New Hisser Colony
Posted by moose9 on October 25, 2009
Thought I would share my ne Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascar Hissing Cockroach) colony. These roaches are huge, 3 inches plus. These types of roaches make good pets for some. Adult Hissers have been know to live up to 5 years in captivity. They can also be used as feeders for large lizards and tarantulas. As adults, they have a hard exoskeleton for protection. I weigh an adult female and it weighed 11g.
Both males and females are wingless. Males are identified by prominent protrusions called pronatal humps on there thorax that appear to look like horns. Males are also territorial. They will buck heads and push around any male that tries to enter his territory. Males without a territory don’t usually breed. So make sure you give your colony plenty of floor space Females give live birth after about 60 days to anywhere from 15-40 nymphs. These things hiss when disturbed or to ward of predators.
Humidity levels need to be high for this species. High humidity and temps promotes good healthy molts and good breeding. Hissers eat just about any kind of vegetables. Carrot is said to be one of there favorites. They also need a high protein diet to prevent adult males from eating others. Substrate isn’t needed, but if you decide to use it, red wheat bran is said to work best.
Valid comments on/about/experience are all welcome. Spam, hate, offensive, etc… will be ignored/deleted. Your welcome to share videos as long as it is doesn’t violate any terms. Thanks for reading, Greg Hagedorn.
