Invertebrates
Invertebrates are a group of animals that are becoming more and more popular as pets.
Due to the enormous number of species it’s logical that not all are suitable for captive life.
Most kept types are spiders, scorpions, stick insects, praying mantis and beetles.
In the last few years, we also see exotic crabs, lobster, and shrimp species.
Cause most are quite small, it’s not necessary to house them in large containers, but things like climate control, food specifications and behaviour are important. The owner should also keep in mind that many types could be venomous.
Spiders
Spiders re probably the most popular of all invertebrate species, we can distinguish between many types of spiders but the bird eating spider or tarantula is most common. Tarantulas are also very divers, but there are some kinds that become quite easy to handle which makes them even more popular.
The tarantula spiders live in moderate and tropical climates all around the world but the species from South America, Africa and Asia are bred most frequently and are therefore better available.
Their behaviour varies between species, some are burrowers, other climbers and some make very complex webbing. Temperament is also very different between species and even individuals of the same species.
Almost all spiders, with only a few exceptions are venomous and should be treated with respect. Although most are not dangerous to humans, the utmost respect must be shown, while moving or handling any spider.
Feeding
Tarantulas are mostly nocturnal, and the housing should provide adequate cover, they also hunt during this moment and food items usually consists of small to medium size insects, but larger spiders do take small mammals and birds as prey.
To grow, all spiders must shed their skin, this is a very vulnerable time for the animal. Normally they retreat to cover and lay on their backs after they’ll throw of their old skin. After the shedding the spider needs to harden its new exo skeleton and this takes about 4 to 7 days. Only after this time new food items can be presented.
When buying a spider, always get the right information about the temperament and toxicity of the animal so that your animals fit your experience and housing capabilities.
Scorpions
Scorpions belong to the same group of animals as spiders, the also have 8 legs, bur their claws and tail sets them apart from other invertebrates.
Scorpions are on the earths oldest land-dwelling life forms and haven’t changed much in the course of many millions of years. Only the size has been reduced from their ancestors.
All scorpions inhabit moderate and tropical climates, but many species are adapted to living in arid areas like deserts.
They’re very hardy animals and changes in temperatures doesn’t seem to bother them very much. All scorpions however are extremely vulnerable for the impacts of Uv light and therefore hide during the day.
Toxic
Most species can go months between feedings. To hunt they use their claws and venom, cause all scorpions are venomous. The toxicity varies per species, but a guideline can be to observe the size of the claws in regard to their tail. If they have huge claws, mostly they’re less venomous than the ones with smaller claws.
Scorpions are almost completely blind but make up for it with their sensitive hairs on body and claws. With the proper care they make great pets.
Other
Other types of invertebrates are becoming more and more common in the terrarium hobby.
Species like stick insects, praying mantis and beetles but also, we see quite a lot of crabs and even lobsters.
It’s very important to know the specific types of habitat and food requirements before keeping any species. In the case of stick insects many species only eat one type of plant or leaf. And in the case of land crabs, the amount of water and the salinity of water are extremely important.
Due to our years of experience with many kinds of invertebrates we can assist you in making the right choices when keeping these remarkable animals.
