This caresheet may be applicable to other Lanxoblatta species, and perhaps other similar Zetoborinae genera, (Schizopilia, Capucina, Phortioeca, etc.).
Housing:
Something 2-5 gallons big would work as a enclosure for a starter colony, preferably something about 8-12 inches in height. An airtight lid should be provided, because while happy, healthy individuals should NOT be found on the sides of their enclosure in a regular basis, all life stages can climb very well, and are extremely flat.
A thin layer of coconut fiber, potting soil, peat moss, etc. can be used as the substrate, but they'll hardly ever touch it. The most important component to their enclosure is a lot of vertically slanted, smooth hardwood bark. This is the surface that they'll spend most of their time on, and they'll get severely stressed out and die without it.
They chew the bark down over time, and as it degrades it will need to be replaced, or else they will become stressed, (the substrate should be replaced every now and then too, as they like a relatively clean environment, and most cleaner crews stress them out).
The bark must be vertically slanted, and preferably should be at least 8 inches in length/height, 4 inches in width, (thickness of the bark doesn't really matter). If the bark hides are laid down horizontally, the roaches will grow restless and die.
Possible alternatives to bark include chemical-free MDF boards, and maybe very smooth hardwood planks of some sort, but so far the best hides have proven to be smooth, hardwood bark slabs like Beech, Birch or some Maple bark. If the surface is too rugged and uneven, the small nymphs will become restless and wander the enclosure until they find a more suitable hide or die. If you do not have access to a steady supply of suitable bark, I would advise against keeping this species.
The amount of individuals that can fit into an enclosure directly correlates with how much bark you provide them with. This species appreciates high humidity, and does well with low to moderate ventilation levels.
Diet:
In addition to chewing on hardwood bark, (which may or may not be a necessary component to their diet), this species enjoys fresh fruits. Dog/cat/chick feed and veggies can be offered, but usually go ignored for the most part, fresh fruits appear to be the best staple diet for this species.
Food should be placed directly next to their bark hides, preferably touching the bark if possible, they don't like to leave their bark if they don't need to.
Temperature:
This species breeds best in the 75-80F° range, but may breed at lower temps as well.
Breeding/Life cycle:
Adults live for approximately 8-10 months, with males dying first. The gestation period for females is around 2-4 months, depending on the temperatures they are kept at. Each litter contains approximately 20-25 nymphs, which take about 5-8 months to mature under optimal conditions.
This species is sensitive to filth buildups and old substrate/hides, so may require frequent enclosure cleanings. Additionally they are very sensitive to most clean up crews, including isopods and large numbers of big springtails like Sinella curviseta, and may stop breeding if sufficiently disturbed by them.
The nymphs are extremely flat and beautiful bark mimics, and the adults are very flat and handsome as well! It is definitely a species any Blattodean enthusiast should consider adding to their collection, but ONLY if they have a good, steady supply of smooth, hardwood bark.
