Australian authorities have seized more than 100,000 live cockroaches from a single commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales — the country's largest-ever confiscation of exotic invertebrates.⁣ ⁣ The haul of Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches was worth 200,000 Australian dollars ($142,000). The Madagascar hissing species is among the world's largest cockroaches, measuring up to 8 centimetres — far bigger than Australia's common native species.⁣ ⁣ Both types are illegal to import, keep, breed, or sell in Australia. Officials said the insects had not undergone an environmental risk assessment and could spread disease or harm native wildlife. They urged reptile owners to feed their pets crickets or wood roaches instead.⁣ ⁣ Australia enforces strict biosecurity controls at its borders to protect agriculture and native ecosystems. The seized cockroaches will be euthanized. No charges were laid against the breeder.⁣ ⁣ #Australia #nature #cockroaches⁣ ⁣