Cockroaches are among the most ancient of all insect groups. Fossils from the Carboniferous Period (345-280 million years ago) have been found.  

The cockroaches have adapted to an enormous range of habitats and a wide variety of foods. Some developed wings while others are wingless and burrow in soil and rotting logs. This roach is wingless.  

Most cockroaches are nocturnal. They possess compound eyes, and antennas are used for sensing movement and smelling.

Many roaches are oviparous. They lay eggs with a glandular secretion that hardens and forms a protective capsule. Other species, including the Madagascar cockroach, are ovoviviparous with females incubating eggs in a brood sac until hatching. Approximately 35 to 45 young are born.  

The hissing cockroach emits sounds through pores on sides of the body. The sound can be heard up to 12 feet. Males hiss when courting or battling for territory. Females hiss more gently when receptive to a male. All roaches in the zoo are males.

There are about 3,000 known cockroach species. Probably that many more are yet unnamed. Species are divided into five families. This roach is in the Blaberidae family that includes the largest cockroaches.  

Zoo Diet:

fruits, vegetables