Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Hissing cockroaches live in colonies with all ages and both sexes. Males tend to be larger than females and have a pair of horns on their head used to fight other males. When disturbed, this insect emits a loud hiss to startle potential predators. Hissing is also used in mating. The roach creates the sound by forcing air out of its abdominal air holes (called spiracles). The hiss is 90 decibels—equivalent to the sound made by a lawnmower or hair dryer!