HISSING COCKROACH

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Gromphadorhina portentosa
Adult Size: 5–8 cm | Lifespan: 2–5 years | Activity: Mostly nocturnal

📏 SIZE

• Adults usually reach 5–8 cm.
• Males are generally larger and have prominent bumps behind the head.

🏠 HOUSING

• Secure, escape-proof plastic or glass enclosure.
• A group can be kept in an enclosure around 30 × 20 × 20 cm or larger.
• Provide hides, cork bark and egg boxes for shelter.
• They are mainly ground-dwelling but will climb.
• Avoid smooth gaps around lids and ventilation.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Aim for 24–28°C.
• A slight drop at night is fine.
• Growth and breeding slow at cooler temperatures.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 30°C.

💡 LIGHTING

• No UVB required.
• Normal room lighting is sufficient.
• Provide a natural day/night cycle.
• They prefer darker areas and will be most active at night.

💧 HUMIDITY

• Aim for around 60–70%.
• Lightly mist one area of the enclosure as required.
• Avoid keeping the entire enclosure wet.
• Good ventilation is important.

🥬 FOOD

• Offer a varied diet of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Suitable foods include carrot, squash, leafy greens, apple and sweet potato.
• Provide a quality cockroach/invertebrate food for additional nutrition.
• Remove fresh food before it spoils.
• A calcium source can be provided, particularly for breeding colonies.

💦 WATER

• Obtain much of their moisture from fresh foods and misting.
• A very shallow water source or moisture gel can be used.
• Never provide deep standing water where cockroaches could become trapped.

🐚 SHEDDING

• Young cockroaches moult several times before reaching adulthood.
• They may become less active and hide before moulting.
• Do not disturb freshly moulted cockroaches.
• Provide adequate humidity to support successful moulting.

🤲 HANDLING

• Generally tolerant of gentle handling.
• Support the body and allow them to walk over your hands.
• Avoid dropping or squeezing them.
• Never pull on their legs or antennae.
• Wash hands after handling.

❤️ HEALTH

• Healthy cockroaches should be active, responsive and have a firm body.
• Loss of movement, injuries or repeated failed moults can indicate unsuitable conditions.
• Good ventilation, appropriate humidity and a varied diet are important.
• Avoid pesticides, insect sprays and contaminated food.

🧹 CLEANING

• Remove uneaten fresh food regularly.
• Remove faeces and heavily contaminated material as needed.
• Replace soiled substrate while retaining some established material.
• Avoid excessive cleaning of an established colony.

🏡 BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME

✓ Secure escape-proof enclosure
✓ Suitable hides and climbing areas
✓ Temperature checked and stable
✓ Hygrometer installed
✓ Appropriate substrate
✓ Fresh food available
✓ Safe moisture source provided
✓ Enclosure free from pesticides and chemicals

⚠️ IMPORTANT BITS

• Hissing Cockroaches cannot fly, but they are excellent climbers.
• Keep the enclosure securely closed at all times.
• They produce a distinctive hissing sound when disturbed.
• They can be kept in groups, but provide plenty of hiding places.
• Males may be territorial, so avoid overcrowding.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling.