While rarely known to fly, adult males have fully developed wings and pigmented musculature typical of cockroaches able to meet the rapid energy requirements of sustained flight.

[8][9] In laboratory test launches from a ramp 2.5 m high, adult male B. dubia were able to right their dorso-ventral position and rapidly deploy their wings to control and direct their descent; however, active powered flight did not maintain or increase their altitude.

[9] The dubia cockroach is a frugivore that prefers fruits and grains, shunning (but still eating) high protein sources, such as meat or waste droppings from other animals.

[citation needed] Appropriate feed for raising dubia roaches includes: carrots, all manner of tropical fruits (mangos and papayas), apples, avocados, banana, cherries, pears, oranges, strawberries, fresh corn, tomatoes (some individuals show no interest in tomatoes while others eat readily), and lettuce (not iceberg or romaine)—many other leafy greens will be accepted, including herbs.

[citation needed] Blaptica dubia is an ovoviviparous species, generally giving birth to live young, and pregnancy in one study lasted 48–64 days, in a 26°C (78.8°F) environment with alternating 12-hour light and dark photoperiods.

[7][12] Keeping or breeding the insect is made easier by their inability to jump or climb smooth surfaces, relatively slow movement, and rarity of flying.

[16] A Florida man was arrested on felony charges in 2011, related to ordering 500 B. dubia over the internet using a doctored permit, typically issued to researchers.