Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Gromphadorhina portentosa

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 classic pet roach — large, slow, docile, and handleable, which makes hissers a popular first invertebrate and a school/education favorite. Keep a colony warm (75-90 F) with coco-fiber substrate and plenty of stacked egg-crate or cork hides. They are OMNIVORES: dry roach chow or grain-based feed plus fresh vegetables and fruit, with a protein source occasionally; hydrate with water crystals rather than an open dish. IMPORTANT: hissers climb smooth glass and plastic easily — use a tight lid, and a band of petroleum jelly around the rim is the standard escape-proofing. They are harmless: no bite, no venom. The trademark hiss is made by forcing air through abdominal spiracles, used in courtship and when disturbed. Females are ovoviviparous (carry eggs internally, give live birth to nymphs).

Taxonomy

FamilyBlaberidae

GenusGromphadorhina

Native regionMadagascar

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, handleable

Size & growth

Adult size2-3 inches

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–90 °F

Humidity60–70%

Enclosure

Adult size10-gallon for a small colony

Substratecoco fiber; provide egg-crate / cork hides for vertical surface

Substrate depth1-2 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeOmnivore

Prey sizen/a (omnivore)

Adult cadencedry roach chow + fresh produce 2-3x/week; water crystals or gel

Times kept: 0 · Unverified community entry