Exotic Invertebrate Encyclopedia — 70 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular exotic invertebrates—tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes and more—with care guides, traits, and difficulty levels.
Showing 15 of 70 species
Amazonian Giant Centipede
Scolopendra viridicornis
A large South American species admired for its greenish legs and antennae. It reaches close to 20 cm, is fast and defensive, and its bite is painful, suiting experienced keepers.
Burgundy Goliath Birdeater
Theraphosa stirmi
One of the world's largest spiders, a massive reddish-brown terrestrial species. It bears especially potent urticating hairs and demands high humidity, making it an advanced keeper's species.
Camel Spider
Galeodes sp.
A fast desert predator belonging to its own order (Solifugae), neither spider nor scorpion. It lacks venom but has powerful chelicerae that can deliver a strong pinch; very fast and notoriously difficult to keep.
Deathstalker
Leiurus quinquestriatus
A pale yellow scorpion from the arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East, with some of the most potent neurotoxic venom of any scorpion. Medically significant and potentially lethal; for experts only.
Fat-tailed Scorpion
Androctonus australis
A thick-tailed desert scorpion of North Africa and the Middle East. It possesses potent neurotoxic venom that is medically significant and potentially lethal; for advanced keepers only.
Galapagos Giant Centipede
Scolopendra galapagoensis
One of the world's largest centipedes, reaching nearly 30 cm. It is heavily built with potent venom, fast, and highly defensive, with an intensely painful bite, suited only to advanced keepers.
Golden Blue Leg Baboon
Harpactira pulchripes
A South African baboon spider combining a golden carapace with metallic blue legs. It lacks urticating hairs but is fast, defensive and potently venomous—an advanced Old World species.
© Furry yui / Public domainGoliath Birdeater
Goliath birdeater
World's largest tarantula. Overwhelming size reaching 30cm leg span. Venomous spider.
Gooty Sapphire Ornamental
Poecilotheria metallica
A one-of-a-kind arboreal Old World species glowing in vivid metallic blue. A rarity from a tiny range in India, it is fast and venomous—strictly for advanced keepers.
Indian Ornamental
Poecilotheria regalis
An arboreal Old World species from India with intricate camouflage and bright yellow leg undersides. Extremely fast, defensive, and medically significant venom—for experienced keepers only.
Indian Tiger Centipede
Scolopendra hardwickei
A highly prized species famous for its vivid red-and-black banding. It is nervous, fast, and bites defensively with painful venom, making it best suited to experienced keepers.
King Baboon
Pelinobius muticus
A heavy, rust-colored fossorial baboon spider from East Africa. Very slow-growing but long-lived, it is defensive and potently venomous—an advanced Old World species.
Orange Baboon Tarantula
Pterinochilus murinus
A vivid orange African baboon spider, nicknamed the OBT. Exceptionally fast, defensive and potently venomous—among the most demanding Old World species to handle.
Peruvian Giant Centipede
Scolopendra gigantea
World's largest centipede. From South America, reaching 30cm+. Reddish-brown with many impressive legs. Strong venom requires significant experience and caution. For advanced keepers only.
Venezuelan Suntiger
Psalmopoeus irminia
A Venezuelan arboreal species with orange-striped legs on a black body. It lacks urticating hairs but is very fast and defensive with stronger venom—for experienced keepers.
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Exotic Invertebrate FAQ
- What are exotic invertebrates? Can beginners keep them?
- It's a general term for invertebrates centered on arachnids and myriapods such as tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes, and whip scorpions. Hardy species like the Chilean rose tarantula and terrestrial millipedes are relatively easy to keep and popular with beginners.
- How much do exotic invertebrates cost?
- Common hardy tarantulas run 3,000-30,000 yen, while rare species exceed tens of thousands. Scorpions are around 2,000-15,000 yen and millipedes 1,000-5,000 yen. Prices vary with rarity, size, and whether the animal is captive-bred (CB).
- How long do exotic invertebrates live?
- Female tarantulas are remarkably long-lived, reaching 10-20+ years depending on species, while males live only 1-3 years after maturity. Scorpions live 5-8 years and millipedes roughly 3-10 years depending on species, with many kept long-term through repeated molts.
- What equipment is needed for exotic invertebrates?
- Basics include a secure enclosure, substrate (moisture-retaining or dry depending on species), a shelter, and a water dish. Many species need heating, so prepare a heat mat and a thermometer-hygrometer. Arboreal tarantulas need height and climbing structures, while burrowing species need deep substrate.
- What safety precautions apply to exotic invertebrates?
- While most tarantulas have mild venom, urticating hairs and bites can trigger allergic reactions. Some scorpions and centipedes are venomous enough to require medical attention, so always research each species' risks in advance. Keep enclosures securely sealed and locked to prevent escapes.