Madagascar Hissing Cockroach - Lincoln Park Zoo Poem by Ima Ryma

Madagascar hissing cockroach,
See us at the Lincoln Park Zoo,
African Journey we encroach,
In mass behind glass just for you.
We moult the exoskeleton
Through life cycles as we mature.
Mom Nature says it must be done.
So we do it. Why? We're not sure.
How do we make the hissing sound?
It's a matter of forcing air
Through openings on tummy found.
Ah - the hissing that comes from there.

When in the mating mood, we hiss.
Think of it like when humans kiss.