Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Gromphadorhina portentosa is endemic to the rotting logs and forest floor of lowland Madagascar. Adults reach 7 cm long, are wingless, glossy mahogany-brown, and produce loud audible hisses by forcing air through enlarged abdominal spiracles — a mechanism otherwise undocumented in insects, which usually generate sound by stridulation (rubbing parts together). Three distinct hisses are recorded: an alarm hiss when threatened, a fighting hiss between males defending territory, and a courtship hiss directed at females. Males develop large bumpy 'horns' on the pronotum and use them in head-butting territorial duels. Females are ovoviviparous — eggs hatch inside the body and the female gives 'birth' to roughly 60 fully-formed nymphs at a time. The species cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces (no foot pads suited for glass), which combined with its docile temperament and audible response makes it one of the most popular invertebrates in classrooms, zoos, and the pet trade. They've appeared in films including *Bug Buster* and a memorable scene of *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom*.