Species: Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascar Hissing Cockroach)

General Information

Where Found: Madagascar.

Size: Adults up to 3”

Babies around 5/16”

Sexing: Females have 2 small white dots with a small white line on each pointing to the center of the abdomen. Males however do not have these dots and lines.

Life Span: After adulthood they can live up to 36 months.

Smell: No odor.

Climbers: Babies and adults can climb very well and petroleum jelly contains them.

Burrow: No.

Fly: They are wingless.

Speed: Very fast.

Active Period: Nocturnal

Reproduction: They are live bearing species.

Housing

Enclosure: A large dark tub (60q+) works well with a screened in top for ventilation.

Substrate: I suggest not using any type of substrate to minimize maintenance. This will make cleaning much easier and greatly decrease any smell.

Hiding: I use vertical egg flats to allow the feces to fall to the bottom of the enclosure.

Heat: The hotter they are the faster they breed, anywhere between 75F to 98F works well.

Humidity: I like to keep humidity about 60% to help with molting.

Food & Water

Food: A high protein diet is recommended for all roaches.

Water: I use water crystals, I have found they work the best.