Urban Tarantulas
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches - Gromphadorhina Portentosa
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches - Gromphadorhina Portentosa
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Gromphadorhina Portentosa or Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are an absolutely breathtaking species of roach that max out at around 4 inches in length.
These roaches are exceptionally fast growing, in relation to their adult size.
They are prolific breeders and can have clutches ranging anywhere between 30-100 nymphs or (baby roaches) at a time.
These amazing creatures are gentle giants, they are completely harmless, incapable of biting and surprisingly hygienic.
Hissers are capable of climbing smooth surfaces so using a properly modified enclosure is a must.
Hissing roaches are a non pest species of roach, this means, if a few were to escape their enclosure there's no risk of them invading your home. In fact, they will most likely die in a week or soo.
Males have two large bumps above their head while females lack these bumps all together.
The males use these bumps to headbutt each other, for breeding rights and territory disputes.
These insects are called hissing roaches since they possess the ability to hiss by forcing air through breathing holes located on the side of their body.
It takes less then 5 months for new born Nymphs to mature sexually.
Care/husbandry:
- Enclosure - A plastic enclosure with a lid that has an airtight seal will make sure no baby roaches will be able to escape. This is especially important if you're trying to breed these roaches. As for the ventilation holes, you'll want to give the roaches plenty of cross ventilation by drilling holes on all four sides of the enclosure. Just make sure the holes drilled are covered by micro mesh, This ensures none of your new born nymphs escape.
- Humidity/Substrate - Since these insects come from madagascar its important they have a constant supply of water. Make sure to leave a water dish with water crystals in the roaches enclosure at all times. If you prefer not to use water crystals, make sure you spray down the enclosure every three days, that way the roaches can drink excess water off the sides of the enclosure. Any mold resistant substrate, like coconut fiber will work fine. More importantly, be sure not to over moisten the enclosure or let it get too dry.
- Temperature - roaches must not be kept any lower than 65°F. Keep in mind, the warmer you keep your roaches the more active they become and the more often they will breed. Don't keep your roaches higher than 105 °F
- Feeding - Hissing roaches are far from picky eaters, they will eat dried dog, cat or fish food. As well as a variety of fruits and vegetables. Just beware of how much fruits and veggies you give them as it's hard for them to digest a primarily vegetarian diet. I suggest giving your roaches 70% dried dog, cat, or fish feed and 30% fruits and veggies
Other useful information:
Latin/Scientific name: Gromphadorhina Portentosa
Common name: Madagascar Hissing cockroach
Climb status: Both nymphs and adults can climb new surfaces
Flight status: not capable of flight
Locale: Island of Madagascar
Size: 3-4 inches or 10-11 centimeters
Handleability: very handleable
Growth rate: moderate growing but will grow much faster if kept warmer
Life expectancy: roughly two years +
Recommended keeper experience level: beginner to intermediate








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SHIPPING
Shipping costs:
I charge a standard rate of $50 for shipping tarantulas, and isopods.
I take a loss on shipping, on every package.
There are many costs associated with shipping that are not evident on the surface level:
An insulated box.
Cold/heat pack.
The vials that the animals go inside of have to be drilled a certain way.
The preparation of the vials with padding takes labor to make.
So $50 for shipping is actually a bargain.
Packages go out usually Monday/Tuesday and sometimes Wednesday.
I will not ship after Wednesday, because if there are shipping delays, I do not want it to go over the weekend.
Live Arrival Guarantee:
I offer LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee) on every single package that I ship.
Animals usually arrive at your doorstep, or your nearest FedEx hub the following day after I ship. Usually 10am, but that is not always the case.
Sometimes it might take an additional day to arrive, but that is rare.
In the RARE case that the animal/s arrive DOA (dead on arrival), the receiver MUST send photos and video to me within an hour documenting the condition of the said animal.
We will then discuss replacement options if that is the case.
I've been shipping and sending hundreds if not thousands of packages over the last 10 years with an impeccable track record.
Shipping costs on DOA’s are never refundable.
Local Pick Up:
Local pick up in Los Angeles is always available.
If you live close, come pick up the animals.
I can also personally deliver the animals the same/next day if the order is over $200.
FAQ
FAQ
Where do you get your enclosures?
For a good quality enclosure, I recommend Herpcult Enclosures
What substrate do you use?
I prefer coco fiber substrate mixed with peat. Usually a 80/20 mixture.
Coco or similar
Sphagnum Peat Moss or similar
What temperature do you keep your tarantulas in?
I have my room set at 80°F, but they will be perfectly fine in temperatures between 69°F-83°F. I prefer using the Govee thermometer.
Are tarantulas venomous?
Yes, all spiders are venomous. However, tarantulas do not possess a medically significant venom. There have been no records of any humans dying due to a tarantula bite.
What happens if I get bit by a tarantula?
On the rare occasion that you get bit by a tarantula, remain calm. Do not run hot water over the wound because it will speed up the spread of the venom. Instead, clean the bite mark with room temperature water and monitor your symptoms. If your pain does not go away, please consult a physician.
What do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas crickets, roaches, mealworms, or superworms. However, crickets are always the easiest and most accessible from pet stores.
Tongs I use are- My favorite option or a less expensive alternative.
How often do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas once a week or bi-weekly.