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.

Exotic Invertebrate Encyclopedia — 70 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular exotic invertebrates—tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes and more—with care guides, traits, and difficulty levels.

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

large terrestrial isopod display arboreal fast docile long-lived potent venom venomous Porcellio urticating hairs high humidity rare cleanup-crew

Showing 11 of 70 species

Bolivari Isopod

Porcellio bolivari

Intermediate

A Spanish isopod popular for its contrasting patterning. It prefers drier, calcium-rich setups; fast but a harmless detritivore with no bite or venom.

isopodPorcelliodisplay

Dairy Cow Isopod

Porcellio laevis

Beginner

A popular morph of Porcellio laevis whose black-on-white markings recall a dairy cow. Fast-growing, prolific, and hardy, it is great for beginners and an excellent harmless clean-up crew.

isopodPorcelliobeginner

Dalmatian Isopod

Porcellio scaber

Beginner

A popular spotted morph of Porcellio scaber resembling a Dalmatian dog. Hardy and easy to breed, it is a harmless detritivore widely kept as clean-up crew.

isopodPorcelliobeginner

Dwarf White Isopod

Trichorhina tomentosa

Beginner

A tiny white isopod that reproduces parthenogenetically and multiplies rapidly. A staple microfauna clean-up crew and feeder culture; a harmless detritivore with no bite or venom.

isopodmicrofaunacleanup-crew

Expansus Isopod

Porcellio expansus

Intermediate

A large Spanish isopod notable for its broad, flared body margins. It prefers drier, calcium-rich conditions; fast but a harmless detritivore with no bite or venom.

isopodPorcelliolarge

Little Sea Isopod

Cubaris murina

Beginner

A small Cubaris regarded as a good beginner species. It rolls into a ball, breeds readily, and is a harmless detritivore popular as bioactive clean-up crew.

isopodCubarisbeginner

Magnificent Isopod

Porcellio magnificus

Intermediate

A large, rugged-looking Spanish isopod popular for its bold appearance. It favors drier, calcium-rich setups; fast but a harmless detritivore with no bite or venom.

isopodPorcelliolarge

Panda King Isopod

Cubaris sp. "Panda King"

Intermediate

A popular Cubaris with striking black-and-white panda-like coloration. It is scientifically undescribed, so "Cubaris sp." is correct. A harmless detritivore that likes high humidity and calcium-rich substrate and breeds slowly.

isopodCubarisdisplay

Powder Blue Isopod

Porcellionides pruinosus

Beginner

A small isopod with an attractive powdery blue-gray sheen. Fast-moving and a very rapid breeder, it is a beginner staple as clean-up crew and feeder, and is harmless with no bite or venom.

isopodcleanup-crewbeginner

Rubber Ducky Isopod

Cubaris sp. "Rubber Ducky"

Intermediate

A highly sought-after Cubaris isopod whose yellow facial projection resembles a rubber duck. Scientifically undescribed, so "Cubaris sp." is the correct designation. It is a harmless detritivore that prefers high humidity and breeds slowly.

isopodCubarisdisplay

Spanish Orange Isopod

Porcellio hoffmannseggii

Intermediate

A large Spanish isopod prized for its vivid orange color and impressive size. It prefers drier, calcium-rich conditions; fast-moving but a harmless detritivore with no bite or venom.

isopodPorcelliolarge

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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.