Australian authorities have confiscated over 100,000 live cockroaches from a single breeder in what officials describe as the country's largest-ever seizure of exotic invertebrates. The haul, valued at 200,000 Australian dollars, was taken in May from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales.
The seized insects include Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, both illegal to possess in Australia. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are among the world's largest, reaching two to three inches in length, dwarfing the common Australian cockroach which measures 0.9 to 1.4 inches.
Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water said the exotic species cannot be legally kept, bred or sold. Officials warned that these cockroaches could spread disease or harm native wildlife as they have not undergone environmental risk assessment.
Bathurst snake catcher Stefanie Lesser told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that the larger cockroaches were likely being sold as cost-effective reptile food. Officials urged pet owners to use crickets or wood roaches instead.
No charges were laid against the breeder, but the cockroaches will be euthanised. Australia maintains strict biosecurity controls to protect its agriculture and native wildlife from invasive species.
