Pycnoscelus niger (previously: Pycnoscelus nigra)

This sleek looking roach is nearly identical to the closely related Surinam Roach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis), though arguably more aesthetically pleasing. Just like the better-known Surinam Roach, the Shadow Roach is parthenogenic, meaning all or nearly all individuals are female and reproduce asexually without the need for breeding with males. This allows for reliable and rapid colony growth as long as basic care requirements are being met. This species spends the vast majority of its time underground, so provide a nice deep substrate layer and keep about half of it dry and half of it moist. They’ll do fine at room temperatures of 70–75°F, but will reproduce faster if kept warmer, around 80–85°F. Feed with lots of dried leaves, dry dog or fish food, vegetable scraps and offer an occasional sweet treat like fruit or Asian jelly.