These jewel-like cockroaches from the Yaeyama Islands of Japan are among the most visually striking invertebrates available in the hobby. With their metallic blue-green sheen and bright orange head markings, Eucorydia yasumatsui brings a splash of tropical color that rivals any butterfly. While not as straightforward as some feeder roaches, their manageable size and stunning appearance make them an excellent choice for display colonies and those looking to branch out from isopods.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
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Scientific Name: Eucorydia yasumatsui
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Difficulty Level: Moderate
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Adult Size: 12-15mm (0.5-0.6 inches)
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Rarity: Medium to High
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Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
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Humidity: 60% to 75%
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Favorite Foods: Fruits, pollen, jellies, leaf litter
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Supplements: Bee pollen, fruit beetle jelly, honey
Overview
The Sapphire Flower Cockroach is a diurnal species, meaning they're actually active during the day - unusual for roaches and perfect for display setups. Native to subtropical Japanese islands, they've evolved alongside flowering plants and can often be found visiting blooms in their natural habitat. Their common name comes from both their jewel-like coloration and their flower-visiting behavior. Adults display sexual dimorphism, with males showing more vibrant blue-green coloration and longer wings than females.
Unlike many cockroach species, these remain relatively small and are completely harmless, unable to bite or cause any household infestations. They're also notably clean in their habits, lacking the distinctive odor associated with larger roach species. However, they can be somewhat delicate compared to the hardier species like Dubia or Red Runners, requiring more consistent conditions.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup:
- Minimum 5-litre container for starter colonies (10-15 individuals)
- Moderate ventilation - balance between humidity retention and air flow
- 2-3 inch substrate layer of coconut fiber mixed with leaf litter
- Plenty of cork bark arranged both horizontally and vertically
- Live or artificial plants enhance display value
- Small branches for perching and molting
Substrate Mix:
- 40% coconut fiber
- 30% decomposed oak leaf litter
- 20% orchid bark or wood chips
- 10% sphagnum moss
Environmental Conditions: These roaches appreciate stable, warm conditions with moderate to high humidity. Unlike many tropical roaches, they don't thrive in extremely humid conditions and need some air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Mist every 2-3 days, allowing the enclosure to dry slightly between mistings. They benefit from a day/night light cycle and may display more during daylight hours with appropriate lighting.
Feeding: Feed 2-3 times weekly with variety being key to success. Fresh fruits like apple, pear, and melon are readily accepted. Artificial beetle jellies (the type used for stag beetles) are particularly appreciated and provide balanced nutrition. Bee pollen should be available constantly as a protein source. They'll also consume dried leaves and dead flowers, particularly from fruit trees. Remove uneaten fresh foods within 48 hours to prevent mold.
Breeding Notes
E. yasumatsui reaches maturity in 3-4 months under optimal conditions. Females produce small oothecae (egg cases) containing 8-12 eggs, which they partially bury in substrate or attach to bark. Incubation takes 4-6 weeks at proper temperatures. Nymphs are tiny (2-3mm) and require fine foods like powdered pollen and finely ground fish flakes. Colony growth is steady but not explosive - expect gradual, sustainable population increases rather than rapid booms.
Special Considerations
Adults are capable of flight, though they rarely do so in captivity. Ensure your enclosure has a secure lid with appropriate ventilation. They're more sensitive to pesticides and chemicals than many roach species, so avoid using treated wood or leaves from areas that may have been sprayed. Their small size and daytime activity make them excellent inhabitants for planted terrariums, where they serve as both decomposers and visual interest.
Temperature drops below 65°F can be fatal, particularly for nymphs. If keeping in cooler climates, supplemental heating may be necessary year-round.
