Madagsacan Hissing Cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa

There are some 20 species of super-sized, non-flying cockroaches endemic to Madagascar and sharing the name Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, particularly the four in this genus. This one, native to northern Madagascar, is one of the more common and one of the world's largest. It can grow to 3 inches (7.5cm) length.

Cockroaches are nature's recyclers and this one lives in rotting logs and leaf litter in forests recycling wood, leaves and fruit. Like other cockroaches, adult males and females look similar and live together in large colonies including numerous subadults and nymphs at all stages of development. Males have thicker, hairier antennae than females and larger "horns".

Unusually for cockroaches, these giants don't have wings and can't fly; however they climb well. They hiss to show displeasure or aggression by pushing air out of the tiny holes along their flanks. They live for some 2-5 years.