Giant hissing cockroaches among $200,000 worth of illegal insects seized in Australia
Summary
Australian authorities seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches worth about AU$200,000 from a breeder in New South Wales. The seized insects, including Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches, cannot be legally imported, bred, or sold in Australia due to risks to native wildlife and agriculture.Key Facts
- More than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches were taken from a commercial breeder near Bathurst, NSW.
- The cockroaches seized included Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches.
- These species are banned in Australia because they may spread disease and harm native animals and farms.
- The seized cockroaches were often sold as food for pet reptiles.
- Authorities warned that people keeping or trading these cockroaches face legal penalties.
- The cockroaches will be killed and properly disposed of to prevent risks.
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) advises reptile owners to use legal feeder insects like crickets and wood roaches.
- Madagascar hissing cockroaches are among the largest cockroach species and can produce a loud hissing sound.
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