Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

 12/27/20 

Over the last couple of days, Guapo has demonstrated his gravity defying "feets" and his table manners as he eats moistened dog food and apple. These close up and personal videos highlight how these tiny creatures move and eat. Enjoy the videos! Please forgive the background music and comments as I tend to capture these videos while life continues in our home. 😊

12/23/20 Gordo & Guapo have arrived! 

They appear to have tolerated their two day trek to Virginia with no problems at all. They seem eager to explore their new habitat and hiss nicely when I try to hold them.  

Holding them was very interesting and surprising. Their feet are very sticky and also feel spiky. If they don't want to move, it's rather difficult to get them off of your hand or arm. I've posted a few videos below. Enjoy!

Fig 1.Madagascar is located off the
Southeastern coast of Africa.

As their name indicates, these cockroaches are native to Madagascar which is the 4th largest island in the world and is located off the east coast of Africa. Unlike other cockroaches, MHC lack wings but can run fast. They are also phenomenal climbers as their feet have special pads that enable them to climb glass and plastic walls. Keep a secure lid on their habitat at all times to prevent their escape!

Fig 2 South of the Equator,
Madagascar's tropical ecosystem
is warm and humid.

Fig 3 Madagascar

According to Britannica, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. With a warm and humid climate, Madagascar is home to a variety of organisms including various species of the baobab trees, lemurs, chameleons, aye-aye, and of course, Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

 Since MHC are a tropical species, an appropriate habitat must be  created for them to live comfortably. We are using a 5 gallon terrarium with a lid that attaches securely. Inside we are using a coconut fiber substrate moistened with water. Found a few rocks from the yard to add places to hide. We ordered a water dish which will arrive with Gordo and Guapo. Temperatures will be maintained between 75 and 80 F. High humidity is a goal 60-80% but mold and fungus shouldn't grow in the habitat!

Now we just need Gordo and Guapo to arrive.