The giant burrowing cockroach is the only cockroach in the world known to have permanent burrows in the soil. They may burrow down in soil to a depth of about 1 m (3 ft 3 in), where they make permanent homes and feed on collected dry leaf litter. This species plays a vital part in the ecosystem by consuming dead leaves, eucalyptus in particular, and recycling other matter.

Unlike some other cockroaches, the giant burrowing cockroach does not have wings and is not considered a pest. It is prominent in the wild and can also be sold and kept as a pet. It is part of the blaberid subfamily Geoscapheinae. It is a member of the family Blaberidae, which contains hundreds of species. They are the world's heaviest species of cockroach and can weigh up to 30-35 grams and measure up to 7.5-8 cm (3.1 in) in length.

These cockroaches are native to Australia and mostly found in tropical and subtropical parts of Queensland. The giant burrowing cockroach ( Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is also known as the rhinoceros cockroach, and Queensland giant cockroach.

Giant anteater husbandry manual