- Originally from the island of Madagascar off the African coast, where they can be found in rotting logs.

- One of the largest species of cockroach, reaching 2-3 inches at maturity.

- Wingless

- They are excellent climbers and can easily climb smooth glass.

- Males can be readily distinguished from females by their thicker, hairier antennae and the pronounced "horns" on the pronotum.

- Females carry the ootheca (egg case) internally, and release the young nymphs only after the eggs have hatched. As in some other wood roaches, the parents and offspring will commonly remain in close physical contact for extended periods of time.

- In captivity, these insect can live 5 years, rarely more, and feed primarily on various types of vegetable material.

- Have ability to force air through the breathing pores (spiracles) found on their abdomen. The Madagascar hissing cockroach is believed to be the only insect that can hiss in this exact manner, as most insects that make a "hissing" sound do so by rubbing together various body parts.

- This hiss is used in two contexts: the disturbance hiss and the fighting hiss. All cockroaches from the fourth instar (fourth molting cycle) and older are capable of the disturbance hiss. Only males use the fighting hiss when challenged by other males. This results in one of the males eventually backing down and the fight being over.

- Dead Madagascar hissing cockroaches encrusted with Swarovski crystals have been used as a necklaces for the elderly, costing about $850 each.

- Current world record for eating is 36 cockroaches in 1 minute.