Adaptations That Hissing Cockroaches Have

One adaptation of the hissing cockroach is the sexual dimorphism found between males and females of the species. Males have large bumps that look like horns; females have smaller versions of these horns. The difference in size between the horns makes sex determination easier. In males, these bumps are used to fight with other males for mates and to defend their territory. Females also have smoother antennae while the males’ antennae are bushy. Additionally, only males are considered aggressive.

The distinct hissing made by these cockroaches is another adaptation. Males and females have a second spiracle in their abdomens. Spiracles in other insects are used only for breathing, but these cockroaches can force air through these ports to create a hissing sound. The most commonly heard of the hisses is the alarm hiss, which alerts other cockroaches in their colony about potential danger. The hissing is also used while these cockroaches fight or mate.

Unlike most cockroaches, the hissing species is ovoviviparous, meaning the females give birth to live young. The female creates a cocoon attached to her body where she incubates her eggs. When the eggs hatch, she pushes out the live nymphs, which appear to be smaller versions of mature hissing cockroaches. Up to 60 nymphs can be produced by a single hissing cockroach female at a time. The nymph will go through six different moltings before reaching maturity.

Although most people in the United States view cockroaches as pests, only about 1 percent of all species actually live in human homes. The rest, including the hissing cockroach, live in the wild and have adapted to their specific environments. These hissing cockroaches live on the forest floors of Madagascar so they are used to humid climates, warm temperatures and a diet consisting primarily of fruits and plant matter. Hissing cockroaches are regularly raised in classrooms and by enthusiasts.