Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Overview

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) is a large wingless cockroach native to Madagascar, famous for the audible hiss produced by forcing air through breathing holes. Popular as an educational pet - slow-moving, hardy, and one of the few invertebrates that can be safely handled by children.

Natural History

Native to Madagascar. Lives in rainforest leaf litter. Slow-moving and incapable of flight. Hisses for defence, communication, and mating.

Appearance

Adults 5-7.5 cm length. Glossy dark brown. Males have prominent horns on the pronotum; females are unhorned.

Temperament & Handling

Slow, calm, easily handled. Among the most child-friendly invertebrates. Don't bite or sting. Can stick to vertical surfaces with claws - be careful around carpets and curtains.

Enclosure

Plastic storage bin or aquarium 40 × 30 × 30 cm for a colony of 10-20.

Provide:

• Egg crate / cardboard for hiding.
• Substrate of coco fibre.
• Shallow water (with pebbles to prevent drowning).
• Escape-proof lid - they climb glass.

Apply petroleum jelly or fluon to the top 5 cm of enclosure to prevent climbing escapes.

Heating, Humidity, Lighting

• Temperature: 24-29°C.
• Humidity: 60-70%.

Diet

Omnivore: fresh vegetables, fruit, dog food (high-protein), oats, leaf litter. Provide water source.

Health & Lifespan

2-5 years.

Generally robust.

Pros & Cons

Pros: safe and easy to handle, child-friendly, low cost, educational. Cons: illegal/restricted in some US states; potential escape concern; not for cockroach-phobic households.