# Recommended Cockroach Species for RoboRoach Experiments

**URL:** <https://forum.backyardbrains.com/t/recommended-cockroach-species-for-roboroach-experiments/81>\
**Category:** Experiments\
**Created:** [May 13, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://forum.backyardbrains.com/t/recommended-cockroach-species-for-roboroach-experiments/81 "2025-05-13T21:36:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![marija](https://forum.backyardbrains.com/user_avatar/forum.backyardbrains.com/marija/32/57_2.png) [@marija](https://forum.backyardbrains.com/u/marija)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://forum.backyardbrains.com/t/recommended-cockroach-species-for-roboroach-experiments/81/1 "2025-05-13T21:36:07Z")

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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**

 ![](https://forum.backyardbrains.com/uploads/default/original/1X/060ba76a4afe0bc99879ed83d67601e8fa77fc3d.jpeg)  
1. Blaberus discoidalis  
  

 ![2. Gromphadorhina portentosa](https://forum.backyardbrains.com/uploads/default/original/1X/357bd149db7dfa6d15125fcdd215b5bf9a651879.jpeg)  

2. Gromphadorhina portentosa

 ![3. Blaberus giganteus](https://forum.backyardbrains.com/uploads/default/original/1X/2763bc2af8f1bc2cc6b58d9af70832e617dab355.jpeg)  

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.