The Madagascar hissing cockroach is one of the largest cockroach species in the world, growing up to 7 cm long. Unlike most cockroaches, it doesn’t have wings and can’t fly, but it makes up for it with its amazing ability to hiss! These insects produce their hissing sound by forcing air through tiny holes in their abdomen, and they use it to scare off predators or to communicate with each other. Males even hiss when competing for mates, a bit like a noisy showdown.

Despite their scary reputation, hissing cockroaches are harmless to humans and play an important role in the rainforest by recycling decaying plants and helping keep the forest floor healthy.

Find our Madagascar hissing cockroaches in the Lowland Glasshouse.

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