One of the most visually striking roaches available in the UK hobby, the Four Spotted Jade Roach brings a burst of metallic beauty to any invertebrate collection. With their distinctive jade-green base coloration punctuated by four prominent golden-yellow spots, these Australian natives look more like living jewelry than traditional roaches. Their manageable size, inability to climb smooth surfaces, and relatively calm demeanor make them an excellent choice for keepers seeking something truly unique without the challenges of more demanding species.
A Glimpse
- Origin: Eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales)
- Scientific Name: Eustegasta buprestoides
- Difficulty Level: Low to Moderate
- Adult Size: 20-25mm (0.8-1 inch)
- Rarity: Medium
- Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
- Humidity: 60% to 70%
- Favorite Foods: Leaf litter, fruits, vegetables
- Supplements: Fish flakes, bee pollen, dried mushrooms
Overview
The Four Spotted Jade Roach inhabits forest floors in eastern Australia, where they play a crucial role in breaking down leaf litter and fallen fruits. Their common name perfectly describes their appearance - a lustrous jade-green body decorated with four distinct yellow-gold spots arranged symmetrically on their wing covers. The metallic sheen of their exoskeleton is particularly pronounced under good lighting, creating an almost iridescent effect that shifts between emerald and bronze tones.
Unlike many exotic roach species, E. buprestoides cannot climb smooth surfaces and are flightless, making them ideal for open-top displays or bioactive vivarium inhabitants. They're primarily nocturnal but will venture out during the day in established colonies, especially when favorite foods are offered. Adults exhibit mild sexual dimorphism, with males being slightly smaller and more slender than females.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup:
- Minimum 10-litre container for starter colonies (10-15 individuals)
- Moderate ventilation - cross ventilation preferred
- 3-4 inch substrate layer essential for burrowing
- Multiple hides using cork bark, egg cartons, or leaves
- Dried oak or magnolia leaves as both food and shelter
- Optional moss patches for humidity zones
Substrate Mix:
- 40% coconut fiber
- 30% decomposed hardwood leaf litter
- 20% rotted white wood
- 10% sand or perlite for drainage
Environmental Conditions: These roaches tolerate a wider temperature range than many tropical species, making them well-suited to UK room temperatures. They thrive between 22-28°C but can tolerate drops to 18°C without issues. Humidity should be moderate - they don't require the high humidity of rainforest species. Mist one side of the enclosure twice weekly, creating a moisture gradient. Good ventilation is important to prevent stagnant conditions.
Feeding: Feed 2-3 times weekly with a varied diet. They're excellent decomposers with a strong preference for dead leaves, which should always be available. Supplement with fresh vegetables like carrot, sweet potato, and squash. Fruits are eagerly accepted but should be given sparingly. Protein sources like fish flakes or dried mealworms should be offered weekly. They have a particular fondness for dried mushrooms and lichen when available.
Breeding Notes
E. buprestoides are ovoviviparous, producing live young after a gestation period of approximately 40-50 days. Females typically produce 15-25 nymphs per brood. Newborn nymphs are tiny (3-4mm) and immediately burrow into substrate, emerging to feed at night. They reach adult size in 4-6 months under optimal conditions. Adults live 12-18 months, with females capable of producing multiple broods. Colony growth is steady and manageable - they won't explode in numbers like some feeder species.
Special Considerations
Their inability to climb smooth surfaces makes them excellent for naturalistic setups, but they can climb rough surfaces like cork bark and wood. They're surprisingly good at squeezing through small gaps, so ensure ventilation holes are appropriately sized (maximum 2mm). While generally hardy, they're sensitive to excessive moisture - soggy conditions can lead to fungal issues. They coexist well with isopods and springtails in bioactive setups, occupying slightly drier areas than most isopod species prefer.
This species benefits from seasonal temperature variations, with slightly cooler winter periods (18-20°C) potentially improving breeding success. They're completely harmless and cannot infest homes, requiring specific conditions to survive and breed.
