Care Sheet for InsectsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.00 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 06/11/2007 |
Main Category: | Non-Reptile/Amphibian |
Sub Category: | Insects |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Anguisfan |
Years Experience: | 3 to 5 Years |
Species: | Madagascan Hissing Roach |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Just MHC,or else Gromphadorhina portentosa(scientific name) |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Males:They have sexual dimorfism,so males have 2 big horns on top of their thorax.They usually have a bit smaller abdomens than the females
Females:They have 2 tiny little bumps or no horns at all.They are also a bit smoother than the male.
They usually mate at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.They sometimes expose their egg-case(ootheca),and then draw it back in their body.The babies(nymphs) hatch inside the female,so you would think they give birth to live young.(40 nymphs)
These roaches,have the ability to hiss by pushing air out of the breathing holes on the side of their body,to frighten off predators.Don’t worry,they will soon become tame and wont hiss-but they can run quite fast!
These roaches grow up to 7-10cm. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | I use cork bark,but gravel,pine shavings,or crushed corncobs can also be used,even though I prefer cork bark as I said.
Some people put a small disc with very wet cotton,but some entomologists say that they take their water from their food.I believe that what the entomologists say is correct(mine have thrived).Substrate should be at least 5cm deep.
|
Lighting and UVB: | I never use lighting and they are JUST fine.
As they are nocturnal,in order to observe them you can use a redf light to see them. Always be aware that some could be diurnal,so you can observe them by day. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | They seem to do well in temperatures about 72-76 degreesF,at 80 F they are more active and surely breed.
Never have temperature under 66F,because they will be very sluggish and boring.Don’t keep the roaches in temps over 85 F please.
Spray with a mister every time the humidity goes lower than 78.Keep a humidity of 79-90 please.Some people say it’s not good the humidity to be above 86,but mine are fine.
|
Heating and Equipment: | Use a heating pad on one side(inside) of the terrarium.Many people prefer basking lights or UVB,but mine are not very keen on lots of light. Others haven’t got any problem. If you use a lamp,please always check that the temperature doesn’t go too hot. |
Caging Provided: | For a group of 6 adults in a 30 cm long tank,and 20cm wide,and a bit high(mine is 15 cm.)Provide them many hiding places,like egg cartons,little wooden hiding places e.t.c.Also give them a branch to climb on. |
Diet: | Omnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Madagascan hissers,as many other roaches,eat a big variety of food.
You can give them:bananas(they just adore them!),apple,lettuce,potato and carrot shavings,tomato and generally many veggies.You can add leaf litter(they like elm and alder leraves hole,not cut.You can leave the leaves for a long while in the terrarium.) for them to hide and to chew on.
Don’t give them toxic leaves(eucalyptus for example) and never give them cucumbers,as they contain cucurbiticin,which is toxic for them.
Offer them dry dog,cat, and rodent food,as well as fish food pellets for nutrition.
PLEASE don’t put the food touching on the substrate and they can grow fungi on them(especially dry food).
Roaches can sometimes be offered some human food,too.
|
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | I don’t think it’s needed. |
Maintenance: | Change the substrate every 6 months.Don’t keep the terrarium dirty,as tiny mites,harmless for the roach and you will build up in numbers and become a problem. |
Some Words on this Species: | A giant roach may not appeal to everyone,but they certainly make great pets!They are useful creatures,as they eat what other creatures leave behind, and as all insects have the most extraordinary life cycle,and it’s amazing to see a nymph to grow to adult!
Some last notes will be added now...Please don’t keep many males together, as they will fight, but keep 1-2 males, and 4 females for each one of them. (their own little harem!)
Roaches are not fragile, but please do handle them with respect, as they can fall and injure themselves. I hope you will enjoy keeping these animals, and I also hope that I have helped you.
Thanks. |
How Members Rated
This Care Sheet | Rate This Care Sheet
Please keep all comments constructive to Madagascan Hissing Roach husbandry methods and care. Any degrading, sarcastic, or disrespectful comments will be removed. |
Total Members Rating: 2
| 1 |  ( 0 ) |
| 2 |  ( 0 ) |
| 3 | ( 0 ) |
| 4 | ( 2 ) |
| 5 | ( 0 ) |
|
|
