Exotic Invertebrate Encyclopedia — 70 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular exotic invertebrates—tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes and more—with care guides, traits, and difficulty levels.
Showing 11 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.
American Giant Millipede
Narceus americanus
A large, hardy millipede from eastern North America with a brown body ringed in red, and a gentle detritivore that is one of the best beginner species.
Brazilian Salmon Pink
Lasiodora parahybana
One of the largest terrestrial tarantulas, dark-bodied with salmon-pink hairs. Fast-growing and a voracious eater, but somewhat defensive and quick to flick urticating hairs.
Chaco Golden Knee
Grammostola pulchripes
A large South American terrestrial species with golden knee stripes on a dark body. Docile, showy and a relatively quick grower, making it a popular larger beginner species.
Expansus Isopod
Porcellio expansus
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.
Japanese Giant Centipede
Scolopendra mutilans
A widespread and iconic large centipede across East Asia, with a reddish head and yellow legs. It is fast and defensive, and its bite causes significant pain and swelling.
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.
Magnificent Isopod
Porcellio magnificus
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.
Pink Foot Millipede
Telodeinopus aoutii
A large West-Central African millipede with a dark body and pale pink legs that grows very long, active and a hearty eater needing warm, humid care.
Spanish Orange Isopod
Porcellio hoffmannseggii
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.
Vietnamese Giant Centipede
Scolopendra dehaani
A large Southeast Asian centipede popular as an entry point into the exotic-invertebrate hobby. It is fast, defensive, and delivers a venomous bite that causes intense pain and swelling, so handling is strongly discouraged.
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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.