Customs officials Australia have seized more than 100,000 cockroaches that were being smuggled the country. Included the seizure were thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. These are giant insects that can be as large as the palm a person's hand. There was also a large number dubia cockroaches. The value the confiscated bugs was around $143,000. Authorities said it was the largest ever seizure illegal invertebrates. An environment spokesperson warned potential roach breeders: "If you are found to possess, breed or trade exotic cockroaches...they will be seized and you could face penalties federal law."
The seized cockroaches were probably imported to be fed to pet reptiles. Professional snake catcher Stefanie Lesser said the roaches were more "cost-effective" than feeding lizards smaller bugs. Ms Lesser added that the roaches could have become an invasive species and caused a lot harm to indigenous creatures crickets, which birds rely . She said: "If they got and they had a disease them, they could potentially wipe all the crickets." She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that if diseased cockroaches entered the food chain, they could "potentially wipe a whole lot native animals". Sadly, the impounded bugs will be killed and disposed authorities.
