Identifying Pure Strains of Hissers

[Roshan Vignarajah]

So... how exactly do you determine the purity/species of a strain of hissers?

 

[Bhjjr]

Some lines can be traced back to sources. I believe Hisserdude has a newer one that can be traced to collection locality. Basically source the one you like from someone who you trust who has kept the line pure.

 

[Allpet Roaches]

So... how exactly do you determine the purity/species of a strain of hissers?

There is variation naturally in the horn structure and color so any little difference does not mean a stock is mixed. However, if you compare a pure and mixed stock the differences are apparent. 

 

[Hisserdude]

A combination of lineage tracing, looking at morphology consistency and coloration consistency are all key to determining whether a stock is pure.

 

[Roshan Vignarajah]

Are the original descriptions for species of the genera Gromphadorhina and Princisia available online?  looking for the description from Shuam 1853

 

[Hisserdude]

Are the original descriptions for species of the genera Gromphadorhina and Princisia available online?  looking for the description from Shuam 1853

I mean, you can see the holotype specimens themselves for both species here:

http://cockroach.speciesfile.org/Common/basic/Taxa.aspx?TaxonNameID=1174413

And here:

http://cockroach.speciesfile.org/Common/basic/Taxa.aspx?TaxonNameID=1174416

 

[Hisserdude]

Oddly, holotype Gromphadorhina portentosa look very little like anything we have in culture... Though looking on INaturalist you can clearly see lots of sightings of portentosa from Madagascar that look exactly like the pure hobby stocks.

 

[Roshan Vignarajah]

When it comes to hybridization, which genera can hybridize (ie, Aeluropoda x Gromphadorhina, Elliptorhina x Gromphadorhina, etc.)?

Also, what is up with Gromphadorhina picea.   Is it a synonym of G portentosa/oblongonota/grandidieri? Is it in culture in US hobby (or anywhere)?  

 

[Hisserdude]

When it comes to hybridization, which genera can hybridize (ie, Aeluropoda x Gromphadorhina, Elliptorhina x Gromphadorhina, etc.)?

Also, what is up with Gromphadorhina picea.   Is it a synonym of G portentosa/oblongonota/grandidieri? Is it in culture in US hobby (or anywhere)?  

We have confirmed Princisia vanwaerebeki "Tiger" x Aeluropoda insignis cross, and make fertile offspring... So I'm honestly of the opinion they can all probably hybridize, only real barrier is individual size.

Gromphadorhina picea is what some people erroneously used to call black lines of portentosa (or "portentosa" hybrids) back in the day. G.picea is it's own species, don't think any exist in culture.