Giant Flower Cockroach (Eucorydia Dasytoides)

Giant Flower Cockroach (Eucorydia dasytoides) is a stunning species and the largest of the flower roaches currently available in culture. Native to Taiwan and parts of China, this species belongs to the Eucorydia genus - commonly known as flower roaches because males are frequently observed visiting flowers during the day in the wild.

What makes this species so desirable is the transformation. The nymphs are nothing to write home about - small, brownish, and frankly a bit dull. But after the final moult, adults emerge with a gorgeous metallic blue-green iridescent colouration that genuinely has to be seen to be believed. It's like keeping ugly ducklings that turn into tiny jewelled beetles.

Eucorydia dasytoides is considered one of the rarer species in the UK hobby. They're relatively new to culture here and remain highly sought after by collectors. Once you understand their needs, they're not particularly demanding to keep, though patience is required - nymphs take 7-10 months to reach adulthood.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Taiwan, China (Southeast Asia)
• Scientific Name: Eucorydia dasytoides
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Size: 15-20mm (adults)
• Temperature: 20-27°C (can benefit from winter cooling)
• Humidity: 50-70% (prefers drier conditions with good ventilation)
• Favourite Foods: Fresh fruits, pollen, decaying leaves, protein supplements

An Overview

Eucorydia dasytoides is the largest species in the flower roach genus, reaching around 15-20mm as adults - roughly twice the size of the popular Sapphire Flower Roach (Eucorydia westwoodi). The UK stock currently in culture originates from Taoyuan, Taiwan.

In the wild, male flower roaches are pollinators, frequently visiting flowers during daylight hours. Females are more secretive, preferring to hide under bark and within rotting wood. This natural behaviour hints at their care requirements - they appreciate a setup that allows both burrowing and some climbing opportunity.

The entire Eucorydia genus is found exclusively in Asia, with various species occurring across China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. They belong to the Corydiidae family (previously known as Polyphagidae), which also includes the sand cockroaches.

One thing worth noting: adults are relatively short-lived compared to the lengthy nymph stage. Adult males typically live 2-3 months, with females lasting slightly longer. This makes starting with a reasonable group size important to ensure you have overlapping generations once the colony establishes.

Basic Care

• Nymphs cannot climb smooth surfaces, but adults of both sexes can - secure lids are essential, especially since males can fly.
• Ventilation is critical. This cannot be overstated. Poor airflow leads to fungal infections that can wipe out adults. Keep airflow high and humidity on the lower side.
• These roaches do better in drier, well-ventilated enclosures rather than humid ones. Think more "airy" than "tropical rainforest."
• Nymphs and females spend much of their time burrowed in substrate. Males are more active and visible.
• A winter cooling period (diapause) at around 15-18°C for a few months can help synchronise male and female maturation times and improve breeding success. This isn't strictly essential but is beneficial.
• Expect nymphs to take 7-10 months to reach adulthood. The wait is worth it.
• Keep colonies small initially. A starter group of 5-10 nymphs in a compact enclosure makes monitoring easier and helps you track oothecae (egg cases).

Feeding

Flower roaches have a varied diet, and their wild pollen-feeding behaviour means they appreciate fresh fruits more than many other roach species.

Good food options include:

• Fresh fruits (especially important for adults) - apple, banana, melon, berries
• Vegetables - cucumber, courgette, carrot, leafy greens
• Decaying hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech) - important dietary component
• Fish flakes or similar protein supplement - once weekly
• Pollen granules (if you can source them) - excellent for adults
• Dog/cat biscuits (small amounts for protein)

Remove uneaten fresh food within 24-48 hours to prevent mould growth - this species is particularly susceptible to issues from mould.

Leaf litter isn't just decoration for flower roaches - it forms a significant part of their diet. A thick layer of decaying hardwood leaves on top of the substrate is essential.

Appearance and Behaviour

The transformation from nymph to adult in this species is genuinely remarkable. Nymphs are small, brownish, and rather unremarkable - they've been nicknamed the "ugly ducklings" of the roach world. They spend most of their time burrowed in substrate, only emerging occasionally.

Adults are a different story entirely. After the final moult, they develop stunning metallic blue-green iridescence that makes them one of the most visually striking roach species available. The colouration can vary somewhat between individuals.

Size-wise, Eucorydia dasytoides is the giant of the flower roach group at 15-20mm - still a relatively small roach overall, but nearly twice the size of the common Sapphire Flower Roach.

Males are more active and will explore the enclosure, while females remain more secretive and prefer hiding under bark or burrowing. Males can fly when disturbed, so be prepared for this when opening the enclosure.

Breeding behaviour is straightforward - males chase females briefly before initiating tail-to-tail copulation that lasts several hours. Females produce small oothecae (egg cases) once or twice weekly, each containing 5-10 eggs. Oothecae take approximately two months to hatch.

Habitat

• For small starter colonies (up to 10 nymphs), a compact enclosure around 8x8x8cm works well and makes monitoring easier.
• For established colonies, a larger enclosure such as a small kritter keeper or similar (around 15x10x12cm) is suitable.
• Adults can climb and males can fly - ensure lids are secure with no gaps.
• Excellent ventilation is essential. Multiple ventilation holes or mesh sections are recommended. This species does poorly in stuffy, humid conditions.
• Temperature should be kept between 20-27°C for normal activity. A winter cooling period at 15-18°C for a few months helps synchronise breeding.
• Humidity should be moderate - around 50-70%. Keep the enclosure on the drier side with occasional light misting to one corner. Do not keep this species wet.
• No additional hides are strictly necessary as they'll burrow, but a piece of cork bark is appreciated and makes it easier to check on them.
• Substrate Mix

Substrate requirements for flower roaches are straightforward but important.

A suitable substrate consists of:

• Coconut fibre (coco coir)
• Organic potting soil
• Peat moss
• Or a combination of the above

Substrate depth should be around 2.5-5cm (1-2 inches) to allow for burrowing.

On top of the substrate, add a thick layer (2.5-5cm) of decaying hardwood leaf litter. This is important - leaf litter serves as both food and habitat enrichment. Oak and beech leaves work well.

A small piece of cork bark provides a focal point and makes it easier to check on the colony without disturbing the substrate too much.

Designate one corner as a "hydration corner" - lightly mist this area when needed rather than wetting the entire enclosure. The substrate should be mostly dry with this one area kept slightly damp.

Replace substrate every 6-8 months to prevent frass buildup affecting the enclosure conditions.