Officials in Australia have confiscated over 100,000 live cockroaches from a single breeder, marking the country’s largest seizure of exotic invertebrates. These cockroaches, illegal to keep in Australia, originated from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.
The seized cockroaches included Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches. The haul was valued at 200,000 Australian dollars, approximately 142,000 USD. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are among the world’s largest, measuring between 5 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) in length. Photos from the department show a sizable, brown invertebrate larger than a human finger.
Australia is home to hundreds of cockroach species, with common ones measuring between 2.3 to 3.6 centimeters (0.9 to 1.4 inches). The country’s sub-tropical climate is conducive to their proliferation. According to Bathurst snake catcher Stefanie Lesser, these exotic cockroaches are likely sold as reptile food due to their larger size, as they require fewer insects.
Officials advised pet owners to use alternatives like crickets or wood roaches for feeding their reptiles. Both Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches are illegal to import, keep, breed, or sell in Australia. The department emphasized strict biosecurity measures to protect agriculture, horticulture, and native wildlife from pest infestations.
Pests like these are not assessed for environmental risk, posing potential dangers to local wildlife and spreading diseases. The department stated that individuals smuggling illegal animals, insects, or plants face significant fines. While the breeder in Bathurst was not charged, the confiscated cockroaches are slated for euthanasia.