The Madagascar cockroach has become characterized by it's hissing sound, large size, and appearance. In this insect, sound is produced by forcibly expelling air through a pair of modified abdominal spriacles. Spiracles are breathing pores which are part of the respiratory system of insects. Because the speiracles are involved in respiration, this method of sound production is more typical of the respiritory sound made by the vertebrates. In the wild they are found on the island of Madagascar. They inhabit rotting logs, leaf litter, and other detritus. This roach is one of the largest of the roach species measuring 2-4 inches at maturity. Unlike the Dubia roach, they can climb smooth or rough surfaces and can escape. To prevent escape a locking lid and/or vaseline should be placed around the inside top 3 inches of their container. It is believed that this is the only insect in the world that can make a hissing noise.