Ueno Zoo Spotlights the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, One of the World's Largest Cockroaches

At the "Ai-Ai's Forest" in the west garden of Ueno Zoo, Madagascar hissing cockroaches are on display. Native to the island of Madagascar, they are considered one of the largest cockroach species in the world, with adults reaching about 7cm in body length—bigger than a beetle. Although they have no wings, they release air from their spiracles to make a "hissing" sound when they feel threatened, during fights between males, or during courtship, which is why they are called "hissing cockroaches" in English. Males have horn-like protrusions on their thorax, while females have smooth body surfaces. In the wild, they act as decomposers, feeding on fallen leaves and supporting the material cycle of the forest. In captivity, they are fed cabbage and pellets. Announced on August 29, 2026.

Source: www.tokyo-zoo.net