Gromphadorhina portentosa, or the Madagascar hissing cockroach – the genus of tropical cockroaches very popular among fans of exotic pets. They are ideal for those who are not able to afford to hold houses, say, an iguana or a crocodile, but passionately wishes to get some unusual being. The Madagascar cockroaches are unpretentious and do not require specific care.
The Madagascar cockroaches are friendly and clean, they do not smell and do not carry an infection (unlike, for example, red cockroaches) and do not bite. Males of these insects can reach in length of 5.5-6.5 cm, in rare instances – 10 cm. They live in house conditions not too long – only two – two and a half years, but if properly to look after them, they are capable to live to five years. Females of the hissing cockroaches publish specific whistling during pairing and when feel danger, and males – hiss. It is possible to distinguish a male from a female on two standing horns on a protoraksa (area before a breast) which are available only for males. To lodge the Madagascar cockroaches at home or in the apartment, it is necessary to get an aquarium and a special drinking bowl (in usual they can drown). The bottom needs to be covered with sawdust and leaves that it was where to bury. It is also necessary to make peculiar shelters where insects will have a rest and hide of improvised materials. For this purpose trays from under eggs, cardboard boxes, etc. will approach. If not to make it, they will get out of an aquarium sooner or later and will creep away on corners. Except shelters it is desirable to place in an aquarium of a snag and a branch on which cockroaches will creep. Temperature in an aquarium has to be not lower than 25 degrees, and humidity – about 65%. For maintenance of necessary level of humidity sprinkle an aquarium water from a spray several times a week. Cleaning of an aquarium is made all once a month. As for food, the Madagascar cockroaches are absolutely omnivorous: they can eat both fresh, and rotten products therefore to them usually feed the remains of unnecessary food. The products containing calcium are useful to them to health and preservation of a firm armor. In a word, the Madagascar cockroach – the most unpretentious pet who can be brought; it is simpler to look after him, than hamsters or birds. However before getting a brood of these exotic creations, by all means discuss this idea with your members of household as despite everything, these creations – on the fan.