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.
View Flat-horned Hissing Cockroach encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 5 Transparency Commitments
When listing Exotic Invertebrates, Breeders disclose the following. We guarantee transparency on growth stage and breeding unit.
- Real Photos
- Breeding Unit
- Generation Info
- Body Length (mm)
- Country of Origin
Browse all 286 breeds
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Are you raising exotic invertebrates?
Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.
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
Although native to Madagascar, this species tolerates a wide temperature range of 22–29°C and isn't fussy about air humidity. Extreme dryness can still lead to molting problems, so check regularly that the substrate hasn't dried out completely.
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.They live about 3 to 5 years. Lifespan varies with the individual and care conditions, so keeping the temperature stable and avoiding extreme dryness is the best way to support their 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.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.