Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches produce their hissing sound by use of small holes on their abdomen called “spiracles.” They may hiss to deter their predators, or to attract mates, and male roaches are more vocal than females. Some of their main predators include chameleons, birds, & lemurs. Not only are they a great food source for many animals in their native land, they also help to keep their habitat healthy by eating dead and decaying plant matter off the rainforest floor, and by aerating the soil. They also maintain cleanliness by being infested with their own personal cleaning crew—Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Mites! These mites help the roaches by eating debris and dead skin off of their bodies, almost like little living vacuum cleaners!