Exotic Invertebrate Encyclopedia — 70 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular exotic invertebrates—tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes and more—with care guides, traits, and difficulty levels.
Showing 8 of 70 species
Antilles Pinktoe
Caribena versicolor
An arboreal beauty from Martinique that shifts from blue slings to an iridescent green-red-violet adult. Requires a careful balance of humidity and ventilation, making it an intermediate species.
Common Pinktoe
Avicularia avicularia
A South American arboreal species with a dark body and pink toe tips. Relatively calm and a popular first arboreal, though it needs attention to ventilation and humidity.
Florida Bark Scorpion
Centruroides gracilis
A slender bark-dwelling scorpion native to the Neotropics and established in Florida. Venom in this genus varies; this species is generally moderate, causing a painful but usually non-lethal sting.
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.
Tailless Whip Scorpion (Whip Spider)
Damon diadema
A flattened arachnid with whip-like antenniform front legs and spiny raptorial pedipalps used to seize prey. Harmless to humans — no venom, no sting, no silk — and prized for its alien, bark-hugging appearance.
Trinidad Chevron
Psalmopoeus cambridgei
An arboreal species with chevron abdominal markings and an olive-to-russet body. It lacks urticating hairs and grows fast, but is quick and defensive with moderately strong venom.
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.
Related Content
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.