liters, with proper substrate for hiding and humidity control
Maintenance difficulty: Easy, ideal for beginners
Common uses: Exotic pet for terrariums, live food for reptiles and amphibians

Description

The Therea bernhardti is a fascinating and easy-to-care-for species in the world of exotic insects. With its compact body and hard plates that give it an armored look similar to an armadillo, this cockroach native to southern India stands out for its resilience and adaptability in home terrariums.

Perfect for beginners, Therea bernhardti requires a warm environment with moderate humidity, simulating its natural habitat. Its diet is very versatile, feeding on fresh fruits, vegetables, dry leaves, and specialized food, making care simple.

Besides its unique appearance, this species has a calm, non-flying behavior, making it a safe and manageable choice for both hobbyists and professionals. Its life cycle and reproduction in captivity are efficient and straightforward, allowing successful breeding without complications.

If you’re looking for a resilient, easy-to-maintain exotic cockroach with a naturally attractive design, Therea bernhardti is an excellent option to add variety and an exotic touch to your terrarium or collection. It’s also highly valued as live food for reptiles and amphibians.

Discover everything this armadillo cockroach can bring to your breeding space, combining natural beauty with hassle-free care.