Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

The Madagascar hissing cockroach, also known as the hissing cockroach, Malagasy hissing cockroach or simply hisser, is one of the largest species of cockroach, reaching 5 to 7.5 centimetres at maturity. They are native to the island of Madagascar, where they are commonly found in rotting logs. It is one of some 20 known species of large hissing roaches from Madagascar, many of which are kept as pets, and often confused with one another by pet dealers; in particular, G. portentosa is commonly confused with G. oblongonota and G. picea. Scientific Name: Gromphadorhina portentosa Range: Madagascar (forest floor) Size: 5–7.5 cm Status: Native ID Notes: Large, glossy brown with cream stripes. Males have prominent thoracic horns. Wingless. Behavior / Notes: Hisses by forcing air through spiracles — unusual in insects. Popular pet and educational animal.