Cockroaches aren't the first creatures that come to our minds when we think about exotic animals. Despite that, the Madagascar hissing cockroaches have a good reputation for being spectacular pets with good behaviour. People are mostly fascinated by them because of the hiss they produce with the help of a modified organ present on its abdomen, and it is linked to its respiratory system. The large size of these roaches and their wingless body does give it an added appeal compared to usual house pests.

The male roaches are extremely territorial and look different from the females because of their large horns. It is the males who predominantly produce the iconic hiss This species survives by munching on fruit and plant material present on the forest floor and are found in the tropical lowland rainforest of the island of Madagascar.