Australian authorities have seized more than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches from an alleged breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales, in what is believed to be the largest seizure of illegal invertebrates in the country.
The insects, valued at around AUD $200,000, included species such as Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches. These species are banned in Australia because they cannot be imported, kept, bred, or sold under biosecurity laws.
Officials from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the insects present a serious biosecurity threat, with concerns they could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agricultural systems.
Authorities have also warned pet owners and reptile businesses that illegal breeding and trading of exotic feeder insects is being closely monitored.
A DCCEEW spokesperson said that anyone found possessing or trading banned cockroach species could face penalties, and the insects would be confiscated.
While these cockroaches are often used as feed for reptiles, officials say safer legal alternatives such as crickets and native insects should be used instead.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is currently handling the humane disposal of the seized insects.
Experts have raised concerns that the illegal trade in exotic invertebrates is increasing, partly due to online marketplaces making it easier to obtain and distribute restricted species.
Investigations are still ongoing, and no charges have been filed so far.