Curator's Corner

The Nature Museum has a few new residents, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches! These large, glossy insects (which were donated by Heather Lane of Athens, VT) will be on exhibit most of the time, and will be used often in our insect programs and habitat programs. Though Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches were once only found on the island of Madagascar, they are now often sold in pet stores. The “Hissing “ part of their name comes from their ability to force air out of their spiracles (the small holes along their sides which they use to bring oxygen into their bodies) A hissing noise is produced as the air flows through the spiracles and is meant to scare away predators or other insects when defending a territory. We rarely hear these insects hiss though, so they must be quite content. Come and see these fascinating creatures at the museum.