Difference in Metabolic Rate between Male and Female Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa)

Abstract

In this experiment, we determined and compared the difference in metabolic rates between the different sexes of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Males are naturally more aggressive in the cockroaches and in some species it has been found that more aggressive ones had a higher metabolic rate. To test this in the males and females of cockroaches we measured the metabolic rate in room temperature and a heated temperature. Our results showed that males had a higher rate than females in room temperature and a lower rate than females in the heated environment. This study showed that sex may not be a factor for Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches’ metabolic rate.