Vertebrates - the fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals - make up a mere 3% of earth’s creatures…all the rest are invertebrates! Yet aside from tarantulas, scorpions and some aquatic species, most have received scant attention from pet keepers. Happily for those who favor the creatures that actually run the world, that situation has changed radically in recent years. Invertebrates large and small, gorgeous and bizarre, many following lifestyles that can only be described as “other-worldly”, are being bred by hobbyists the world-over. Stick insects, walking leaves, snails, beetles, mantids, millipedes, centipedes, butterflies, ants, aquatic insects, vinagaroons, whip scorpions and many others, any of which can fill many lifetimes with wonder, are now easily-obtainable.
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Vertebrates - the fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals - make up a mere 3% of earth’s creatures…all the rest are invertebrates! Yet aside from tarantulas, scorpions and some aquatic species, most have received scant attention from pet keepers. Happily for those who favor the creatures that actually run the world, that situation has changed radically in recent years. Invertebrates large and small, gorgeous and bizarre, many following lifestyles that can only be described as “other-worldly”, are being bred by hobbyists the world-over. Stick insects, walking leaves, snails, beetles, mantids, millipedes, centipedes, butterflies, ants, aquatic insects, vinagaroons, whip scorpions and many others, any of which can fill many lifetimes with wonder, are now easily-obtainable.
Because many invertebrates can defend themselves with bites, stings, irritating hairs, noxious chemicals and other weapons (after all, they didn’t outlast the dinosaurs by being push-overs!), it’s important that you patronize only reliable sources, and seek professional advice if you are unsure of the species. Consider also the possibility of life-threatening allergic reactions to otherwise harmless venoms (i.e. as can happen with bees). Fortunately, hundreds of fascinating species are harmless and easy-to-keep. Some lucky folks have even made a livelihood of their hobby, rearing lady bugs and earthworms for gardeners, butterflies and moths for collectors, and bees for their honey-making and pollination services.
To help you choose a suitable pet, we have summarized the care needs and natural histories of an array of both common and hard-to-find invertebrates. Carefully reading our Species Descriptions will help you to narrow your search for one (or many!) that fits your interests and experience level. A surprising number are barely-studied, and so offer us the chance to make important new discoveries about their habits and care. Many are extremely hardy and require minimal care, while others challenge the skills of lifelong keepers. But whether you seek a gorgeous flower mantis, bat-eating centipede, giant silk moth cocoon, bustling ant farm, “toe-biter” (giant water bug) or any of a myriad of other options, there is a species (or dozens of them!) for you…enjoy!
Written by Frank Indiviglio
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