Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Gromphadorhina portentosa
Here at Banham Zoo
Listen closely in the Discovery Centre, and you might hear the distinctive hiss of a Madagascan hissing cockroach! This unique species gets its name from the hissing sound it makes during mating or territorial disputes.
Native to Madagascar, they are nocturnal scavengers, feeding on fallen fruit and plant material. Only the males have horns, which they use to establish dominance over rivals.
Where Do I Live?
Madagascar
These cockroaches are only found on the island of Madagascar where they live on the forest floor.
What Do I Eat?
Cockroaches are the dustmen of the forest floor, they will eat anything from decaying fruit and vegetable matter to carrion (dead meat).
How Do I Breed?
Cockroaches are ovoviviparous; the female retaining the egg sac inside her body until the young hatch. They have several litters of offspring each year.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Not Evaluated (NE)
Not yet assessed for extinction risk.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches have not been evaluated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but they are not believed to be endangered in the wild.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
located?
Our
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
is located in our
Zoo Central
, map reference
9
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
