Madagascar
25–30 °C
8-10 CM
Disc runner
The hiss of nature: hissing cockroaches from Madagascar
The Gromphadorhina portentosa, better known as the Madagascar hissing cockroach, offers a unique opportunity to discover the fascinating world of insects in your home. This large cockroach species originally comes from the dry forests of Madagascar and is a popular pet for terrarium enthusiasts due to its impressive appearance and unusual behaviour.
These cockroaches reach an impressive size of up to 8-10 cm and are known for their ability to make a hissing sound when threatened. This behaviour is not only an exciting sight, but in nature serves as a defence mechanism against predators. Their bodies are robustly built, predominantly dark brown in colour and display impressive armour that protects them from physical damage.
The Madagascar hissing cockroach is a nocturnal animal that likes to hide in self-dug burrows or under pieces of wood and foliage during the day. At night, they become more active and explore their terrarium, which makes them an interesting object of observation. Despite their size and impressive appearance, these cockroaches are extremely easy to care for and do not place high demands on their environment.
Keeping this cockroach species requires a terrarium with sufficient hiding places to mimic their natural living conditions. A temperature of 25-30°C is ideal to promote their activity and health. As omnivores, Gromphadorhina portentosa feed on a variety of organic materials, including vegetables, fruit and cockroach food.
Another advantage of the Madagascar hissing cockroach is its relative longevity, which can be up to 5 years, making it a long-term addition to any terrarium. Whether for the experienced terrarium keeper or the beginner, this cockroach species offers an exciting and educational addition to any insect collection.
If you would like to find out more about this species, read our keeping report!