These remarkable roaches carry a unique distinction in the invertebrate hobby - they're extinct in the wild, existing only in captivity after their sole habitat was destroyed in Guinea. Originally discovered in the Simandou Mountains, these living fossils represent a successful conservation story through hobbyist breeding programs. Their manageable size, wingless nature, and fascinating social behaviors make them both a privilege and a responsibility to keep.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Simandou Mountains, Guinea (Extinct in Wild)
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Scientific Name: Simandoa conserfariam
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Difficulty Level: Easy
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Adult Size: 20-25mm (0.8-1 inch)
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Rarity: Uncommon
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Temperature: 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C)
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Humidity: 70% to 80%
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Favorite Foods: Protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables
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Supplements: Fish flakes, dog food, bee pollen
Overview
Simandoa conserfariam has a tragic yet inspiring story. Their only known habitat - a single cave system in Guinea - was destroyed by bauxite mining operations. Fortunately, specimens had already entered the hobby trade, and dedicated keepers worldwide now maintain the entire global population. The species name "conserfariam" literally means "to preserve," reflecting their conservation-dependent status.
These medium-sized, wingless roaches display interesting yellow-brown coloration with distinctive striping on nymphs. They're completely unable to climb smooth surfaces or fly, making them excellent candidates for open-top displays. Unlike many roach species, they exhibit complex social behaviors including communal child-rearing and group feeding behaviors that make them endlessly fascinating to observe.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup:
- Minimum 10-litre container for starter colonies (10-15 individuals)
- Moderate to low ventilation to maintain humidity
- 3-4 inch substrate layer for burrowing behavior
- Multiple layers of egg cartons or cork bark
- Dark hiding areas essential for security
- Shallow water dish with sponge or crystals
Substrate Mix:
- 40% coconut fiber
- 30% decomposed hardwood
- 20% sphagnum moss
- 10% crushed leaves
Environmental Conditions: Cave roaches naturally inhabited a high-humidity environment with stable temperatures. Maintain consistent warmth between 75-85°F for optimal breeding. Humidity should remain high but not saturated - aim for that "cave-like" feeling without creating swamp conditions. Mist every other day, focusing on one side to create a moisture gradient. These roaches are largely nocturnal and prefer dim conditions, though they'll adapt to normal room lighting.
Feeding: Feed 2-3 times weekly with protein being particularly important for this species. They're enthusiastic eaters with a preference for protein-rich foods. Dry dog or cat food (fish-based formulas work well), fish flakes, and bee pollen should form the staple diet. Supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables - they particularly enjoy apple, carrot, and squash. Always provide food in shallow dishes to prevent substrate contamination. Remove uneaten fresh foods within 24-48 hours.
Breeding Notes
S. conserfariam are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying egg cases. Females gestate for approximately 60 days before producing 20-30 small nymphs. With proper nutrition and temperatures, colonies can grow steadily. Interestingly, this species shows communal care behaviors - adults will allow nymphs from other mothers to shelter beneath them. Sexual maturity is reached in 4-5 months. Maintaining genetic diversity is important given their extinction in the wild, so avoid excessive culling of breeding adults.
Special Considerations
As an extinct-in-wild species, keeping Simandoa comes with an ethical responsibility to maintain healthy colonies. Never release them outdoors, even if your climate seems suitable. Share offspring with other responsible keepers to ensure the species' continued survival. They cannot climb glass or plastic, but can climb rough surfaces like wood or fabric, so ensure ventilation holes are appropriately sized.
This species seems more sensitive to environmental toxins than many roaches - avoid using any pesticides or chemicals near their enclosure. Cedar and pine should never be used as substrates or hides due to toxic oils.
