Red Runner Roaches (Blatta lateralis), also known as Turkestan roaches, are another excellent live food option for reptiles. They are smaller and faster than Dubia roaches, making them suitable for smaller reptiles and those that prefer more active prey.

Benefits of Red Runner Roaches

• Nutritional Value: High in protein and moisture content, providing good nutrition for reptiles.
• Fast Breeding: They reproduce quickly, ensuring a steady supply of feeders.
• Active Prey: Their quick movements stimulate the hunting instincts of reptiles.
• Non-Climbing/Non-Flying: Cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly, making them easier to contain.

Setup for Breeding Red Runner Roaches

Container:

• Use a plastic bin with a secure lid and ventilation holes.
• Ensure the sides of the bin are smooth to prevent escapes.

Substrate:

• No substrate is needed, but you can use egg cartons or cardboard tubes to provide hiding places and increase surface area.

Temperature:

• Maintain a temperature of 85-95°F (29-35°C) for optimal breeding. Use a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter if necessary.

Humidity:

• Keep humidity levels around 50-60%. Too high humidity can lead to mold growth, while too low can cause dehydration.

Feeding

Diet:

• Provide a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and high-protein food such as commercial roach chow, dog food, or fish flakes.
• Avoid acidic or citrus foods, as they can harm the roaches.

Water:

• Use water crystals or water gel to prevent drowning.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables can also provide moisture.

Breeding Process

1. Setup: Place a starter colony of Red Runner roaches (a mix of males and females) in the container with egg crates or cardboard tubes for hiding.
2. Mating: Red Runner roaches are prolific breeders. Mating occurs naturally in a warm, dark environment.
3. Egg Laying: Females lay oothecae (egg cases) containing multiple eggs. These are deposited in hidden areas among the egg crates.
4. Hatching: Eggs hatch into nymphs within a few weeks. Nymphs are small and pale initially but darken as they mature.
5. Growth: Nymphs go through several molts over 3-4 months before reaching adulthood. Provide continuous food and proper conditions to support their growth.

Maintenance

1. Feeding and Watering: Regularly provide fresh food and water. Remove uneaten food to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
2. Cleaning: Periodically clean the container by removing frass (roach waste) and uneaten food. Replace the egg crates if they become dirty or moldy.
3. Population Control: To avoid overcrowding, periodically separate some adults and nymphs into another container.

Using Red Runner Roaches as Feed

1. Gut-Loading: Before feeding roaches to your reptiles, gut-load them with nutritious food (fruits, vegetables, and high-protein food) for 24-48 hours to enhance their nutritional value.
2. Feeding: Select appropriately sized roaches for your reptile. Larger reptiles can handle adult roaches, while smaller reptiles or juveniles should be fed nymphs.

Conclusion

Breeding Red Runner roaches is a practical and efficient way to ensure a steady supply of nutritious live food for your reptiles. With the right setup, temperature, humidity, and regular maintenance, you can successfully breed and maintain a healthy Red Runner roach colony. This can significantly reduce the cost of feeding your reptiles and ensure they receive a high-quality diet.