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Aeluropoda insignis
A Madagascan hissing cockroach notable for its extreme flatness. Large males are under a centimetre thick, and adults vary widely, from ringed wing buds to solid cherry-red abdomens.
Aeluropoda insignis is a wingless cockroach from Madagascar and belongs to Aeluropoda, one of the six genera in the hissing-cockroach tribe Gromphadorhini. It was described by Butler in 1882. In captivity males reach about 52 mm and females about 45 mm. It is far flatter than the other hissing cockroaches in the hobby: even large adult males are less than a centimetre thick. Nymphs resemble those of other hissers, and the striking flatness only appears at adulthood. Adult colour and pattern vary widely, from ringed markings on the wing buds to solid cherry-red abdomens. It tolerates a wide range of 22-29 C and is regarded as one of the easier species in the tribe. All life stages can climb glass, so a sealed lid or a climbing barrier is needed.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach lives 3-5 years.
The Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach grows to 4.5-5.2cm.
The ideal temperature for the Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach is 22〜29℃.
Origin
Madagascar
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
Sources: Roach Crossing: Flat-Horn Hisser / Wikipedia: Gromphadorhini (hissing cockroaches) / GBIF
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Aeluropoda insignis Butler, 1882
Synonyms: Aeluropoda gigantea Butler, 1882, Gromphadorhina hildebrandti Dohrn, 1887
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
4.5-5.2cm
Temperature
22〜29℃
Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food, dried hardwood leaves
Tolerates a wide 22-29 C. Not fussy about air humidity, but extreme dryness causes moulting failures.
All life stages climb glass, so a sealed lid is essential. They use their flat bodies to squeeze under bark, so stack bark pieces in the enclosure.
Combine vegetables and fruit with grains or prepared insect food, and add dried hardwood leaves.
No venom and no biting. When disturbed it hisses by forcing air through its abdominal spiracles.
Its flat body wedges deep under bark, so the colony is hard to count without dismantling the layout. Do not house it with other hissing cockroaches, to keep lines separate.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach is 22〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach typically reaches 4.5-5.2cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach feeds on: Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food, dried hardwood leaves. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026