© Daderot / CC0Giant Hissing Cockroach
The Giant Hissing Cockroach is native to southeastern Madagascar and ranks among the largest wingless cockroaches kept as pets. When startled or threatened, it pushes air through its abdominal spiracles to produce its signature hissing sound, a distinctive trait behind its name. Males are marked with golden-yellow edges along the abdomen, while females have a glossy black body with a bluish sheen, making the sexes easy to tell apart. Since it doesn't fly or jump, it's easy to observe up close, and its calm temperament makes it a good choice for intermediate keepers looking for a large, characterful insect. Note that the validity of its genus classification is still debated among researchers.
View Giant Hissing Cockroach encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
5 Transparency Standards You Can Trust
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 249 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 breederGiant Hissing Cockroach key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Size
- 5.6-10cm
- Temperature
- 24〜29℃
- Diet
- Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food, dried hardwood leaves
- Temperature & Humidity
- Keep at 24-29 C. Not fussy about air humidity, but extreme dryness causes moulting failures.
- Enclosure
- All life stages climb glass, so a sealed lid is essential. The species grows large, so give ample vertical surfaces of bark or egg crates.
- 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
- Care is close to that of G. portentosa but this species is described as a little more demanding. Do not house it with related species, to keep lines separate.
About Giant Hissing Cockroach
A large, wingless cockroach native to southeastern Madagascar, with males showing golden-yellow abdomen edges and females a glossy black, bluish sheen — known for its hissing sound and suited to intermediate keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Giant Hissing Cockroach
1A Genuinely Large Species
Adults reach roughly 5.6 to 10 cm, making them one of the largest cockroaches you can keep. Give them a roomy enclosure and a lid that seals securely.
2Hissing When Startled
True to its name, it pushes air through the spiracles on its abdomen to make a hissing sound when startled or threatened. This isn't aggression, it's simply a natural warning signal.
3Wingless but Strong
It can't fly or jump since it has no wings, but it has strong legs and climbs well. Choose a heavy or lockable lid to prevent escapes.
4Males and Females Look Different
Males have golden-yellow edges along the abdomen, while females are black with a bluish sheen. This makes it easy to tell the sexes apart even when keeping several together.
5Care Calls for Some Experience
Being native to Madagascar, it prefers warm, humid conditions, so balancing substrate moisture with ventilation takes a bit of know-how. A thermometer and hygrometer help you keep conditions in check.
6A Social, Group-Living Species
They naturally live in groups and often settle in better when kept together rather than alone. Providing multiple hiding spots helps reduce stress between individuals.
7What to Prepare Before Bringing One Home
Have an enclosure, substrate, hiding spots, a thermometer/hygrometer, and a well-ventilated lid ready in advance. Keep in mind that the genus classification is still debated among researchers, so the common or scientific name you see may vary.
Frequently asked questions about Giant Hissing Cockroach
- Q.Is the Giant Hissing Cockroach beginner-friendly?
- A.It's generally considered suited to intermediate keepers, since some experience with temperature and humidity management helps. Starting with basic husbandry knowledge makes for a smoother experience.
- Q.When does it make its hissing sound?
- A.It hisses by forcing air through the spiracles on its abdomen when startled or disturbed. This is a warning or defensive signal, not an aggressive action.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Adults typically reach about 5.6 to 10 cm, making it one of the larger cockroach species kept as pets.
- Q.Can they be kept together in groups?
- A.Yes, they naturally live in groups and do well housed together. Adding multiple hiding spots helps reduce stress among individuals.
- Q.How can I tell males and females apart?
- A.Males have golden-yellow edges along the abdomen, while females are black with a bluish sheen. This color difference makes the sexes relatively easy to distinguish.
Learn more about Giant Hissing Cockroach in the encyclopedia
View Giant 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.