There are around 20 different species of Madagascan hissing cockroach but only around 8 species seem to be kept in the hobby;
Introduction To Keeping Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches
Giant Madagascan Hissing Cockroach Species
- Aelurepoda insignis
- Gromphadorhina oblongonota
- Gromphadorhina portentosa
- Princisia vanwaerebeki
Dwarf Madagascan Hissing Cockroach Species
- Elliptorhina chopardi
- Elliptorhina davidi
- Elliptorhina javanica
- Elliptorhina laevigata
Many, if not all of Gromphadorhina “Portentosa” in the hobby are hybrids and We have yet to find a pure colony in culture… YET!
The care requirements are very similar for each species however, we will be focussing on Gromphadorhina oblongonota.
Selecting The Right Enclosures For Your Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches
All species of Madagascan hissing cockroaches can, do and will climb at all life stages, that being the case, finding a suitable enclosure for hissing cockroaches so that none of them escape, especially tiny nymphs can be tiresome.
Below are possibly the best options. and is exactly what we use and have been dong so for many years, successfully.
You will need to make some holes and then cover those holes with a fine wire mesh. This will allow for good ventilation and will prevent any escapees.
What Substrate To Use For Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches?
We tend to use leaf litter from oak and beech with a little added coir/coco fibre to hold moisture. This makes a good nutritious substrate for hissing cockroaches, Your hissing cockroaches will eat it and get moisture form it.
Leaf litter is full of nutrition and minerals that your hissing cockroaches need to stay happy and healthy.
Contact your favourite bug supplier, they may have some or point you in the right direction where you can source some.
Coco fibre/coir is fine however it isn’t as nutritious and often sprouts fungus.
NOTE:
It is illegal to take anything from nature without land owners permission as per Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
Feeding Your Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches
To get the most out of your pet Madagascan hissing cockroaches so they live a long and healthy life, it is important to feed them with a variety or foods and to supply additional supplements.
Giant hissing cockroaches will feed well on many fruits and vegetables such as orange, apple, banana, carrot, cabbage and raw sweetcorn.
Hissing cockroaches also require protein and so it is important to feed them fish flakes or cat/dog kibble. A little calcium is also important for their exoskeleton.
If you want to try any new food for your pet hissing cockroaches, then simply separate a few into a brand new enclosure and feed them as normal whilst adding in the new food. This way, if the food is detrimental to the roaches, then you wont lose all of your pets. Have a play around and see what your hissing cockroaches enjoy eating – as long as it is natural, organic and not toxic.
What Temperature Requirements Do Giant Hissing Cockroaches Need?
You can keep your giant hissing cockroaches at room temperature 20 – 22ºC / 68 – 72ºF and they will be happy.
What Humidity Do Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches Need?
Giant hissing cockroaches do well with humidity levels anywhere from 20 – 85%
How To Breed Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches
Breeding your Madagascan hissing cockroaches is easy, just pop a mature male and a mature female together and wait. For best results, you can crank up the heat to about 28ºC / 82ºF and with humidity of around 65-70% and keep them well fed.
