I was feeding and watering them today, and found anther male died. So I am down to 15 now, still no sign of procreation or anything.
Giant Burrowing (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) Cockroach journal
This is a journal about my GIant Burrowing (Rhino) Cockroach, Macropanesthia rhinoceros. They're from the forest floor of Queensland, Australia. This really isn't a scientific document by any length, just a journal that I keep so that I can track what I have done. So please bear with me for any errors, or personal opinions. Please feel free to use "comments" to point out any mistakes, or improvement suggestion.
2013年5月9日 星期四
2012年10月17日 星期三
Another died
Just did another head count, and only 16 of them were there. Possibly a female. I counted 4 females, which is incorrect compare to my record, there should be 5 females left. I will do another count at next clean up.
2012年7月15日 星期日
Just an update
Nothing much going on lately, summer is here, and they’re very active all the time. They mostly stay emerged unless I disturbed them too much. I did another count, and confirmed that there are 6 females and 11 males. Diet hasn’t changed much, a mix of dried grass, forest tortoise food and Eucalyptus globulus every few days, and once in awhile some other mix of dried Eucalyptus to keep food interesting, not that I think they care though… LOL I also spray their box once every few days just to keep things a little damped. I’ll do a measurement taking next time.
2012年3月9日 星期五
Detail count confirmed 1 died
Just did a detail count, and confirmed that 1 has died, according to their sizes, it was the “little odd one” which never grew or molted, so it probably met to die anyway.
Others have obviously grew quite a bit, males grew faster, the smallest 3 were all females, but they are ready for another molt soon so i guess the size difference would be minimal.
I counted 11 males, and 6 females, which means the one died was a male. All males counted for were quite large compare to the females, that’s how I confirm the one died was the small never-molted male.
Food regimen hasn’t changed since Jan 2012, except offered a bit of Liquidambar formosana a few times just to fresh them up.
2012年3月2日 星期五
Another update, I believed 1 died
Just did a head count, and I believed the little odd one, the one look weird and never molted in last 6 months disappeared, so now I have only 17 left. I will do a thorough counting later this week see if I still have 6 females left.
2012年2月7日 星期二
Update
2011年12月21日 星期三
Diet without dried leaves
Having said that, I throw them a piece of two dried leaves once in awhile, they would gladly consume them quickly. Maybe they don’t need the dried leaves (especially gem leaves), but they certainly prefer them by my observation.
2011年12月1日 星期四
Big Al is 18g! All 18 were out waiting for food.
2011年11月24日 星期四
Big Al is now 16g after molted and viciously feeding for a month!
2011年11月21日 星期一
18 alive, cleaned substrate
A feeding routine has been established. Daily dried grass/hay, with some finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus, they finished them every day. Offered them commercial Tortoise food as treat once a week. Also a few pieces of crushed Liquidambar formosana, Eucalyptus torelliana or Eucalyptus robusta as treats once in awhile.
I noticed their appetite have increased dramatically, either most of them have done their molting into young adults or it is the weather, since temp has dropped to around 24C in last 30 days. Guess we will find out either summer next year, or when we have the first batch of babies after a few years, we’ll see.
2011年11月9日 星期三
Big Al did his final molt!
2011年10月19日 星期三
Big Al still weight 13g
Liquidambar formosana replenished since its running out after about 2 weeks.
Tortoise food added
They rushed out to grab some even before I throw Eucalyptus globulus into the mix, so I guess they like it very much.
2011年10月18日 星期二
Grass bad for roaches?
Recently, I have came across some reports suggested that small tortoise shouldn’t be fed grass, only hardwood or pine leaves since these contain less fibre and more protein, only large tortoise can effectively digest grass. Experiments shown that if fed only grass, some small tortoise would refuse to eat, and those keep eating would lose weight. Now I wonder whether this would apply to roaches. But than it is autumn now, and the temperature has dropped significantly in the last 2 weeks, this might have triggered some sort of internal clock so they started eating for the winter. Anyhow, I’ll decrease the amount of grass, and throw some hardwood leaves in the mix and see how it goes.
2011年10月13日 星期四
Smaller ones coming out more and more
From what I have observed, they really like dried grass hay and finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus leaves, both are aromatic so I think they do forage by sense of smell.
2011年10月5日 星期三
18 alive, cleaned and replenished substrate
Most of them had grew, but 2 of the smaller ones and the odd B reminded the same size since the end of July.
Will do a measurement on all of them next time I clean the substrate to get a better idea of their growth.
Weather has been cooler recently, and humidity has dropped along with it, will observe the effect if any.
2011年9月27日 星期二
They certainly eat fast
There were a few layers of plant materials 10 days ago, now only 1 very thin layer left.
Replenished the top substrate with a mix of Liquidambar formosana, Eucalyptus robusta and Eucalyptus torelliana, plus a small amount of Eucalyptus crebra leaves and mulch. As usual, some finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus and grass hay mix as roaches staple.
2011年9月22日 星期四
Big Al will be molting anytime
2011年9月19日 星期一
2011年9月17日 星期六
18 alive, cleaned substrate
Did a head count, all 18 alive. And at least 5 of the AIF nymphs have been molted judging by their shape, and rest look like will be molting very soon since they all have a very bloated abdomen.
While I was thinning out substrate, I dug out a just molted nymph. Obviously, they aren’t as fragile as I thought, they can molt while burrowed, and some pressure on them while molting will not result in deformity.
2011年9月16日 星期五
Nymph molted in front of me
I filmed his molting process and has posted on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7CM2yHOp4o
His body started to elongated about a month ago, and his abdomen had recently got inflated so much that looked like it could be exploded anytime, white parts between each sections were at all time visible in recently weeks. His body shape was like a hisser with lots of babies inside ready to give birth just before he molt. After he molted, his body shape started to change, in around 6 hours, his body shape completely moth into more closely resemble to adult shape.
He looked like one of them in this picture, actually, he’s one of them. Note the body shape is more rounded compare to adults. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photo just before he molted, his abdomen is much more inflated than in this picture, so big and bloated that I began to worry about his health!
Some pictures while he’s molting.
His body started changing shape soon after molted.
After about 18 hours, he looked like this:
He’s now about a little more half of the size of the largest male.
2011年9月13日 星期二
Offered them a small pinch of oat meals
2011年9月11日 星期日
Refreshed top substrate
One thing should be noted, even though only very small amount plant materials look and feel very damped and the rest look normal to me, the cockroaches seem to have a taste for fresh materials, as soon as I throw fresh plants matters into the bin, they immediately noticed and begin to fetch them. Most noticeable small B get on with eating dried grass like there is no tomorrow, and a medium size nymph drag a piece of crushed Eucalyptus robusta around like someone is going to steal it.
In the last week, I have followed schedule strictly, only replenish them with Eucalyptus globulus, sometimes with hay grass mix when food is visibly getting low.
Will count them at next top substrate refreshment.
During last week’s observation, all 6 large males, and 2 larger AIF nymphs don’t burrow anymore, they just stay on top, probably due to their size.
2011年9月5日 星期一
Measurement of the biggest one
2011年9月3日 星期六
Lettuce almost finished
Discovered some mites, actually they had mites, but this time seems a lot more than usual. Guess I’ll keep them on dried leaves diet for awhile to reduce mites.
I am establishing a daily routine, replenish dried grass hay and Eucalyptus globulus if necessary, refill water dish, and mist once a day to make things simpler.
2011年9月2日 星期五
Lettuce finished
A few pinches of finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus and a few pieces of crushed Liquidambar formosana.
Plant materials are getting damped, should replace soon.
2011年9月1日 星期四
Give them some more lettuce
They seem to be more comfortable while I am around, won’t run for cover anymore unless I spray directly on them by accident.
2011年8月31日 星期三
Everything seems settled down, substrate beginning to build up
Shown more interests in lettuce this time, only very tiny bits left, also more carrots were consumed, but still some left and they’ve been there for 3 days now.
Replenished finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus and dried grass hay mix.
Substrate has built up quite a bit, smaller ones are building tunnels. will need to thin up the substrate soon.
2011年8月29日 星期一
Foods i have been feeding
From what I have experienced, I think these guys are actually quite hardy, could probably survive or even thrive on a wide variety of food without problem. Even without a deep substrate for them to burrow is okay. But then since they grow so slow, and breed only when they’re at least 3 years old, and could be up to 5, also even in best condition, they only produce 1 clutch of around 10 to 30 nymphs once a year, so it is understandable that keepers tend to be very careful on experimenting on these roaches.
Here is a list of foods that I have been feeding my rhino roaches.
Leaves, twigs, and barks
Eucalyptus crebra leaves and mulch (not 100% sure, came with roaches, won’t be able to get more since the seller only has license to export roaches, not plants)
Eucalyptus globulus leaves (Ordered from DD)
Eucalyptus torelliana leaves and barks (Collected from country park)
Eucalyptus robusta leaves and twigs (Collected from country park, and roadside nearby)
Liquidambar formosana leaves (Collected from countryside)
Other food
Apple, Carrot, Chinese Lettuce, Rolled Oat, Dried Grass Hay for Turtle, ZooMed Forrest Turtle pellets, Cypress Mulch
Following are foods I have at hand, but haven’t tried yet
Eucalyptus tereticornis
Dimocarpus longan
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata
Acacia auriculiformis
Signs of nibbling on carrots
Added a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus as usual.
The largest AIF nymph seems have grown a little, maybe he just molted?
2011年8月28日 星期日
Water dish
Offered them a little piece of carrot break into 2 pieces. A larger one immediately nibble on it, but stopped as soon as I started observing.
2011年8月27日 星期六
Removed very damped plant materials and replenished with fresh and dried matters
Sign of water crystal consumption.
Replenished top substrate with dried and crushed leaves, and twigs of Eucalyptus torelliana, Eucalyptus robusta (mixed with those collected from Ma On Shan country park and Chung On) and Liquidambar formosana. A few pinches of finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus, AIF leaves/mulch, and dried grass on top for food.
Fresh dried plant materials, washed and ready to be microwaved
19/8/2011
27/8/2011
After replenishment with various matters
2011年8月26日 星期五
Not much interests in turtle food
Plant matters continue to decrease, will take a photo and replenish their supply tomorrow.
Observed same 8 out and about. They’re more thirsty than the last few days, at least 2 of them ignored me opening the bin and drink immediately after I spread, humidity was kept not as high, but some water crystal was placed in a corner. So maybe they just need to drink more than other roaches.
2011年8月25日 星期四
Turtle food
Up to now, it seems that they prefer crushed Eucalyptus globulus and dried grass most, but will nibble on all plant matters I threw in there except Eucalyptus torelliana barks which probably is too hard for them.
I threw in 2 pieces of turtle food last time, and they ate 1. This time, I throw them 3 pieces and see if they have more interests since most of their favourite food are gone.
Same as before, all 6 larger males, and 2 small AIF nymphs are out and about.
2011年8月24日 星期三
Not interested in Lettuce core
Signs of consuming plant materials, the area covered and thickness is visually shrinking.
Refilled a few pinches of crushed Eucalyptus globulus.
Observed all larger males, and 2 AIF nymphs stay in open, maybe near time to molt for some of them?
2011年8月22日 星期一
Seems a small nymph has reach certain age threshold
Lettuce have been nibbled on with bite marks, but not much was consumed, removed, and replace by a few pieces of lettuce core to test their interest.
2011年8月20日 星期六
18 alive, cleaning substrate
Found some pieces of apple buried in the substrate when I do the cleaning, so they didn’t really interested in apple that I thought they’ve eaten. Maybe I should avoid feeding apple, and stick with lettuce, since they almost finish the lettuce, so I just removed all the apple and gave them a few more pieces of lettuce.
Another observation, they stopped eating water crystal since humidity was kept high by plugged most of the ventilation holes.
All 18 alive.
Here is some family photos
AIF nymphs
Bigger males
More visual comparisons on the cage
1300 20/8/2011
1500 21/8/2011
From what I see, nothing much changed since 20/8/2011. So what mostly happened between 19/8 - 20/8 was probably just simple physics, smaller objects will work their way down to the bottom. But a close inspection on the substrate, not much fine plant materials can be found, so some finely crushed materials were consumed. Also uncovered some evidence of nibbling on AIF leaves, and other plant matters.
2011年8月19日 星期五
Collected some E. robusta from a pathway outside Chung On Estate
Their leaves look narrower at the first glance, but when I compare them to what I collected from Ma On Shan country park, they’re just smaller, so to appear narrower. Another interesting thing is that they’re a lot more lighter in colour, looks like tannin contain is as low as E. globulus that I imported from the U.S. That makes me wonder, tannin contain may not be species specific, but environment influenced or perhaps it is due to different stage of leaf or tree growth. Another possibility is that those leaves picked from Ma On Shan country park absorbed the tannin from other plant matters, since there was a layer of a few inches of plant matters on the forest floor, and it had been raining non-stop for a few weeks when I collect them.
The major difference of these different collecting sites is that I picked mostly big individual leaf already on the forest floor probably fell leaf by leaf and probably been there for sometimes in Ma On Shan country park, while in Chung On, they were mostly dropped from the tree not very long ago, and they fell with the whole twig, so all leaves were still attached to the twigs.
But after close inspection, I am quite certain they belongs to the same species, most probably E. robusta.
Collected from Ma On Shan country park
Collected from Chung On site
A visual comparison on the plant matters between 24 hours period
1900 19/8/2011
1300 20/8/2011
Crushed matters like Eucalyptus globulus, dried grass and mulch was obviously decreased visually, it could be either those have been consumed by roaches, got buried under larger litter from activities, or both. I would incline to believe it could be both. I often observed when crushed matters like Eucalyptus globulus, dried grass and mulch are running visibly low, they eat larger litter such non-crushed leaves, and twig more often as well.
I’ll not replenish their supply until tomorrow, then take another picture to see if there is any visual difference in another 24 hour period.
Wow! One of the smaller nymphs was observed eating
And a medium size one was observed eating a dead twig.
Still some Apple leftover from 2 days before. Seems not generating much interests after the first day, removed.
Dehydration improved, evidence of eating
They didn’t run for water when I spray, so I think dehydration problem is fixed.
Signs of foraging everywhere, most Eucalyptus globulus gone, and only 2 small pieces of Apple left, even those have signs of nibbling.
Should change out some plant materials since quite a few of them are damped due to frequent spraying.
Gave them a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus and dried grass on to top up
2011年8月18日 星期四
Retain moisture better after plugging a few ventilation holes
All 6 large males are out and about, seems very lively as well. 1 small nymph was with them, buried himself right after he sensed me, not sure how long it will take them to get used to me being around. Thicker top substrate made up by plant matters seems calm them down a bit, at least they now don’t just trying to climb out of the bin when bothered, they would sometimes retreat to centre of the bin using leaves, barks as cover.
Seems some amount of water crystal was consumed, I will stop putting more into the bin, and see how they react tomorrow when I spray, then put a few more into the bin for them see whether they change their behaviour, that way, I could be certain whether they need those crystals.
Carrots still there, will remove the carrots and give them some fresh one before the end of the day.
Offered them a few small pieces of Apple. Odd B was observed eating AIF leaf, too bad I have no way to get more of those.
2011年8月17日 星期三
Still very thirsty, added some water crystal to tranches at the edge
Added some water crystal on the tranches along the edge see if it helps on dehydration.
Some sign of nibble on carrots, but largely untouched. Lettuce almost finished, only trace amount left.
A few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus until visible thin layer established
Added more mixed of crushed Eucalyptus torelliana, Eucalyptus robusta and Liquidambar formosana as staple and substrate. Should set up an schedule to thin out the substrate and clean out wet plant litters, and replenish clean sand if needed.
Leaves were totally dried and crisp at first, they were rise under running water until damped and soft, and then microwaved to back bone dry and crispy. Offer them crushed.
Observed all larger ones came out wait for water, and 2 more smaller nymphs were with them. Also found 3 alive nymphs burrowed on an casual check.qqqq
2011年8月16日 星期二
Many came out
Since sand is still quite damped, and even some water still on the wall of the tub, I just sprayed them a bit, but 2 larger ones immediately went for droplets, smaller ones of course retreated. That makes me wonder, because the sand is still very damped, so maybe its not ventilation issues, its thin substrate dehydrating them since they have nowhere to hide.
Lettuce from yesterday almost gone.
gave them a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus, and 2 small pieces of carrot.
2011年8月15日 星期一
Measurements
12g 62.5mm Big Al
12g 58.3mm | 9g 57mm | |||
7g 57.1mm | 3g 41mm Odd B | 9g 55mm
|
2011年8月14日 星期日
Substrate dry up far too fast
I found 5 of 6 larger ones came out and stay on unburied after work. Seems resting together, but if I offer water, they seem interested, not thirsty type, but will drink. Seems humidity alone may not be enough, remember they eaten all water crystal that I used back in the thicker substrate and that substrate was 3” deep and kept damped at all times, so more water crystal could be the answer.
Still 1 small piece of Apple leftover, I had removed it since it has been there for 2 days.
Threw them 3 small pieces of lettuces
2011年8月13日 星期六
More litter on substrate
Liquidambar formosana seems the best material for food since they’re very crisp, crush very easily when they’re bone dry, and they don’t seem to contain as much tannin as other leaves such as Eucalyptus robusta, they’re very light colour already the first time they dry up. Leaves from Eucalyptus robusta need many wet/dry cycles, and still leak tannin on boil/steam and still appear deep brown.
Went out to collect Liquidambar formosana, found a few big trees alongside Tai Po Road (Tai Po section near Tai Po Au Park).
Add more lightly crushed Liquidambar formosana, should start making Liquidambar formosana as their main cover, and Eucalyptus globulus as their main food.
Didn’t show a lot of interests in Apple lately, still small pieces left from yesterday.
Thinning substrate a bit more
Substrate dry out very quickly, should start spray heavily at least once a day, or preferably twice a day.
Only very little sign of feeding, probably done by larger ones and odd B.
Placed 2 small pieces of Apple on each side.
Added a few pieces of crushed Eucalyptus torelliana, AIF leaves & Liquidambar formosana,handful of cypress mulch, a few pinch of AIF mulch & Eucalyptus globulus to provide them more cover and as top substrate.
2011年8月11日 星期四
18 alive, thinning substrate to reduce it from 3" to 1/2"
Redo the substrate to from 3” to 1/2” as recommended by ppl in allpets, for avoiding molting issues. There are people suggested that if a tunnel collapse during molt, it will result in deformity, or worse, death.
No sign of eating from yesterday before substrate rearrangement.
Added a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus, cypress mulch and AIF mulch to enrich the floor.
Added Liquidambar formosana and Eucalyptus robusta
Offered them 5 pieces of Liquidambar formosana crushed and a piece of Eucalyptus robusta slightly crushed
2011年8月10日 星期三
Not much activities, food barely eaten
Most Eucalyptus globulus got damped, removed some, also added some Eucalyptus globulus, AIF leaves, and cypress mulch
signed of Eucalyptus robusta got dragged half way into a burrow but no obvious sign of consumption
Observed a AIF nymph came out in the morning, and actually still there at lunch time.
Offered 1/2 small piece of carrot, odd B immediately nibbled a little of it
2011年8月9日 星期二
Little sign of foraging, but some entrances are opened
Observed no one apart from odd B
Offered them 1/2 piece of lettuce
2011年8月8日 星期一
Most if not all Eucalyptus globulus, and Eucalyptus torelliana gone
Leftover oat from yesterday didn't even touch, probably because of undetectable mold.
Offered a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus and AIF wood mulch
Offered 1 piece of cleaned and crushed Ficus virens var. sublanceolata
observed no one apart from odd B
2011年8月7日 星期日
Too much oat offered yesterday
Observed no nymphs apart from odd B
2011年8月6日 星期六
Many burrow entrances reopened.
A few small nymphs came out for awhile, as usual they run around the edge looking for exit, then they just disappeared again into the sand when they sensed I am around.
2011年8月5日 星期五
Finished 1 piece of 2 pieces of soften forest turtle food, still Eucalyptus torelliana left
Cleaned out old wet leaves, apple, and lettuce. Left a small piece of Eucalyptus torelliana and bark in there
Offered a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus, oat, AIF leaves, cypress mulch and hay grass mix.
Odd B not so active, but still munching. Big Al non-stop munching on new stuff i throw at him
2011年8月4日 星期四
seems they didn't come out the whole day
Seems finished most if not all Eucalyptus globulus. Still Eucalyptus torelliana left, I don't see any Eucalyptus robusta left.
Little amount of oat, lettuce and grass left.
Offered them a piece of apple broken in 4 and 2 pieces of soften up forest turtle food. Larger one nibbled on both immediately, but didn't show continuous interest, maybe too full.
Big Al and Odd B are very active.
2011年8月3日 星期三
some Eucalyptus torelliana and Eucalyptus robusta left after 4 days
Still have some Eucalyptus torelliana and Eucalyptus robusta left after 4 days.
Eucalyptus globulus finished, though only very small amount was offered as testing.
Possible that they prefer Eucalyptus globulus over another gum leaves。 Maybe aromatic plays a roll?
At night:
Oat also finished
Offered small pinches of mixed Eucalyptus globulus, AIF mulch, rolled oat, dried hay grass and cypress mulch
Immediately shown great interests in hay grass, and munch a bit on cypress mulch
Gave them a few pieces of lettuce, a medium size male nymph immediately drag the whole 1/4" pieces back into the burrow, bigger male also start eating another piece right away.
2011年8月2日 星期二
little odd one eating Eucalyptus robusta
Observed the little odd B eating Eucalyptus robusta,need to observe him more
Leaves are running low, throw in some more rolled oat
Received DD's dried gum leaves, hesitate to offer them to my roaches right away though since they looked green dried, and is strong aromatic, will start mixing them in gradually
Just received an email, DD claimed that those are Eucalyptus globulus), so I offered my roaches a small pinch. Smaller ones seems more interested in AIF mulch, but the biggest brown one shown great interests in the new leaf litter, and was actively seeking them after first taste. Will observe him in the next few days.
Collected some Dimocarpus longan,Ficus virens var. sublanceolata,and Acacia auriculiformis, need to be processed before offering.
DD’s dried leaves
2011年8月1日 星期一
Still not great interests in Eucalyptus torelliana
Some interests in Eucalyptus robusta (大葉桉),not finished, but quite a bit of them nibbled off, and whole leaf got dragged into an entrance of a burrow
Carrot 3/4 finished, 4 little pieces from yesterday
Observed a large and a small nymph sharing the same burrow, saw them in the entrance, while the big one trying to pull in a leaf, I offered them a few pieces of rolled oat, the larger one grab it and small one try to snack it from the larger one, I then gave another piece to the smaller one, and the smaller one accepted it.
Picked up the odd little one, and offer him a piece of oat while on my hand. He accepted it, and ate 1/2 of it before moving on.
2011年7月30日 星期六
18 alive, Eucalyptus torelliana not very welcomed
Uncovered them, all 18 alive. Changed out top substrate
Added 1/2 Eucalyptus robusta first time
Added a piece of Eucalyptus torelliana (毛葉桉) bark for cover
Mixed in more dried grass on top. Ratio of cypress:gum mulch increased (more cypress)
2011年7月29日 星期五
Try freshly collected Eucalyptus torelliana
Placed a Eucalyptus torelliana leaf in there
2011年7月28日 星期四
2011年7月27日 星期三
Seems feeding fine
2011年7月26日 星期二
Feed more kind of food
Fed some Apple
2011年7月25日 星期一
18 still alive
Uncovered them, all 18 still alive, changed out top substrate
2011年7月23日 星期六
Added 6 slightly larger males into collection
2011年7月21日 星期四
First day
Keeping them with sand/eco earth mix, damped substrate. Feeding food comes with package, dried gum leaves and gum wood mulch. Gum leaves probably Eucalyptus crebra, Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus tereticornis, most probably E. Crebra since these are found in the same habitate of GBR in Australia. Let’s call them AIF leaves and mulch for the time being.
Keeping them in a damped 3” of sand substrate as recommended by AIF