JungleDragon is a nature and wildlife community for photographers, travellers and anyone who loves nature. We're genuine, free, ad-free and beautiful.

Join

Giant cockroach This one was only about 3cm long but they can get up to 4cm. Couldn't really get a good photo of its head so I had to put it on my hand. Aptera fusca,Fall,Geotagged,South Africa,aptera fusca,cockroaches,south africa Click/tap to enlarge PromotedSpecies introCountry intro

Giant cockroach

This one was only about 3cm long but they can get up to 4cm. Couldn't really get a good photo of its head so I had to put it on my hand.

    comments (7)

  1. But this way you've got nice shot from perfect point of view! Like it. Posted 11 years ago
    1. Thanks Jivko!, much easier this way! Posted 11 years ago
  2. Great shot! I also find it easier to hold subjects for photos at times. Posted 11 years ago
    1. Thank you, she is such a cutie too! Posted 11 years ago
      1. I envy your courage. I have an irrational fear of cockroaches, much more than from other types of insects. Story time. In Madagascar (Tsingy), after a horribly long day (9 hour bumpy drive) we settled down for the night. Henriette was inside the lodge and I told her I would be there in a second. I sat on the front porch having a smoke. I could feel I was in the middle of nowhere, the night was pitch black, and it was very quiet.

        With the flash light in hand, I decided to switch it on and just swing it around a little, checking for any nocturnal wildlife. As I was doing so, I picked up a small reflection from the light, very close to me. Shining the full light on it, I then saw an entire army of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches marching towards me, only inches away. They are enormous, with Antennae the length of their body.

        Let's just say it was my shortest break ever, and it really didn't help me get over this irrational fear. I'm glad you do have that courage, the photo is awesome!
        Posted 11 years ago
        1. Oh my goodness, that must have been terrifying! But I am really surprised you did not grab a camera to record the event! I can relate to the long bumpy rides...I used to do it on public transport, not recommended, those roads are the worst I have ever seen in any country. The worst was 10 hours from Diego to Mahajunga, I arrived covered in dust and filth and to top it all..the spittle from the guy on the roof! Checked into the best hotel I could find and got into the shower fully clothed!! Posted 11 years ago
          1. Hehehe, such adventures are always funny...after the fact, that is. Posted 11 years ago

Sign in or Join in order to comment.

The Cape Mountain Cockroach, Giant Cockroach or Table Mountain Cockroach is a large cockroach which is widespread on low vegetation in open areas in the fynbos biome of the Western Cape region of South Africa. Adult females can be from 30 to 40 millimetres long. Males are slightly smaller ) and have dark brown wings, which are absent in females. It is stoutly built, with a reddish head and brown to black body segments with prominent yellow margins. The femora are heavily spined, with the hind tibiae.. more

Similar species: Cockroaches And Termites
Species identified by Claire Hamilton
View Claire Hamilton's profile

By Claire Hamilton

All rights reserved
Uploaded May 15, 2014. Captured May 15, 2014 12:39 in Unnamed Road, South Africa.
  • Canon EOS 70D
  • f/14.0
  • 1/256s
  • ISO160
  • 100mm