The hissing cockroach from Madagascar is the worlds largest cockroach and grows up to about ten centimetres (four inches) long. This one is about five centimetres. They are vegetarian and live on rotting logs and vegetation. They are wonderful climbers and can climb glass. They are the only insects that can actually hiss by expelling air. Other insects usually make noises by rubbing body parts.
Using a macro lens ( Canon 100mm macro @ F2.8) some of the body is out of focus because the depth of field is only about 2mm. The colouring is beautiful. In the next photo you can see the body markings in more detail... http://365project.org/netkonnexion/anotherone/2011-11-19
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I sure wouldn't want to find one of these in my kitchen! Where in the world do you live? Are these critters common there? Thanks for the shooting data.
@ldpaul - I live in the UK, just outside London. These pictures were all taken at my camera club. I run the practical sessions for the club. We invited a lady to come and visit. See the first in this series... http://365project.org/netkonnexion/365/2011-11-15
I don't quite understand why, but seeing thiscreature so close up is enjoyable whereas if I'd seen one ordinary size in real life I would have cringed.
Cool shot! I almost ordered some for "pets" and to use for experiments (not in any way to hurt them though) in the room. They say you can hold them and all that. but I backed out. T hey are pretty gross.
I can actually handle something like this (probably because I'll never see one of these loose where I live) than the Palmetto bugs we have...which fly! They creep me out SO bad! The only insect I am genuinely terrified of.
![Madagascar hissing cockroach [1] by netkonnexion](https://media.365project.org/1/2146810_chloqvwx14_l.jpg "Madagascar hissing cockroach [1] by netkonnexion")
