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Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are characterized by their unique hissing features. They occupy an important place in the world wildlife with their valuable contribution to the ecological system of the Madagascar. With a length of 2 to 3 inches and a width of 1 inch the Madagascar hissing cockroaches are big insects and are specific only to Madagascar. These insects form a unique aspect of the various species of insects found in the island. These cockroaches vary in their characteristic features according to the gender.
The male hissing cockroaches of Madagascar differ from the females in size and appearance. Males bear a big protrusion on their chests. This protrusion is called pronotal hump. The females either have small bumps or no protrusion at all. Therefore, their chests are comparatively smoother than that of the males. The type of antennae that the males have are also different from those of the females.
The hissing cockroaches in Madagascar make a hissing noise as suggested by their name. They make the sound by forcefully pushing out air through a pair of spiracles. These are tiny openings, which allow the hissing cockroaches to take in air to the trachea. There are several of these spiracles on the sides of their chest and abdomen.
The Madagascar hissing cockroaches hiss due to various reasons. The most important reason behind such a behavioral trait is defense. By hissing these cockroaches defend themselves and their territories from their predators. Another reason behind their hissing is communication. Their hissing is a signal of danger to the cockroaches. The third reason is mating. The cockroaches hiss when they have to attract the opposite sex. The female cockroaches and nymphs make the noise only if they are disturbed. The hissing cockroaches are thus unique creatures of Madagascar and form interesting sources of study.
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