Red Runner Roaches
When it comes to feeding reptiles, most people turn to mealworms, crickets, or dubia roaches. But if you’ve never heard of Red Runner Roaches—also known as Blatta lateralis—you might be missing out on one of the most effective feeder insects available.
These small, fast-moving roaches are quickly becoming a favorite among experienced reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate keepers, and for good reason. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Red Runners such a valuable feeder option, how to care for them, and whether they’re right for your animals.
What Are Red Runner Roaches?
Red Runners are a species of non-climbing, ground-dwelling roach native to parts of Africa and Asia. Their name comes from their rusty-red coloration (hence their nickname Rusty Reds) and quick-footed behavior. Adults max out at about 1 inch long and are known for their agility, making them a highly stimulating prey item for visually oriented predators.
Unlike dubia or discoid roaches, Red Runners reproduce by laying oothecae (egg cases), which hatch into dozens of nymphs over the course of several weeks. This makes them ideal for small-scale home breeding.
Why Keep Red Runners?
Red Runners have several qualities that set them apart from other feeder insects.
1. They Trigger Strong Feeding Responses
Because of their speed and movement, Red Runners are perfect for reptiles that hunt visually—especially geckos, smaller monitors, and young dragons. They activate natural predatory instincts that can sometimes be harder to spark with slower feeders.
2. Ideal for Tarantulas and Other Spiders
Red Runners’ quick, skittering motion makes them highly attractive prey for tarantulas, true spiders, and ambush invertebrates. Their smaller size and soft body also make them easy for spiders to subdue and consume without risk of injury.
3. They’re Easy to Digest
With their thin exoskeletons, these roaches are much easier to digest than many other feeders. That’s important for smaller reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates that may struggle with chitin-heavy meals.
4. They Don’t Climb Glass or Plastic
Unlike Turkistan or German roaches, Red Runners can’t scale smooth surfaces, making them easy to contain in plastic tubs or glass enclosures with secure lids.
5. They Reproduce Quickly
Given proper temperatures and food, Red Runner colonies grow rapidly. A few dozen can turn into a full feeder supply in a couple of months.
Nutritional Value
Red Runner roaches are well-balanced in terms of nutrition, making them suitable as a staple feeder when part of a varied diet.
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Protein: ~20%
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Fat: ~7%
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Moisture: ~65–70%
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Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio: ~1:9
They should be dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements—especially for growing reptiles. While nutritious, relying solely on them without supplementation can lead to deficiencies like metabolic bone disease.
Drawbacks to Consider
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Fast Movers: Their speed is a blessing for your animals—but can be tricky to handle. They’re quick, and you’ll need to be careful during feedings to avoid escapees.
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Egg Case Cleanup: Because they lay oothecae rather than giving live birth, cleaning their enclosure requires care to avoid tossing out developing egg cases. If you’re starting with Red Runner eggs (oothecae), expect each one to hatch out about 20–30 tiny, 1/4-inch baby roaches within a few weeks—perfect for feeding smaller reptiles or spiderlings. To maximize your hatch rate, keep the oothecae in a sealed container with a lightly dampened substrate. Once they hatch, offer dry roach chow or fresh vegetables to the nymphs. Regularly check hides and substrate for egg cases before discarding material during cleaning—otherwise, you risk losing your next generation of feeders.
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Temperature Sensitive: Breeding slows dramatically below 80°F, so consistent warmth is key to maintaining a thriving colony.
How to Keep and Breed Red Runners
Keeping Red Runners is relatively straightforward:
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Enclosure: Plastic tote with smooth walls and a ventilated lid
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Hides: Egg cartons, cardboard rolls, or stacked paper provide surface area
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Food: Grain-based diets (like chick starter) plus fresh fruits and vegetables
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Hydration: Water crystals or moisture-rich produce—avoid open water dishes
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Heat: Ideal breeding temperature is between 85–95°F
Perfect For:
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Leopard Geckos
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Small Monitor Lizards
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Tarantulas and Spiders
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Frogs and Toads
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Chickens (in moderation)
Final Thoughts
Red Runner Roaches are one of the most efficient and exciting feeder insects available. Their quick movement, soft bodies, and ease of care make them a top choice for both reptiles and invertebrates alike.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry gecko, a striking tarantula, or raising a feeder colony of your own, Red Runners are worth keeping on hand.
Want to start your own colony?
We offer clean, healthy starter cultures of Red Runner Roaches—ready to ship, breed, or feed. Visit https://tastycritters.com/products/red-runner-roaches?variant=47678589042930 to learn more.