Using the giant Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) to teach metabolic and respiratory principles of ectothermic animals

Understanding the metabolic differences between ectothermic and endothermic animals has fascinated scientists and students alike. Here we propose to study ectothermic metabolism using the Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach ( Gromphadorhina portentosa) in a classroom setting. We describe a laboratory activity in which students quantify carbon dioxide production as well as oxygen usage to better understand the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER). Further, students manipulate the insect’s activity and conditions to ask how metabolic activity is impacted: students compare metabolic differences during periods of high metabolic demand (i.e. exercise) and diet restrictions (i.e. low carbohydrate). The lab is designed to enhance student understanding of metabolism in ectothermic animals as well as insect respiratory anatomy and physiology