Halloween Hissing Cockroach (Elliptorhina javanica Halloween) | Elliptorhina javanica
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Madagascar (captive-bred morph) |
| Adult size |
5–7 cm |
| Lifespan |
2–3 years |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Nocturnal / crepuscular detritivore |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
A starter colony needs a ventilated tub around 30 × 20 × 20 cm or larger; increase floor area as numbers grow. |
| Enclosure type |
Secure, fine-ventilated terrestrial enclosure. |
| Temperature |
Day: 24–28°C Night: 20–24°C |
| Lighting & UVB |
Normal day/night cycle; UVB is not required. |
| Humidity / moisture |
65–75% |
| Substrate |
5–8 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil; keep slightly moist |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Cork shelters and climbing surfaces, leaf litter and a safe hydration source. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Keep only compatible same-species animals. Use an escape-proof enclosure and never release adults, nymphs or eggs outdoors.
Feeding & Nutrition
Offer a varied species-appropriate diet of suitable vegetables and leaf litter, with limited dry supplementary food as advised. Remove fresh leftovers before mould develops and provide safe hydration. Confirm the supplier’s current diet; do not use a single sugary fruit as the only food.
Routine Care
Check moisture, ventilation and food regularly; remove spoiled leftovers while retaining suitable established substrate. Monitor growth and overcrowding.
Important Before Buying
Confirm species and colony stage before choosing temperature, moisture and food. The pack or individual size does not describe final colony space.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.