Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Gromphadorhina portentosa

Scientific Name

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach:  
Gromphadorhina portentosa

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Madagascar

Natural Habitat

Under logs and leaf litter in forests

Physical Characteristics

  • Males are light brown and have “horns” on their heads.

  • Females are darker brown.

  • Both males and females can grow to be 2–3 inches long.

Quick Facts

  1. The Hissing Cockroaches get their name from a hissing sound they make while fighting for territory or when startled by a predator.

  2. Males will use the horns on their heads to ram into one another, and typically the largest and nosiest male will win the battle.

Exhibit

Education Department

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Omnivore