Housing:
Any bin/tank 1-2 gallons or larger should work for a starter culture of this genus, once they get going a 5-10 gallon setup will suffice as their permanent quarters. A inch or so of coconut fiber, sphagnum peat, potting soil, etc. as the substrate will work fine. Lots of hides in the form of bark, leaf litter, eggcrates or cardboard rolls are appreciated.
High humidity, and decent airflow is very important for this genus, I'd recommend keeping most of the enclosure fairly humid, with a good amount of ventilation as well. Ideally you'll want the air humidity to remain high, but not stuffy or stagnant, and the substrate and hides should be humid, but not overly moist or wet.
All life stages climb smooth surfaces well, so a tight fitting lid and possibly a slick climbing barrier such as silicone oil is advised. Adult males can fly but don't do so often.
Diet:
Dog/cat/fish/chick food, fruits and veggies make a good staple diet.
Temperature:
Temps in the 75-85F° range are optimal for breeding and growth.
Breeding/Life Cycle:
Adults live approximately 5-7 months, with males dying first. Females lay quite a few ooths, that they usually adhere to hides and cover with substrate. Said ooths take 2-3 months to hatch under optimal conditions, and the nymphs seem to take about 5-6 months to mature depending on temperature, food availability, etc..
They aren't very sensitive to filth buildups, crowding, pest outbreaks, etc., though lapses in care and periodically drying out can stop colonies in their tracks.
This genus is capable of releasing a very strong chemical defense fluid when sufficiently disturbed that can stain your skin for days, and almost certainly burns if it gets into cuts or mucus membranes.
Species notes:
Deropeltis erythrocephala:
One of the largest species of Deropeltis, with bright red heads, they have also proven to be one of the more finicky species, prone to colony crashes due to temperature and/or humidity fluctuations. They have yet to gain a strong foothold in culture, despite having been imported from Africa multiple times now.
Deropeltis paulinoi:
This is both the most colorful, and the easiest of the Deropeltis species to culture, and has probably been in culture longer than any other member of the genus.
Deropeltis sp. "Jinka":
An all black species, quite similar to sp. "Masai Mara", both in appearance and care. Unfortunately seems to have died out of culture in recent years.
Deropeltis sp. "Masai Mara":
This species has jet black adults, and is a bit larger than D.paulinoi. Care is typical for the genus, though they are quite prone to crashing if humidity gets too low or conditions are otherwise substandard.
Deropeltis sp. "RSA - Small":
The smallest cultured Deropeltis species, and a fairly prolific one when set up correctly. This is definitely a fairly humidity loving species, and seems to prefer slightly lower ventilation than some of the others (granted they don't like overly moist conditions either).
Deropeltis sp. "Tsavo West - Big":
These are the largest of the currently cultured Deropeltis spp., and one of the heftiest Blattids I've come across personally! Care is standard for the genus, and a decent amount of space and surface area is recommended for them to reach their full size.
