Keeping the Madagascar hissing cockroach – Gromphadorhina portentosa

The Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) is a large, wingless cockroach. Its hissing sound and calm demeanor make it an interesting animal to observe. It is important to provide plenty of usable space, safe hiding places, and a lid that closes securely.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches at a Glance

Origin	Madagascar
Size	In the existing stock, approximately 5–8 cm
Temperature	Warm conditions; previous recommended rearing temperature: 25–30 °C
Important	Glass and Plastic Climbers: Secure the Lid and Ventilation
Food	A varied plant-based diet with appropriate supplements

Terrarium and Hiding Places

Hissing cockroaches spend time on the ground and climb on bark. Set up several sturdy hiding spots so the insects can take cover. A small group needs enough floor space for its size. Adjust the enclosure to accommodate the growing population, rather than keeping more and more insects in the same box.

Even young cockroaches can escape through narrow cracks. Therefore, secure the lid and all ventilation openings. A smooth wall alone won’t keep these cockroaches inside the container. Heavy decorative items must be stable and not prone to tipping over.

Climate of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

A slightly damp hiding spot complements drier areas. It’s not a good idea to keep the entire terrarium constantly wet. Good ventilation and regular monitoring go hand in hand. Check the temperature inside the tank, especially if you’re using a heat source.

The previous report specifies 25–30 °C for warm breeding conditions. That’s no reason to heat every terrarium to 30 °C across the board. Avoid direct sunlight, uncontrolled heat sources, and a terrarium that’s uniformly hot throughout.

Food and Daily Care

Small portions of appropriate vegetables and some fruit add variety. Discard perishable leftovers promptly. Rodent food supplements the diet and is easy to measure out. Feed as needed rather than giving a fixed, large weekly portion.

Beetle Jelly is another way to offer fruit-based food. Be sure to check this portion regularly as well. Providing enough moisture and keeping feeding areas clean are more important than offering many different supplements.

Hissing, Molting, and Offspring

The hissing sound is produced by air being forced out through respiratory openings. Males have more pronounced ridges on their neck shields and may compete with one another for territory. Therefore, provide several hiding spots. Animals that have recently shed their skin should be left undisturbed until their bodies have hardened.

Females carry the eggs inside their bodies in an egg capsule and give birth to live young. The duration depends, among other things, on the temperature. A single observation is therefore not a reliable estimate of the birth date.

Not every small mite is automatically dangerous or harmless. In cases of severe infestations, injured animals, or losses, take a closer look at hygiene and husbandry practices. Avoid blanket treatments without first determining the cause.

Find more cockroaches

Here you’ll find a selection from our store. Compare the specific needs of each species with your existing terrarium.

Still unsure? Feel free to ask us your question in the comments section below the article.