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About exotic invertebrate

The exotic invertebrate category on BreederDirect lets you welcome tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, and isopods — arthropods other than insects — directly from their breeders. They grow by repeated moulting, and females of some species live more than ten years, so keeping them differs greatly from keeping insects. Care is not demanding once humidity and temperature match the animal's origin, but it is important to choose an individual after understanding the traits of each species.

7 things to know before welcoming a exotic invertebrate

1. 1Do not touch or feed during a moult

   Exotic invertebrates grow by moulting, and the period around it is the most delicate. Once signs of a moult appear, leave the enclosure undisturbed, and do not offer food until the fangs and exoskeleton have hardened afterwards. Refusing food for weeks or even months before a moult is usually normal, not a problem.

2. 2House them one to an enclosure

   Most exotic invertebrates are cannibalistic, so solitary housing is the rule. Keeping several together not only reduces their number but also leads to freshly moulted animals being attacked. If you welcome more than one, prepare an enclosure for each. Species that can be kept communally are the exception, so check with the breeder.

3. 3Set humidity from the animal's origin

   Humidity is where keepers most often go wrong. A desert scorpion and a rainforest tarantula need opposite conditions, and keeping a dry-habitat species too damp invites mould and mites. Research where your species comes from, then decide the substrate and how often to add moisture.

4. 4Solve escape-proofing before the animal arrives

   Exotic invertebrates pass through narrower gaps than expected, and many species climb walls. Check the lid fastening, the mesh size of ventilation, and gaps around cabling before the animal arrives. For strong species such as centipedes, a lid held closed only by its own weight is not enough.

5. 5Know how to handle venomous species

   Scorpions, centipedes, and some tarantulas are venomous. Risk varies widely by species: many tarantula venoms are compared to a wasp sting, while some Asian arboreal species can cause severe symptoms. Avoid handling with bare hands and settle on a maintenance routine in advance. Many tarantulas also flick urticating hairs, so protecting your eyes and airway is worthwhile.

6. 6Check that you can supply live food

   Most exotic invertebrates eat live food such as crickets or dubia roaches. Before adopting, confirm that you can obtain feeder insects continuously, or maintain a colony yourself. Food must be sized to the animal, and prey that is too large is dangerous to a freshly moulted individual.

7. 7Lifespan differs greatly between males and females

   In tarantulas, females often live more than ten years while males typically die within one to two years after their final moult. The sex you should choose depends on whether you want a long-lived pet or want to try breeding. Check the sex stated in the listing, and ask the breeder whether the animal has already had its final moult.

Frequently asked questions about exotic invertebrate

Q.Which exotic invertebrates suit beginners?

A.Ground-dwelling tarantulas with calm temperaments, and dry-habitat scorpions that are simple to maintain, are considered good entry species. Arboreal species and large centipedes are fast and harder to manage, so they are safer once you have experience. If unsure, tell the breeder your background and ask for advice.

Q.My animal is not eating — is that a problem?

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