Halloween Hissing Cockroach (Elliptorhina javanica Halloween)
Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only
Please note that we do not ship live animals. You can order online and collect in store.
Halloween Hissing Cockroach (Elliptorhina javanica “Halloween”) Care Sheet
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Halloween Hissing Cockroach |
| Scientific Name | Elliptorhina javanica |
| Origin | Madagascar (captive-bred morph) |
| Adult Size | 5–7 cm |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years |
| Activity | Nocturnal / crepuscular detritivore |
Behavior
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Calm, slow-moving, and docile; rarely aggressive.
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Hisses when disturbed as a defensive mechanism.
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Nocturnal; active at night, hiding under substrate or bark during the day.
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Social species; can be housed in groups.
Enclosure Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 liters for a small colony
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Substrate: 5–8 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil; keep slightly moist
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Decor: Bark, leaf litter, and logs for hiding
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Humidity: 65–75%
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Temperature:
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Day: 24–28°C
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Night: 20–24°C
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Lighting: Low light; avoid direct sunlight
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Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold
Compatibility
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Social; multiple individuals can be housed together.
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Avoid housing with predatory arthropods.
Diet
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Detritivore; feeds on decaying plant matter.
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Foods:
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Leaf litter
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Decayed vegetables and fruits
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Commercial cockroach foods or protein supplements occasionally
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Feed small amounts daily; remove uneaten food promptly.
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Provide shallow water dish or lightly mist substrate for hydration.
Care Tips
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Maintain consistent humidity for molting and hydration.
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Provide hiding spaces with leaf litter, bark, or logs.
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Avoid overhandling; fragile exoskeleton.
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Clean enclosure every 2–4 weeks; remove waste and mold.
Breeding
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Oviparous; females produce ootheca (egg cases) containing 30–40 eggs.
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Incubation: 1–2 months depending on temperature and humidity.
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Nymphs require slightly higher humidity and small, soft food sources.
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Multiple generations can coexist if space and food are sufficient.
Visual Quick Guide
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🏠 Enclosure: ≥20 L, moist substrate, hiding spots
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🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C
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💧 Humidity: 65–75%
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🍴 Diet: Detritivore (leaf litter, vegetables, fruits)
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🕒 Activity: Nocturnal / crepuscular
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⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide hides
Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.
