Halloween Hissing Cockroach

Elliptorhina javanica

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

A boldly contrasted hissing cockroach — the orange-and-black 'Halloween' cousin of the Madagascar hisser. Hardy and docile, it hisses by forcing air through its spiracles when handled or courting. A surface/bark dweller rather than a burrower, and a capable glass-climber, so use a secure, escape-proof lid. Keep warm (80-85°F breeds best) and humid (70%+), with bark and egg-crate hides. Feed fruit, veg, and a protein source a few times a week; moisture from produce/substrate. Harmless.

Taxonomy

FamilyBlaberidae

GenusElliptorhina

Native regionMadagascar

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile; hisses; climbs glass

Size & growth

Adult size2-3 in (56-60 mm)

Length56.00–60.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–85 °F

Humidity60–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizeventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substratecoco fiber/peat; bark, cork & egg-crate 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