Madagascar Hissing Cockroach vs Brown-Banded Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Brown-Banded Cockroach
Scientific Name Gromphadorhina portentosa Supella longipalpa
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Ectobiidae
Size 50-76 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Omnivores
Regions Africa North America, Europe, Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

One of the largest cockroach species. Produces a distinctive hissing sound by forcing air through breathing holes (spiracles). Males use hissing for territorial disputes and courtship.

💡

Did You Know?

The Madagascar hissing cockroach is one of the few insects that produces sound by pushing air through its spiracles rather than by rubbing body parts together.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

A small cockroach with two distinctive light brown bands across its wings and abdomen. Unlike most cockroach pests, it prefers warm, dry locations high on walls.

💡

Did You Know?

Brown-banded cockroaches are unique among indoor pest species in preferring warm, dry areas like behind electronics rather than the moist kitchens and bathrooms other species favor.