Polyphaga spp.

[Vys]

Heyrori.

I recently acquired a number of Polyphaga sp 'Armenia' (my label - they are simply a species of Polyphaga collected in Armenia).
Pretty roaches, but information regarding their care in captivity is a bit scarce.

There are some scientific articles regarding the family and the genus, but I haven't found anything very tangible in regards to care. Most pictures of P. aegyptica floating around show specimen of this species sitting on either what looks like aquarium gravel, or sand; both of which are likely rather hard to burrow in .

So I mixed some 'organic compost' I have, which includes among other things sand and algae (and appears to be working well with spiderlings) with peat and sand(to about 40/40/20), and made it deep enougn to burrow in. They don't appear to like it, so far (have not burrowed in it), but as of yet it has only been a few hours.

Is anyone keeping a species of this genus successfully?

 

[JohnxII]

I only have Eupolyphaga sinensis. I give mine a few inches of 100% organic peat to burrow in, soak half of the peat once a week. I also put a few pieces of egg crates on top of the substrate. Staple food is rolled wheat bran as I find them to prefer carbohydrates. I do supplement with fish flakes and dog food. And the usual carrots potatoes and the occasional bananas.

 

[Vys]

I see.

I don't see why they wouldn't want to burrow because of this 'compost' stuff though; my P.nivea have no qualms about it The little mongrels still seem to prefer the woodchips/shavings they came with (which I poured into their new container). Maybe they don't really like sand? ..Seeing as how adapted they are to withstand drought, I doubt that too :/

In regards to food: If you mean that they appear to prefer oatmeal, then I've noticed that with these too. They don't really seem interested in peppers, carrot, or apricot. They do appear to like müsli however.