Wide-Horned Hisser

Gromphadorhina oblongonota

RoachbeginnerHarmlessCommunal OK

No venom, no sting

Pet and feeder roaches are harmless to humans — no venom, no sting, and no meaningful bite. Wash your hands after handling.

About

The largest of the commonly kept hissing cockroaches — bigger and darker than the Madagascar hisser, with males sporting exaggerated 'triceratops' pronotal horns. Hardy, docile, and slow to mature (8-12 months). A surface/bark dweller and a capable glass-climber, so use a secure, vented lid. Keep on barely-moist peat and rotted compost with plenty of stacked bark for shelter; 75-90°F breeds fastest. Feeds on roach chow plus organic banana, orange, and zucchini; moisture from produce/substrate, not a water dish. Hisses by forcing air through its spiracles. Harmless. Lifespan 2-5 yr.

Taxonomy

FamilyBlaberidae

GenusGromphadorhina

Native regionSouthern Madagascar

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, hardy; hisses; climbs glass

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to ~3 in (~75 mm)

Length65.00–80.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–90 °F

Humidity60–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizeventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substratebarely-moist peat + rotted compost; stacked bark hides (surface dweller)

Substrate depth2-4 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeOmnivore

Prey sizeomnivore — roach chow/dry dog food, fruit, veg, occasional protein

Adult cadencecontinuous (chow + fresh produce for moisture)

Times kept: 0