Australia’s Largest Seizure of Exotic Invertebrates: Over 100,000 Cockroaches Confiscated

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — In a significant operation, more than 100,000 live cockroaches, prohibited in Australia, were confiscated from a breeder. This marks the country’s biggest seizure of exotic invertebrates, according to officials on Friday.

The collection, comprising Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches valued at 200,000 Australian dollars ($142,000), was taken in May from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales. This was confirmed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.

The Madagascar hissing species is particularly large, reaching 2 to 3 inches in length. Photos from the department depicted a shiny, brown invertebrate larger than a human finger. Both Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches are illegal for importation into Australia, underscoring the violation.

Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water / via AP

These cockroaches are considerably larger than the common Australian variety, which is between 0.9 and 1.4 inches long. Cockroaches flourish in Australia’s sub-tropical climate, home to hundreds of cockroach species.

Stefanie Lesser, a Bathurst snake catcher, indicated to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that these large exotic species were likely sold as economical reptile food, necessitating fewer insects per meal due to their size. Officials are urging pet owners to choose alternatives like crickets or wood roaches instead for feeding reptiles.

Both the Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches cannot be legally imported, kept, bred, or sold in Australia, regardless of how they were acquired, as stated by the department. These exotic roaches are considered unassessed for environmental risk and could potentially spread diseases or endanger native wildlife.

Australia enforces strict biosecurity measures at its borders, aiming to shield its agriculture, horticulture sectors, and native wildlife from pest intrusions. Smuggling undeclared or forbidden animal, insect, or plant materials can result in heavy fines.

“Exotic cockroaches have not undergone an environmental risk assessment and could pose a threat to native wildlife or spread diseases,” the statement highlighted.

Authorities have warned about potential legal actions against those with unauthorized invertebrates. No charges were filed against the Bathurst breeder involved, but the seized cockroaches are slated for euthanasia.