WE CANNOT SHIP ROACHES TO FLORIDA, DUE TO STATE LAW!

Defining Characteristics:

• Great beginner bug
• Easy to care for
• Bold
• Interesting
• Good in groups

Name: Dwarf Hissing Cockroach (Elliptorhina Chopardi), AKA dwarf hissers. This species got their name from being one of the smallest hissing roaches. Despite being small, dwarf hissing roaches can hiss as loud as larger hissing roaches.

Recommended Vivarium Size & Setup: Dwarf hissers do not require a lot of room and will do well kept in a 10 gallon tank or similar enclosure. They need adequate ventilation as well as a secure lid, as hissing roaches can easily climb glass. A layer of petroleum jelly along the inside rim of the enclosure can stop roaches from reaching the top. 

Coconut fiber can be used as substrate, with cork or egg crate as a shelter for the roaches, as well as a food and water dish. Excess food or dead roaches/exoskeletons should be removed regularly to maintain a clean enclosure.

Temperature (°F): 75-85 degrees is their preferred temperature range. Dwarf hissers prefer temperatures over 80 and should never be kept below 70 degrees.

Humidity: Acceptable humidity for dwarf hissing cockroaches is around 50%+. Hissers originate from Madagascar and can live comfortably at higher humidity, and will thrive between 60%-70%. Keep coconut fiber damp and mist regularly.

Size: Nymphs are born at about 1/8 inch, while adult males and females typically reach about 1 inch. At time of sale roaches will range from 1/2-1 inch.

Age: Hissing roaches generally live 2-3 years. Lifespan in the wild is unknown, but well cared for captive hissers can live up to 4-5 years.

Feeding: At time of sale they are eating fresh fruit and Josh’s Frogs Roach Rations, with hydrated water crystals (or watering gel) available at all times. They enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, celery, bananas, apples, and oranges.

Offer food 3 times weekly, and discard any leftover food from the previous meal at the next feeding. Dog food can be fed as a high protein treat.

Sexing: Sexing nymphs can be done around 3/4 inch. Hissing roaches can be sexed from looking at their rear from underneath. Females will have one large segment where males will have 3 smaller segments.

Color/Pattern: Adults have a black head with a tan/brown striped body. Nymphs have a black head and primarily brown body.

Social Behavior: Dwarf hissers are extremely social and enjoy slight overcrowding. Often nymphs will stay together in groups until larger. These roaches will use every part of their enclosure, including the lid if you let them. They are primarily nocturnal but very active once disturbed.

Breeding: Dwarf hissing roaches are easy to breed if they're provided the correct temperatures. Females may go several months between litters, which often range from 30-70 nymphs. Nymphs are independent and need no special care.

To encourage breeding, roaches should be given constant access to food and water and kept around 85 degrees. To discourage breeding, feed less frequently and keep them at lower temperatures.

Natural Range: Hissing cockroaches are from the island of Madagascar, where they live in a tropical/subtropical climate in rotting logs and the leaf litter on the forest floor.

Still not sure if Dwarf Hissing Cockroaches from Josh's Frogs are the right pet invertebrate for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!