Dubia roaches are a popular feeder insect for reptile and spider owners With their docile nature, inability to climb smooth surfaces, and reputation for not being able to fly, they seem like the perfect feeder. But can dubia roaches actually fly? The short answer is yes, male dubia roaches can fly short distances However, their flying abilities are limited. Here is an in-depth look at the flying capabilities of dubia roaches.
Do Male Dubia Roaches Have Wings?
Male dubia roaches develop wings once they reach adulthood at 5-6 months old. The wings extend the full length of the body past the abdomen. Females do not develop wings.
The wings and wing musculature allow dubias to meet the energy requirements for flight. But they use the wings primarily for gliding and controlling descent, not powered flight.
Can Male Dubia Roaches Fly?
While male dubia roaches have wings, they cannot achieve true sustained flight. However, they can use their wings to glide or flap for short bursts.
In lab tests, researchers found that dubias could direct and control their descent when dropped from around 8 feet high. But they could not gain altitude or achieve true flight.
The wings allow dubias to glide down from heights safely if knocked down from an arboreal perch. They can also use short flap bursts to evade predators. But dubias do not use their wings for migration or finding food.
Anecdotal Evidence of Dubia Roach Flight
Some dubia owners have witnessed short flight bursts firsthand. One owner reported a large male dubia flying across a 30-foot room after escaping its enclosure.
The dubia achieved approximately 3-4 feet of lift and glided the rest of the 30-foot distance before hitting a computer screen. This demonstrates their ability to get short lift, but not sustained flight.
Why Can’t Dubias Fly?
Researchers theorize there are several reasons why dubias cannot achieve true flight:
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Inadequate Wing Size: The wings are not large enough relative to their body size to generate enough lift.
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Low Wing Loading: Dubias have a low wing loading ratio (body weight to wing area). This results in insufficient thrust for flight.
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Lack of Flight Muscles: While dubias have some wing musculature, it is not powerful enough for true flight. The muscles are meant for gliding, not flying.
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Terrestrial Lifestyle: Dubias are a terrestrial, not arboreal species. They do not rely on flight for food, habitat access, or migration.
Can Other Cockroach Species Fly?
While dubia roaches cannot fly, some other cockroach species can:
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American cockroaches have wings but are poor fliers. They mainly glide or flap short distances.
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Asian cockroaches are aggressive fliers, using sustained flight to disperse and locate food.
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Brown-banded cockroaches are active fliers and can migrate between apartments via flight.
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Wood cockroaches have powerful flight muscles and often migrate via sustained flight.
So within the cockroach family, sustained flight capabilities vary greatly between species. Dubias are on the low end of the spectrum.
Preventing Dubia Roach Escape
While dubia roach flight is limited, owners should still take steps to prevent escape:
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Use smooth-sided enclosures like plastic or glass. Dubias cannot climb these.
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Make sure any ventilation holes are too small for roaches to fit through.
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Use tight-fitting lids on containers.
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Place containers on tables, not the floor, to prevent fallen roaches from escaping.
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Clean up any uneaten roaches after feeding reptiles to prevent loose dubias.
The Bottom Line
While dubia roaches have wings, they cannot truly fly in the sense of sustained, powered flight. However, male dubias can achieve short lift bursts and glide moderate distances if they fall or are startled.
Their limited flight capabilities are still enough to warrant escape-proof housing. But dubias will not fly away en masse or infest homes like some pest roach species. So with proper precautions, dubia roaches can still make an excellent feeder insect for pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can female dubia roaches fly?
No, only adult male dubia roaches develop wings. Females do not have wings and cannot fly.
How far can dubia roaches fly?
They can only fly for very short distances, usually just a few feet of lift and 10-20 feet of gliding at most. They cannot achieve sustained flight.
Should I get a lid for my dubia roach enclosure?
Yes, it’s recommended to use a tight-fitting lid to prevent any roach escape or gliding. Ventilation holes should be small enough to prevent escape.
Do dubia roaches fly around at night?
There is no evidence dubias are more active fliers at night. Their limited flight is mainly a response to falls or perceived threats.
Are there any roaches that can’t fly at all?
Yes, some roach species like the Turkestan cockroach lack wings and cannot fly. But most pest roaches can fly to some degree.
What do I feed to my dubia roaches?
You can use products like Dubia Dew and Roach Chow to keep your dubias fed and watered. Using a commercial chow rather than trying to make your own formula is a good way to make sure theyre getting the nutrients that they need. You can also throw in some fresh Organic vegetables like dark leafy greens, sweet potato, or squash to give them some extra vitamins and hydration. Be sure to thoroughly wash all Organic produce before offering it to your Dubia. Never give a water dish to dubia roaches, as they may drown in it.
How do I house/store dubia roaches?
Its very easy to keep dubia roaches. They will arrive in small plastic cups or a box, depending on how many you ordered. If you just ordered a few, then you can keep them in their cups and add food and water as needed. However if you ordered many, or if youre planning to start a breeding colony, then you will need a separate container. Most people keep their dubias in a small tank, critter keeper, or plastic tub filled with egg flats for them to hide in and climb on.