The Dubia cockroach (Blaptica dubia), also known as orange-spotted cockroach or Guyana spotted cockroach, is a medium/large species of cockroach, measuring about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) long. They are sexually dimorphic; the males have wings while the females have only tiny wing stubs. Adults are dark brown to black with somewhat lighter orange spot/stripe patterning sometimes visible only in bright light. Coloration does differ slight with environment and diet from one colonly to another. It is commonly said that although the males have wings, they do not fly. However, this is not precisely accurate, they can carry a level flight in the air when conditions are favorable. Male Dubia roaches are not strong fliers and it seems to be a means of removing the males from a colony when food sources are scarce. When provided a high launching site the males can maintain altitude and fly some distance. Keepers can prevent males from escaping by ensuring that their containers lip is 2-3 inches above and 8" away from the highest point from where a male can launch itself into the air. Males will not attempt to leave in this manner as long as food and environment is favorable; when it is not they will become highly agitated in the early evening, rousing other males to also take flight. Neither adults nor juveniles climb smooth surfaces, though juveniles have been known to climb the soft silicon seals in terraria. Dubias are prolific, giving live birth to 20 to 40 nymphs per month under the most favorable conditions.
A specimen measured.
The Dubia cockroach is found in Central and South America, beginning in Costa Rica. It is common from French Guyana and Brazilto Argentina.