Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Gromphadorhina portentosa
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
Gromphadorhina portentosa
Loud hissing
As the name suggests, a defining feature of the Madagascar hissing cockroach is the sound it produces. They communicate with strong hissing that can be heard up to 4 m away. In a fight for territory and dominance and position in the colony, only the males make this sound. When a colony is threatened, however, females and older nymphs also hiss. In this way they frighten and deter a possible attacker. By means of hissing, males recognise one another and quickly notice a visitor from another colony. They produce the sound by forcefully pushing air through two modified spiracles on the fourth abdominal segment. Because sound production is linked to breathing, this method of vocalising is more like that of vertebrates than that of insects. Most insects produce sound by rubbing parts of the body together or vibrating special membranes.
Sensory cerci
Information about air movement reaches the legs first via the cerci, and only then the "brain". This is why we say a cockroach first runs and only then becomes aware of the danger.
Meet and visit
Annual Pass 365
Quality leisure time matters hugely in today’s fast-paced life. With a ZOO Ljubljana annual pass you’ll enjoy pleasant relaxation, more movement, more time with friends and family, plenty of laughter and fun, new learning and discoveries, and many happy moments during your visits. The annual pass costs less than six single visits.
Birthday Adventure
Want to celebrate a birthday a little differently — active and educational? The Birthday Adventure is just the thing. We will take you into the wonderful world of insects and show you some of our most charismatic animals in their enclosures. We will guide you through riddles and interesting stories as you get to know the animals.
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Birthday Celebration
You can celebrate a birthday at ZOO Ljubljana. During the celebration we experience smaller domesticated animals, with a focus on insects. We also visit the more charismatic larger animals in their enclosures and learn many interesting things about them. The celebrations are educational and fun, suitable for children and adults alike. We provide food, drink and an educational and entertaining programme.