Gromphadorhina portentosa
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Hissing cockroaches are easygoing, low-maintenance colony insects often used to introduce children and nervous keepers to invertebrates. Their audible hiss is a defence display, not aggression.
BlaberidaeLifespan 2–5 yearsCare complexity 1/5Suitable for beginners
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Gromphadorhina portentosa
- Family
- Blaberidae
- Origin
- Forest floor leaf litter of Madagascar
- Lifespan
- 2–5 years
- Adult size
- 5–7.5 cm
- Weight
- Not typically measured
- Temperament
- Docile, non-biting and slow-moving
- Activity level
- Low to moderate; more active at night
- Social needs
- High; naturally lives in large colonies and should be kept in groups
- Intelligence
- Basic insect cognition; responds to light, vibration and food cues
- Noise
- Distinctive hissing sound, otherwise quiet
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Ventilated glass or plastic tank, minimum 40 x 30 x 30 cm for a growing colony, with a secure lid
- Space requirement
- Floor area with bark and egg cartons for hiding and climbing
- Temperature
- 24–29°C
- Humidity
- 60–70%
- Exercise
- Provided by climbing bark and colony floor space
- Grooming
- Not applicable
Diet and feeding
Fruit, vegetables, oats and commercial roach chow
Behaviour and compatibility
Hissing by forcing air through spiracles when disturbed or during male contests, communal clustering
- With children
- Good introductory invertebrate for children, as they are slow and harmless
- With other animals
- Keep as their own colony, away from predatory pets
- Training difficulty
- Not applicable
Health
- Mite infestations
- Colony collapse from poor ventilation or overcrowding
- Dehydration
No veterinary care applies; colony health depends entirely on husbandry
Special care requirements
Secure the lid firmly, as escapees can establish themselves indoors given warmth and food