Some exotic arthropods, like tarantulas and hissing cockroaches, make great pets when given proper care. Keeping and caring for insects, spiders, and their relatives is a great way to observe these fascinating creatures. It is also a big responsibility. Although most spider and insect species that are sold in pet stores are not considered dangerous, any animal can be dangerous under the right circumstances. Giant Madagascar "hissing" cockroaches are the best arthropods to keep in captivity. They are inexpensive (less than $2 per roach when ordered in bulk), safe to handle, and easy to care for. This guide provides comprehensive information on the diet and care of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (MHC), making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced insect enthusiasts.
Introduction to Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, scientifically known as Gromphadorhina portentosa, is native only to the island of Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, located off the east coast of Africa. These cockroaches are among the largest insects in the world. In their natural habitat, they serve as a food source for larger animals such as lemurs, birds, and lizards. Unlike most cockroaches, these are wingless.
Their large size (2-3 inches) and relative tameness make it an ideal insect pet. They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. These insects are often used in classroom environments to study and observe, providing fascinating insights about the insect world.
Distinguishing Features
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are known for the hissing sound they can make, hence the name, and it happens in a rather odd way. They force air through spiracles, respiratory openings, on their abdomen. They make hissing sounds when they feel threatened and need to raise an alarm. The males also hiss as a mating ritual to attract females. Another distinction between the two genders is the thicker antennae found on males.
These cockroaches have a shiny brown oval shape with a single pair of antennae. The males have large horns giving them an impressive appearance. They use their horns in aggressive encounters with other males during mating season.
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Ideal Living Conditions
Owners should provide their pets with a living habitat that is dark, moist, and secluded. They spend most of their time in rotten wood and leaf litter on the forest floor foraging for fruit that has fallen. When they’re looking to hide, they find crevices in trees and under loose bark.
Setting Up the Habitat
Creating the right environment is crucial for the health and well-being of your Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Here’s how to set up their habitat:
Container
These roaches should be kept in a 2.5-10 gallon aquarium or similar container. About a dozen adult roaches (plus many immature roaches) can be kept in a 2.5 gallon tank; more can be held in larger tanks. The roaches will not harm one another if enough food is present.
Housing Features
Line the cage with 1-2 inches of organic (fertilizer and pesticide-free) potting soil, or coconut based "reptile bedding," kept slightly moist. Peat moss or wood chips will provide them with places to burrow. Suitable substrate for Madagascar hissing cockroaches is peat moss with dark idling places. Replace with fresh bedding material about once a month.
Humidity and Water
These roaches need relatively high humidity (apx 50%+). Keep the humidity high by heating the cage from underneath (as with an aquarium heater) and by keeping a dish of water in the cage. The dish of water will provide humidity and drinking water. Humidity and security are important, so make sure to keep the humidity between 60-80% and provide plenty of tight spaces for them to hide in. You will need to mist the aquarium with water daily.
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Temperature
Their natural habitat is the tropical rainforest of Madagascar, therefore their aquarium will need to be maintained at a temperature range of 77 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime and mid to high 70 degrees at night. They are cold-blooded insects and may require an extra heat source to maintain their proper metabolism. You can use a synthetic hot rock in their habitat, allowing the insects to properly regulate their own body temperatures.
Maintain room temperatures between 80 F and 85 F, unless a separate insectary-type room is available. It is important to allow the insects to properly regulate their own body temperatures. Avoid excessively high or low temperatures. While lower temperature (70 F or lower) makes the MHC sluggish and inactive, avoid keeping these roaches at temperatures lower than 65 F.
Diet and Nutrition
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are herbivores, primarily feeding on fruit or plant materials. Providing a varied and nutritious diet is essential for their health and longevity.
Recommended Foods
Owners can provide their pets with a diet consisting of dark greens, such as pesticide-free romaine lettuce and dandelions. They also like to feast on rotten fruit, such as apples, bananas, and oranges. Other suitable food items include green lettuce, carrots, bananas, other fruits and vegetables, and potato slices. The colony at Oklahoma State University thrives on a steady diet of dry dog food and water.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid using citrus fruits sparingly, since high concentrations of fermentation gases are harmful.
Read also: Diet of American Cockroaches
Water
Water is provided using a cotton wick method. A small container is filled with water. A cotton ball is placed through the hole and into the water, as it soaks up water. They may also be made from nylon stockings or other absorbent materials. Water can also be provided in a small dish or cup.
Breeding Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
Breeding Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Conditions for Breeding
For breeding to occur, make sure to maintain the temperature in the high range (80-90 degrees) and keep the humidity high.
Reproduction Process
Females carry their eggs inside their bodies in a cocoon-like egg case, called an ootheca) and can bear as many as 60 nymph roaches. The gestation period is about 60 days. The female pushes the nymphs out of her body after they hatch, where the immature nymphs look similar to the adults but are smaller. Nymphs undergo six molts (six nymphal instars).
Social Hierarchy
When living in colonies, this species exhibits a definite social hierarchy that is interesting to observe. Males will establish and defend territory on a rock or other similar structure for several months. To prevent overcrowding, provide enough space for them as they propagate.
If a male intrudes on a neighboring male’s territory, a fight will ensue. They will attempt to push the other out of his territory, and hissing will occur; however, no harm is done to the loser.
Handling and Safety
While Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are generally safe to handle, it's important to do so with care to avoid injuring them or yourself.
Safe Handling Techniques
Avoid grabbing the roach roughly, as they have spines and hooks that grip tightly. If you pull too hard, you may injure the insect. Never attempt to hold the roach down with your hand, as they may use their spines as a defensive mechanism and can draw blood. Instead, gently coax the roach from one hand to another.
Potential Risks
Although the tarantulas recommended here tend to be non-aggressive, all species ARE able to bite. Also, many tarantula species have "urticating hairs" on their abdomens. These hairs are like tiny pieces of glass and can cause severe eye and skin reactions. For these reasons, we recommend that people do not pick up, pet, or hold tarantulas.
Common Problems and Solutions
Like any pet, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches can encounter certain health issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Mites
Sometimes, the MHC carries mites. These mites do not harm them or live on humans. To control mites, keep the cage clean and dry. Avoid overcrowding, as this encourages these mites and provide a medium for their survival. You can remove mites by shaking the roach in a plastic bag with a small amount of flour added to dislodge the mites off the roach and into the flour. Then, rinse the roach with a gentle wash bottle. Repeat the treatment if mites reappear.
Educational Opportunities
Keeping Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches offers numerous educational opportunities, ranging from observing insect behavior to conducting simple experiments.
Observing Behavior
This species exhibits a definite social hierarchy. Males will establish and defend a territory on a rock or other similar structure for several months. If a male intrudes on a neighboring male’s territory, a fight will ensue.
Simple Experiments
Using pennies attached to fishing line, tape or glue the line to your insect to study their movements. Determine how much weight the cockroach can pull. There is a world of possibilities in observing insect behavior and life processes.