Hissing cockroachs' strage defence

[texasroach]

Lately I have noticed an odd behavior in my hissing cockroaches, when I handle them they seem to spit up liquid onto my hand. At first I thought they were peeing on me but I watched closer and whatever the liquid is it comes out of there mouth. The liquid is clear and has no odor. I have had hissing cockroaches for about 2 years now but haven't noticed this before, I started noticing this after I stopped handling them as often and also after I added some new members to there colony. Has this happened to anyone else or does anyone know why this is happening?

 

[Galapoheros]

I've read about it and experience it pretty often since I pick them up a lot (use them for feeders) One big male spit projectile style. It was so bad it DID make me drop it.

 

[Matt K]

Most roaches will vomit or excrete if bothered enough by something, and typically the most available thing in thier gut is water / digested food in a liquid state.

Normal defensive or panic response for what I know of it.