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

• Calm, slow-moving, and docile; rarely aggressive.

• Hisses when disturbed as a defensive mechanism.

• Nocturnal; active at night, hiding under substrate or bark during the day.

• Social species; can be housed in groups.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 liters for a small colony

• Substrate: 5–8 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil; keep slightly moist

• Decor: Bark, leaf litter, and logs for hiding

• Humidity: 65–75%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; avoid direct sunlight

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Social; multiple individuals can be housed together.

• Avoid housing with predatory arthropods.

Diet

• Detritivore; feeds on decaying plant matter.

• Foods:

  • Leaf litter

  • Decayed vegetables and fruits

  • Commercial cockroach foods or protein supplements occasionally

• Feed small amounts daily; remove uneaten food promptly.

• Provide shallow water dish or lightly mist substrate for hydration.

Care Tips

• Maintain consistent humidity for molting and hydration.

• Provide hiding spaces with leaf litter, bark, or logs.

• Avoid overhandling; fragile exoskeleton.

• Clean enclosure every 2–4 weeks; remove waste and mold.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females produce ootheca (egg cases) containing 30–40 eggs.

• Incubation: 1–2 months depending on temperature and humidity.

• Nymphs require slightly higher humidity and small, soft food sources.

• Multiple generations can coexist if space and food are sufficient.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥20 L, moist substrate, hiding spots

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 65–75%

• 🍴 Diet: Detritivore (leaf litter, vegetables, fruits)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal / crepuscular

• ⚠️ 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.