Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Scientific Name: Gromphadorrhina portentosa

Order: Blattaria

Family: Blattidae

Conservation Status

About

Madagascar hissing cockroaches are a large species of cockroach, measuring up to 3 inches long. These cockroaches are known for the hissing sound they make by exhaling air through their breathing holes, which is an unusual way for invertebrates to make sound. These wingless cockroaches are nocturnal and live in colonies. They play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down debris on the forest floor to recycle nutrients. Like most cockroach species, they do not live in human dwellings and are not considered pests.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: 11/4/2022

Habitat & Range
They live in forests on the island of Madagascar and can be found on the forest floor among leaf litter, in rotten logs, and near riverbanks.
Identification
Madagascar hissing cockroach is shiny brown in color, with a dark head and legs. Its body is flat and oval shaped. They have a thick, hard, and waxy exoskeleton that serves as body armor. This species will hiss loudly when threatened.
Diet
Feeds on various decaying plant matter and animal matter.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Females are ovoviviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young that hatch from eggs inside the female’s body. The female carries the eggs/nymphs for 60 days, after which she gives birth to 30-60 young. Lifespan in the wild is unknown, but in human care they may live 2–5 years.
Fantastic Fact
Males sport large horns, which they use in aggressive encounters like the battles between antlered mammals.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact