Just in time for Halloween, this all-white creepy critter was found in our colony of captive roaches in Sharon Woods. Although Madagascan hissing cockroaches are not native to the U.S., many nature education facilities use them, because they are easy to raise, large in size and outlive many native insects. They are a great tool for teaching about bugs.

As insects grow, they shed or molt their skin. The fresh skin underneath is white until it hardens. During this phase, the insect is very vulnerable to prey, as this less-crunchy exoskeleton makes many mouths water.

Happy Halloween!

Julie Robinson, Hub Naturalist, Sharon Woods