Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

As the name implies, this insect can produce a loud hissing noise by forcing air through breathing holes called “spiracles”.  It is the only insect that makes noise in this manner.  The male has horn-like projections on its head that it uses to ram other males, all the while hissing loudly.  Females also hiss, but usually just as a defense mechanism against predators.

The female carries her fertilized eggs inside her body until they hatch.  She may bear as many as 60 nymphs.

HABITATTropical dry forest, tropical rainforest
DIETDecaying plant matter
LIFE Expectancy2-5 years