In April 2006, I was sent a live RoachBrooch in the mail from the designer, Jared Gold, because I had worked with him on a related website. At first I was a little repulsed, but I played along and eventually found "Hissy" a good home with a little kid from my neighborhood in the North End of Boston.

Hissy and I lived a lifetime together in only a few short days. As far as Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches go, he's number one in my book. Godspeed, young roach. Godspeed. See the touching story in pictures!

Click HERE to see the RoachBrooch Gallery!

These insects come in varied patterns and are decorated with the finest Austrian Swarovski crystal. Each roach takes about an hour of painstaking work to achieve his final magical glory. All roaches are male to ensure sterility, and come complete with a leash set. This consists of a gorgeous pin you attach to your clothing with a chain that clasps to the cockraoch's carapace to keep him from running amok.

The lifespan of these animals is approximately one year if housed and fed properly. This is not a guarantee, it is an estimate. Roaches love fresh bananas and must have access to fresh water at all times, a very damp paper towel or cotton ball will do the trick. Dehydration is the main cause of death. Keep him in a little terrarium in the dark and he will love you and be very responsive to your touch.

Roaches are shipped overnight in a box and can be kept in this box for up to 4 days without food or water while you secure him more hospitable accommodations.