You can audibly distinguish these cockroaches from others by the way they aggressively fight and hiss. The Hissing Cockroach is best known for the obvious — the hissing. Biology of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches Size comparison of a Madagascar hissing cockroach (middle) and two common house roaches. Size: Growing up to 7.5 cm in length, they are one of the largest cockroach species. Appearance. Hissing cockroach behavior and facts. They aren’t typically found in the United States, except among people who keep them as exotic domesticated pets. Hissing cockroaches are little different from their other counterparts. Since cockroaches prefer a warm, humid environment, keep the tank at 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit, and mist it with water every day. To know more facts about hissing cockroach, read on…. Gromphadorhina portentosa. Characteristics: Both nymphs and adults are wingless with horns and long antennae. Hissing cockroaches are little different from their other counterparts. The Hissing Sound. Most cockroaches are nocturnal. Hissing is also part of the cockroach's mating ritual, and can be used as an effective alarm cry. Hissing cockroaches live in large colonies. Flying Cockroach Behaviors. Hissing cockroaches have a pair of modified spiracles; these are … Color: Madagascar hissing cockroaches are brown in color. To care for a Madagascar hissing cockroach, keep it in a glass tank that's at least 5 gallons, and line the bottom of the tank with a couple inches of wood chips or peat moss. The hissing cockroach, also known as the Madagascar hissing cockroach, is a favorite pet animal for many people. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Species Profile Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Behavior and Temperament. The Madagascar hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, is a nocturnal forest scavenger.It’s a member of the Blattodea order of insects but it’s quite different from those bugs in the much better-known Blattidae family—the American cockroach, … Neither of these are considered pest species. Small holes called spiracles on their backs are used for breathing. A similar species that is native to Colombia, the Megaloblatta longipennis, has a similar wingspan. Hissing cockroaches are wingless, shiny brown and oval shaped insects from the island of Madagascar. If they force air out of the spiracle quickly, it makes the hissing sound. Hissing cockroaches are clean, odorless, hygienic and harmless as they do not bite, and unlike other common cockroaches are … Hissers have a relatively long life span and, under optimal conditions, they can live up to 5 years! Hissing cockroaches are wingless, shiny brown and oval shaped insects from the island of Madagascar. While not very good at flying, the American cockroach is one that will glide from a high spot such as the top of a cabinet down to a countertop. Unlike most cockroaches, hissing cockroaches don’t have wings, but are excellent climbers, including on smooth glass. The largest flying cockroach, Megaloblatta blaberoides, makes its home primarily in South and Central America. Hissing cockroaches are often kept as pets or offered as feeder insects. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches Facts, Identification, & Control Scientific Name. They hiss when threatened by a predator, to sound an alarm for other roaches in their colony or during male cockroach fights. Species of cockroaches that do fly include the Pennsylvania Wood cockroach, Smokybrown cockroach, Australian cockroach, and Asian cockroach. What Do They Look Like? It can have a wingspan up to 7.2 inches (18 cm), and can be up to 3.9 inches (10 cm) long.