Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
No current listing
Tropical lowland forest
Madagascar
Nocturnal
Detritivore
Children’s Zoo
Characteristics
Madagascar hissing cockroach are a wingless species and their feet possess pads and hooks that enable them to climb smooth surfaces. Exoskeleton is multi-colored, transitioning from mahogany brown to black, and has a thick, waxy texture.
They have a mass between ¼ and ⅛ of an ounce and are approximately 2-4 inches long. Sexual dimorphism may be present in this species: males have protrusions on the dorsal end of their thorax, which are used in combat with other males over females. Females also possess these protrusions, but theirs are smoother and less prominent.
Habitat & Ecology
They play an important role in recycling a large portion of decaying animal and plant matter. Additionally, they act as food for other forest animals. Examples of animals that are likely predators of this species include tenrecs, ants, certain ground-feeding birds and arachnids.
Diet
Most of the time, they feed on decaying plant matter and fallen fruit. However, they will also feed on carrion and insects smaller than themselves.
Behavior & Reproduction
Females are more social and will interact with offspring and even protect them until they fully mature and leave her side 5-10 months later. Males are less social and territorial.
On average up to 5 years
Year-round while the climate is warm
Normally, 15-40 cockroach nymphs emerge
Gestation is approximately 2 months and females can mate 30 different times in their lifetime
Conservation
Not currently listed by the IUCN Redlist. However, because the Madagascar hissing cockroach is only found in Madagascar, little conservation efforts have been done. As this species relies on tropical lowland forests, continued degradation and forest fragmentation is a potential threat.
Fascinating Facts
- The mite Androlaelaps schaeferi, formerly Gromphadorholaelaps schaeferi, is a common parasite of this cockroach. These mites form small clumps of four to six individuals at the base of the leg of their cockroach host. While it was originally thought that this mite was sanguinivorous (blood-sucking), recent studies showed that the mite simply "shares" in a cockroach's food items.
- These animals are famous for the hissing noises they make. The hissing noises are used to communicate with other individuals of their species as well as other species, especially potential predators. The hisses originate from breathing spiracles located on their abdomens and four different types of hisses have been identified
- They use physical touch to communicate, including combat between rival males.
About Our Animals
Madagascar hissing cockroaches are on exhibit at the Zoo in the bug house. They are also one of our ambassador animals within the educational department, which means you might meet our cockroaches through a serendipitous pathway encounter, community outreach, or on a school program!
