Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Fun Facts 

  • Madagascar hissing cockroaches are one of the largest species of cockroach in the world.
  • These large bugs play an essential role in any ecosystem because they are detritivores, meaning they help break down decaying plant and animal matter. They feed mainly on fruit and other plant material.
  • Its alarm hiss – which is how it gets its name – sounds like a loud snake hiss and is the cockroach's method of scaring off intruders.
  • Males have two large bumps on their backs called pronotal horns. They use these “horns” for fighting with other cockroaches in the same way that deer use their antlers to fight.
  • Dominant males show off by standing on their toes. This is called “stilting”.

 

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Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Our hissing cockroaches live in two colonies at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo. One colony is not viewable to the public and resides in our Ambassador Animal Center. Our Educators and Animal Care Specialists take these insects to onsite programs and local schools to educate children about the importance of even the smallest creatures on our planet. The other colony is inside the museum near our Baby’s Meadow. Most of the time, you can watch them nibble on some fruit or greens that our Animal Care staff have given to them to munch on, or they’re basking under their warming light.

 

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