Incubation

Biology of MHC (Madagascar Hissing Cockroach)

The MHC size for both males and females is approximately 2-4 inches long and weigh around ¼ to ⅞ ounces each. MHC is heavily sclerotized ( (insect's body, or part of one) hardened by conversion into sclerotin.), which is what gives it a brownish or black colour over the entire body. Right after the molting process, the cockroach will gain a white colour across its body until the exoskeleton hardens. The cockroach should not be handled during this time to avoid hurting it in this delicate stage.

Unlike plenty of other cockroaches, this species is actually wingless, though can run a little faster than its other variants.

Males versus females

The male roach has two large tubercles (bumps) on the dorsal surface of the prothorax (the foremost of the three segments in the thorax of an insect and bears the first pair of legs.
Many people confuse these bumps with the eyes; however, the head is actually located underneath this area and is protected by the heavy armour of the prothorax.
The female roach also has these bumps; but, they are not as prominent and are much rather smooth.

Living Environment for MHC

The Madagascar hissing cockroach is actually relatively easy to take care of and make an excellent pet; hopefully you are not afraid of insects. The MHC should be maintained in an area that provides a dark, moist and secluded environment: Often laboratory colonies are maintained in large, dark trash cans, with cardboard dividers or wire mesh so that the surface areas are climbable for the roaches.

Entomologists working with roaches usually keep them in glass or plastic aquariums.
Wood chips, moist peat or sphagnum moss may be provided as a type of bedding they can burrow under to hide from the light.
Small rocks or tubes can be added for the roaches to have a territory to defend.
Screen covering or another secure type of lid for the cage is necessary.
Make sure it is sealed because with the special pad the roaches have, it is possible for them to climb out.

Be SURE to provide the proper adequate ventilation for the roaches and do not allow the living environment to dry excessively. An occasional misting of the area with water will provide the proper humidity for the roach’s cage.

The cage must be placed in a warm location (72 F to 76 F). Higher temperatures will increase the activity and breeding, while lower temperatures makes the cockroach more sluggish and inactive. Do not keep these roaches at temperatures below 65 F. Higher temperatures are their native habitats, in which often exceed 100 F, the MHC thrives in warm environments.

MHC are cold-blooded animals, which means they may require an external heat source to maintain their proper metabolism.

Feeding the MHC !

This cockroach is actually extremely easy to feed, as they are not picky eaters at all. Oftentimes in the rain forest floors where they live, they feed off of the ripened fruits that fall from trees in Madagascar.

Madagascar Hissing cockroaches that are captive, enjoy lots of different foods, including dry, processed foods for dogs, cats, fish, chickens, monkeys and rats even. Supplement their diet with fruits and vegetables;

Orange slices
Banana peels
Carrots
Apples
Grapes
Sweet potato peelings
Potato slices

Use small pieces of these fruits and vegetables (one inch square or less) and feed moist food sparingly, high concentrations of fermentation gases are harmful.

Water feeding

Water is provided using a cotton wick method. A tightly sealed plastic container is filled with water, and a small hole is drilled into the lid of the container, which then a wick is placed through the hole and into the water. The roaches will be able to drink from the wick as it soaks up the water.

Designs For Incubation

SketchUp Model

Madagascar hissing cockroaches: Information and care - oklahoma state university. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches: Information and Care | Oklahoma State University. (2017, March 1). https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/madagascar-hissing-cockroaches-information-and-care.html

Chua, J., Fisher, N. A., Falcinelli, S. D., DeShazer, D., & Friedlander, A. M. (2017, November 24). The Madagascar hissing cockroach as an alternative non-mammalian animal model to investigate virulence, pathogenesis, and drug efficacy. Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5755476/

(PDF) sex-specific food preferences in the Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina Portentosa (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae). ResearchGate. (2002, June 27). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263614605_Sex-Specific_Food_Preferences_in_the_Madagascar_Hissing_Cockroach_Gromphadorhina_portentosa_Dictyoptera_Blaberidae

Ridge, G. (n.d.). Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina - CT.gov. Portal.ct.gov. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/CAES/DOCUMENTS/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Entomology/Madagascar_Hissing_Cockroach_Gromphadorhina.pdf

Page updated

Report abuse