Blaberidae

This species—also known as the Madagascar hissing cockroach—has black and orange-yellow stripes along its body, a colouring that earned it a nickname associated with Halloween. It is mainly active at night in subtropical dry forests, where it lives in logs and caves.

Its smooth, glossy exoskeleton (external skeleton) is clearly visible, as this insect has no wings.

These cockroaches are among the least demanding residents of the Insectarium—they’ll eat just about anything they’re given!

Differences between females and males

Males and females can easily be distinguished by several physical traits.

Females measure between 3.5 and 5 cm in length, while males range from 4 to 5 cm. Males can be recognized by two horn-like protrusions on the pronotum—the dorsal plate of their exoskeleton.

Females have antennae densely covered with fine yellow hairs along the first third of their length, while males lack these bristles, known as setae.

Reproduction

Before mating, a courtship takes place in which the male’s sounds and secretions play an important role.

Gentle touches with the antennae and labial palps (appendages located near the mouth) are frequently observed. To mate, the male deposits a spermatophore—a capsule containing sperm—at the entrance of the female’s reproductive tract.

After 9 to 13 days, the female forms an ootheca (a protective case containing the eggs), which she keeps inside her body for 2 to 3 months until the eggs hatch.

Defense

The name “hissing cockroach” comes from the sounds this insect produces by compressing its abdomen to force air through a pair of modified spiracles (or stigmas).

These hissing sounds serve as a defense mechanism, mimicking the warning hiss of a snake. They are also used to establish territory.