Panchlora – exact species unknown – widely believed to be Panchlora Exolta
A.K.A. – Cuban Cockroach
Native to: Cuba, Carribean, Gulf Coast areas
Environment: Humid tropical conditions. Arboreal, flying cockroach. Adults are often found in trees, shrubs and plants, nymphs burrow in soil.
Eats: Plant Matter, fruits, vegetables, dry or prepared insect food.
Sexing: Females are typically larger, both by length and girth, than male Panchlora. Female Giant Green Banana Roaches can reach lengths of appx 1.25″, with males reaching appx .75″.
Life Cycle: Eggs are carried internally by the female and hatch after appx 48 days. Female nymphs mature at approximately 6 months of age, whereas male nymphs mature at approximately 4.5 months of age. The total life span of a Green Banana Cockroach is 12 – 20 months.
Eggs: Eggs are carried internally until they hatch, appx 48 days. The ootheca (egg case) typically has between 30-60 eggs.
Nutritional Information: Exact nutritional information is not available for Panchlora. This roach is a soft bodied, meaty feeder, that is often favored due to its bright coloration and activity level.
Care Recommendations: A tall plastic storage container with a latching gasket lid is highly recommended. Adults of this species are excellent, quick climbers and will eagerly scale the sides of the enclosure, especially when the lid is opened! For this reason, I would also recommend a wide band of silicone grease or Vaseline on all sides, such as Climb Stopper Grease. Ventilation is important, but should be limited to maintain a high humidity environment. Our container has a dozen small air holes drilled into the center of the lid.
Nymphs and adults both burrow, so adding several inches of moist, organic soil is a must. Our roaches are raised in a combination of organic potting soil, cocoa coir, sand, and sphagnum moss – creating a moist, but well draining soil that can be easily tunneled through. A thick layer of leaf litter should also be added on top of the soil. Adults become very active in the evening, and enjoy climbing and hiding on objects above the soil. Large chunks and tubes of cork bark make excellent climbing and hiding features in this moist environment.
Panchlora tend to eat less than other roach species. Offer food in small quantities every 3-4 days, removing any food that shows signs of mold. If necessary, mist the enclosure during feedings to maintain high air humidity and moist soil. Soil should be moist, not soggy.
Green Banana Roaches are a tropical and subtropical roach, and as such, enjoy warmer temperatures and high humidity. Aim for temperatures of 85-90 degrees for optimal breeding.