I find it interesting that one word (cockroach) usually elicits an unfavorable response. Yet there is a species that is gentle and valuable in many ways. It makes me wonder how often one word has had a negative response when understanding changed perception.
I have had many animal companions through the decades. The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach was certainly unique and elicited a variety of responses. This gentle giant of the insect world has been introduced to both youth and seniors. I consider it a miracle when fear is replaced by wonder.
Harry was gently placed in each hand that wanted to experience being close to him. My hands were placed beneath for support of both volunteer and critter. Seeing each one experience a connection with a creature most despise, made my heart smile. I am sure that all who experienced their close encounter with this gentle giant will cherish the memory.
Magical Companions – Hissing Harry
The Madagascar hissing cockroach is a gentle creature, all hiss and no sting. Its alarm hiss is the cockroach’s attempt to scare off intruders. With their thick and waxy exoskeletons, Madagascar hissing cockroaches may look like big pests, but they’re actually important to the health of the rain forest. They are detritivores, which means they eat decaying plant material and animal carcasses. They recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Also, these critters bear live young, so they are not as prolific.
the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach may look like big pests, but they’re actually important to the health of the rain forest. The video shows why this cockroach is the best pet invertebrate.
…Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are live bearers producing only a few offspring as opposed to other cockroaches who are egg layers and produce hundreds of offspring.
…Cockroaches are considered one of the most unhygienic and undesired pest because of the food they feed on and places they visit. For example, besides feeding on food scrapes and water, they favor decaying and decomposed matters and typically sources found in garbage bins.
…Cockroaches have extremely strong and flexible exoskeletons, which make them almost impossible to squish, withstand the hardest stomp or the toughest newspaper. They can also flatten themselves to fit into tight spaces and crevices, making for an easy getaway.
…So perhaps consider a positive contribution to the lowly cockroach. They turn decaying matter into living matter.
How would you help me solve the following problems?
-It’s getting light out and I need a place to hide for the day!
-I need to use all my senses to find food to eat. Would you remind me which body parts go with which senses?
-Help me understand all the changes I go through from the beginning of my life until the end of my life.
-I really am quite wonderful. So, why do humans consider me a pest?
-I have been around for a long time. What plants and animals have I seen that humans will never see?
Very cool! I really enjoyed the video. 🙂