Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

The classic pet roach — large, slow, docile, and handleable, which makes hissers a popular first invertebrate and a school/education favorite. Keep a colony warm (75-90 F) with coco-fiber substrate and plenty of stacked egg-crate or cork hides. They are OMNIVORES: dry roach chow or grain-based feed plus fresh vegetables and fruit, with a protein source occasionally; hydrate with water crystals rather than an open dish. IMPORTANT: hissers climb smooth glass and plastic easily — use a tight lid, and a band of petroleum jelly around the rim is the standard escape-proofing. They are harmless: no bite, no venom. The trademark hiss is made by forcing air through abdominal spiracles, used in courtship and when disturbed. Females are ovoviviparous (carry eggs internally, give live birth to nymphs).