June 5, 2026, 7:00 a.mJune 5, 2026, 7:00 a.m
Wildlife protection officers have uncovered an illegal breeding operation with more than 100,000 cockroaches with a market value of around 112,000 francs in a city west of the Australian metropolis of Sydney. The Australian Environment Ministry announced this on Friday.
The big crawl: A total of more than 100,000 cockroaches were found.Image: keystone
These insects were discovered during a raid on a breeder in the city of Bathurst, the ministry said. On site, officials found Madagascar cockroaches, which are also known as “hissing cockroaches” because of their loud defense mechanism, as well as Argentine cockroaches, which are bred as food for pet lizards.
Photos show one of the seized Madagascar cockroaches almost large enough to completely cover an adult’s palm.
Some animals were almost as big as a human hand.Image: keystone
“We take our responsibility to protect Australia’s unique biodiversity and any breaches of national environmental laws very seriously,” said a spokesman for the Department of the Environment. The ministry warns pet owners and pet shops about illegally bred or traded animals.
The Ministry of the Environment estimated the value of these insects at around 200,000 Australian dollars (around 112,000 francs). Authorities are now faced with the unenviable task of euthanizing these crawling creatures. (dab/sda/afp)