Critter Folio

Name: Heidi Stucki, Alison Balls, Meagan Miller, Brenda Danner

Title: Critter Folio

Subtitle: Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Gromphadorhina portentosa

Natural Habitat: Madagascar hissing cockroaches are found on the island of Madagascar off the African coast, they are most often found in rotting logs.

Source: They can be found at a few pet stores, however they are easiest and cheapest if you order them on-line. They are not found in the US but people have bred them here so they are available in the US.

Classroom habitat: A clear container with air holes. These cockroaches need comfort, warmth, food, water, and cover. It’s best to have the bottom of the cage covered with newspaper or wood chips. Madagascar hissing cockroaches like vegetables, fruit, dog food, and bread. Make sure that you place the water in a shallow dish so that the cockroaches can actually drink it.

Life Cycle: The female carriers the egg and neonate nymphs for approximately 60 days until they emerge as nymphs. The nymphs undergo 6 molts before reaching maturity in 7 months. Once the cockroaches have matured they grow into full adults they can live for 2-5 years.

Safety Precautions: Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are extremely safe to handle - they are clean, they don’t bite, and they are not poisonous in any way. However, to be safe you should always wash your hands after dealing with these animals, because they do go to the bathroom in their cage and wallow in it. Furthermore, cockroaches may have mites on their skin. Although they won’t live on or harm humans, it is good to be aware of them on the cockroaches. Also, for the cockroaches safety you should clean their cage weekly and change their water frequently as well.

Uses in the Classroom: Students could make observations about the cockroaches and answer scientific questions concerning their observations. Also, these animals can be used as food for reptiles and snakes if you had those in your classroom.

Possible investigations children can do: What kind of food do they like the most? What kind of flooring do they prefer? Do they like the light or dark more? What do they stick to? Can you tell the difference between the males and females? What is the purpose or reasons for hissing?