Here is a summary of insects that have been successfully used in RoboRoach experiments, along with important considerations for selecting the appropriate species.
Insects That Work Well
Several species of cockroaches are compatible with the RoboRoach system:
- Discoid cockroaches (Blaberus discoidalis) – The preferred species. Typically 3–4 cm in length and able to carry the backpack effectively.
- Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa)
- Blaberus giganteus
1. Blaberus discoidalis
2. Gromphadorhina portentosa
3. Blaberus giganteus
Helpful Tips
- Size: The insect must be large enough to carry the RoboRoach backpack. Large cockroach would be ideal.
- Wings: It’s best to use cockroaches that have wings: this indicates the insect is mature. We only use mature cockroaches to avoid interfering with their developmental stages.
- Species Notes:
- American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are also suitable. They are slightly faster than discoid cockroaches but otherwise comparable.
- Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are not recommended for RoboRoach experiments, as they are too small to carry the backpack. However, they are acceptable for Neuron SpikerBox experiments.
If anyone has experience with other species or has encountered specific challenges, feel free to contribute to the discussion.