The background color of E.floridana is a strange maroon. In nearly all culture stocks, the medium-sized nymphs have yellowish margins along the sides of the thoracic segments but the adults are always completely maroon. On the right is a member of a rare culture stock in which the adults retain the nymphal striping. Click here for Eurycotis eggcases photo. This is one of the larger species in its family.
Adults are fully winged and very active.
This Panesthia is a somewhat difficult to rear roach because it will not eat dog food, fruits, vegetation, etc. The only food accepted is rotten wood and dead leaves, and they grow very slowly. The Forest roach has no ability to climb glass and, if given the chance, will stay buried all the time. The nymphs of this gorgeous species are very energetic and have four orange spots from birth to subadult. Although mainly a wood feeder this species feeds well on dry dog food and some fruits.