Exotic Invertebrate Encyclopedia — 70 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular exotic invertebrates—tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes and more—with care guides, traits, and difficulty levels.
Showing 6 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.
Blue Japanese Centipede
Scolopendra japonica
A Japanese centipede named for its bluish-tinged head, somewhat smaller than the Japanese giant centipede. It is quick and defensive, with a painful bite.
Haitian Giant Centipede
Scolopendra alternans
A medium-to-large centipede from the Caribbean and southern Florida, valued for its varied coloration. It is fast and defensive, with a painful bite.
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.
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.
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.
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.