A big, friendly, hissing roach that is the classic 'first insect' for wary beginners.
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) is a 2-3 inch wingless roach kept for its size, tame nature, and the defensive hiss it makes by forcing air through spiracles. It lives 2-5 years and is one of the few invertebrates comfortable being handled.
It cannot climb smooth glass and cannot survive in a normal dry home, so it will not infest your house like pest roaches. Note that some US states restrict or ban it, and it must never be fed to pets that could spread disease.
Adults typically live 2-5 years in a warm, humid setup, and they breed readily in colonies when conditions are right.
What do Hissing Cockroaches eat?
Feed leafy greens, carrots, apple, and a little dry dog food or pelleted chow 2-3 times weekly, with a shallow water gel or dish. They are scavengers and rarely refuse food.
Enclosure setup
A 10 gallon tank with egg-crate hiding spots, 2-3 inches of substrate, 75-85°F, and 60-70% humidity works well. A smooth-walled tank stops escapes; a secure lid is still wise.
Common mistakes with Hissing Cockroaches
Common errors are letting humidity fall (they desiccate), a diet of only dry food with no moisture, overcrowding without enough hides causing bullying, and releasing them outdoors where the species is non-native.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
Letting humidity drop so the roaches dry out and die.
Feeding only dry food with no water source.
Overcrowding without enough hides, causing stress and injury.
Releasing them outside - they are non-native and often restricted.
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