Exotic Invertebrate Encyclopedia — 70 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular exotic invertebrates—tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes and more—with care guides, traits, and difficulty levels.
Showing 7 of 70 species
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.
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.
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.
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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.