Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach
The Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach is a Madagascar native prized for its remarkably flattened body — even large males stay under a centimeter thick, letting them squeeze into narrow crevices most roaches can't reach. Adults show plenty of individual variation, from the patterned rings on their wing pads to abdomens that turn solid red. Like other hissing cockroaches, they let out an audible hiss when startled, but their calm, slow-moving nature makes them easy to handle. That combination of striking looks and manageable care makes this species a great pick for anyone starting out with exotic invertebrates.
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Apply as a breederFlat-horned Hissing Cockroach key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Size
- 4.5-5.2cm
- Temperature
- 22〜29℃
- Diet
- Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food, dried hardwood leaves
- Temperature & Humidity
- Tolerates a wide 22-29 C. Not fussy about air humidity, but extreme dryness causes moulting failures.
- Enclosure
- 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.
- Diet & Feeding
- Combine vegetables and fruit with grains or prepared insect food, and add dried hardwood leaves.
- Temperament & Venom
- No venom and no biting. When disturbed it hisses by forcing air through its abdominal spiracles.
- Notes
- 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.
About Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach
Flat-horned Hissing Cockroaches from Madagascar are known for their extremely flat bodies and individually varied markings. Adults reach 4.5–5.2cm and are calm, beginner-friendly exotic pets.
7 things to know before welcoming a Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach
1A Flat Body Needs Hiding Spots
Their extremely flat bodies mean they naturally seek out tight hiding spots, such as bark crevices or stacked egg cartons. Give the enclosure several hiding spaces so they can settle in comfortably.
2The Hiss Behind the Name
True to their name, they let out an audible hiss when startled. It's a harmless, momentary reaction, and most of the time they're quiet and calm.
3Escape-Proofing Is a Must
Because their bodies are so thin and flat, they can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps and escape. Check lids and ventilation mesh carefully to make sure there are no openings they can slip through.
4Temperature & Humidity Care
As a Madagascar native, this species prefers warm, humid conditions, so keep the enclosure appropriately moist. Substrate that's too dry can lead to molting problems, so check moisture levels regularly.
5An Omnivorous Diet
They're omnivores that eat a wide range of foods, from prepared insect diets to vegetable scraps and fruit. A water gel or shallow water dish makes it easier to keep them hydrated.
6Communal by Nature
Their relatively docile temperament means groups can be housed together in the same enclosure. Just avoid overcrowding, since it can lead to molting problems, so give each roach enough space.
7Getting Ready Before Arrival
Set up hiding spots, substrate, and food and water dishes before your roaches arrive so they can settle in right away. Since shipping is stressful for them, it's best to leave them undisturbed for the first few days.
Frequently asked questions about Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach
- Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, the Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach is considered an easy-care species and a good choice for beginners. It's relatively calm and doesn't require much daily maintenance.
- Q.How long do they live?
- A.No specific lifespan figure is listed for this species. Since an insect's lifespan depends on individual variation and care conditions, keeping temperature and humidity stable is the best way to support its health.
- Q.How big do they get?
- A.Adults typically reach about 4.5 to 5.2cm in length. Males are especially known for their thin, flattened bodies, and females share a similar shape.
- Q.Is this species covered by CITES?
- A.The Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach is not subject to CITES.
- Q.Is their hiss loud or bothersome?
- A.They can let out a hissing sound when startled, but it's not loud and they don't hiss constantly. Most of the time, they're quiet.
Learn more about Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach in the encyclopedia
View Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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