Crash Course: Cockroaches

Well I haven't gotten any questions so I'm going to just start giving some general information about Cockroaches. The type of cockroaches I own are Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. My most common questions seems to be "HISSING?!" Yes they really do hiss. It is a defense mechanism used to make them sound like a snake hissing if they feel threatened. The desired effect is that the predator who is searching for a tasty cockroach snack will assume the hissing is coming from a snake and run away from the potential threat, leaving the cockroach. The hissing is also often used in their breeding ritual ;) They produce these sounds from black spots on the back of their abdomen. These spots are actually holes called spiracles which the cockroaches use to breathe. When air is pushed through these holes rapidly it causes the hissing sound that so often characterizes them.
Some other basic characteristics is that they are wingless, unlike most cockroaches.

They make strong pets and despite their alien-like appearance and their bad reputation I would highly suggest them. However, before you think about purchasing one check to see if your state requires a permit to either own or breed cockroaches. This is to prevent one from getting into the environment and becoming a non-native species. This is mainly in southern states. If you can make hissing cockroaches you pets they are excellent for reptile owners because they can be bread and used as feeder insects as well as a pet. 

As far as their appearance, I have included a picture for a reference. They are a mixture of blacks, browns and even orange. They are the largest species of cockroach, ranging from 2-3 in. as adults. The cockroach in the picture above is a male. You can tell by the protrusions that look like horns above his head. Females only have small bumps. These "horns" are used in defense and mating. Though it is hard to see in this picture you can see some of the black spots on his abdomen that he uses for hissing. Well there's a crash course on Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches.

Check back for more news on my pets as well as a crash courses on Tarantula's and Avicularia Versicolors and lots more! Make sure to follow and leave any questions in the comments and I will be glad to answer them in my next post!