Stories of Service: Hissing Cockroaches at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) is a brown, oval-shaped insect that is about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. They are native to Madagascar, where they feed on decaying wood and play an important part in nutrient cycling. Although they are members of the same taxonomic order as household cockroaches, they are not a household pest and they don’t spread disease. They are also a big hit with the guests that come to visit the Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where I volunteer for 8 hours each month.

Though these little critters have little to do with the work that I regularly do as an Environmental Health Fellow at Environmental Defense Fund, they do let me connect with people who have grown accustomed to a world that is increasingly dominated by concrete and asphalt. As an environmentalist and as an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major, the outdoors are something I cherish and being able to share some of the wonder of the woods is truly rewarding. The genuine wonder that I see when I show people the Australian Stick Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum) or explain the survival strategies of the Tobacco Hornworm (actually technically a caterpillar, Manduca sexta) reminds me of my great fortune to have had the opportunity to romp through forests as a kid.

As a High Meadows Fellow and as a Princetonian, I am often reminded of our duty to give back in whatever ways we can. Whether that means holding cockroaches for excited toddlers and frightened parents or tutoring prison inmates, many of us are finding ways to make small differences in our communities. Through this newsletter, we’ll be sharing stories of service from our fellows. Keep your eyes on this page for updates in the upcoming months, and if you’re near DC, come visit the volunteers and critters at the Insect Zoo!