Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, also known as, "Hissing Cockroaches", and "Giant Madagascar Hissing Roaches", are some of the largest cockroaches in the world - often growing to the size of a small mouse. They have just recently become popular as pets. They are large, calm roaches that have been illustrated in insect zoos for many years.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches will hide when disturbed. They are not known for biting, and are considered harmless to humans. They are often recommended as food for insectivorous lizards and tarantulas. They are advantageous not only because of their size, but because they do not have any odor associated with them or their feces. In the wild, Hissing Cockroaches are found on the floor of forests in Madagascar. They are only active at night. Their most distinctive feature is their hiss. All Madagascar roaches can hiss at all stages. Often an entire colony will hiss loudly in unison. Breathing tubes on their abdomen produces the hiss. Male Roaches will try to dominate terrain.
Adult Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches will resemble large beetles � males and females are the same size at maturity, averaging three to four inches. The males are easily distinguished from the female by the presence of two raised horns on their prothorax. Females lack these horns. Further methods of distinguishing the males from females include looking at the thorax, the antennae, and at the tip of the abdomen. In the male, the prothorax stands out in two protuberances, making the prothorax appear to be the head of a vertebrate animal. Antennae in females lack hair, and the abdomen in males has a narrower ventral plate than that of the females.
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach is found in the tropical regions of Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa.
When housing the Madagascar Hissing Roach, use a 15 to 20-gallon all glass aquarium. Use an inch to an inch and a half of pine shavings (avoid cedar) as a substrate to cover the bottom of the aquarium and absorb water and feces. Replace the substrate about once a month. For feeding, use a finely ground chick or hog meal and keep food available at all times. Fresh vegetables and dry dog food can be used, as well. A good balanced diet becomes increasingly important if they will be used as reptile food. Keep water clean and available at all times.
It has been reported that some hobbyists may experience an allergic reaction to the odor of the Hissing Roach. Limiting inhalation as well as washing well to prevent the waxy dermal coating from getting into scratches or cuts is reported to help.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches bear live young. After birth the babies will feed on the empty egg packet, which is passed after they are born. At warm temperatures, their young will reach adult size in 2-3 months.
