Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches: Temperature vs. Metabolic Rate

Abstract

As ectothermic organisms, Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina protentosa ) rely on the external environment to control their thermoregulation rather than homeostasis. Knowing this information, the experiment conducted on the Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina protentosa) tested the way they are affected in a variety of ambient temperatures. To determine these effects, the cockroaches’ CO2 levels were measured in the three different temperatures (13.48ºC, 25.96 ºC, 23.42 ºC) to determine their metabolic rate. By determining the metabolic rate, the best place for the cockroaches to survive, and where it is easiest to control their thermoregulation as ectotherms was identified. The results of this experiment support the hypothesis that states that the metabolic rate of the cockroaches will be the lowest in a room temperature environment (23.42 ºC). These results show that Madagascar hissing cockroaches would be better suited in warmer environment rather than colder.