Best Insect Pets

Insects are fascinating creatures and make great pets. They can be easy to care for, are low-maintenance, and make great conversation starters. Here are six of the best insect pets:

Scorpions

The popularity of scorpions as pets has been on the rise in recent years. This is likely due to their exotic and intriguing appearance and their relatively low maintenance requirements. Scorpions can be kept in captivity with minimal equipment, and they do not require frequent feeding or watering. They are also pretty hardy creatures, making them a good choice for first-time pet owners.

When choosing a scorpion as a pet, it is essential to do your research first. Not all scorpion species are suitable for captivity, and some may be difficult to care for. The most popular pet scorpions are the emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) and the fat-tail scorpion (Androctonus australis). These species are both easy to care for and generally relatively tame.

Emperor Scorpion:

Emperor scorpions make great pets for those looking for an exotic animals to care for. These creatures can grow up to 8 inches (ca. 20 cm) long, and they require a moderate amount of care. Emperor scorpions like to burrow, so you need to provide them with a substrate like sand or soil. They also need a place to hide, so make sure you have some rocks or branches available. Emperor scorpions can be fed crickets, cockroaches, and other small insects.

Fat-tail Scorpion:

This arachnid is native to North Africa and the Middle East but can now be found in many pet stores across the United States. They are easy to care for and make fascinating pets.

Fat-tail scorpions range from 2 to 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) long and can be either brown or black. They are nocturnal animals, so they prefer to hide during the day and come out at night when it is cooler. They eat a wide variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, and cockroaches.

They require a moderate amount of humidity and should be kept in a tank at least 10 gallons (ca. 38 l) in size.

Tarantulas

These furry creatures can make fascinating, low-maintenance pets for people of all ages. In addition, tarantulas are generally docile and slow-moving, making them a good choice for those hesitant to own a snake or other exotic pet. They can be kept in various habitats, including glass tanks, plastic tubs, and even cardboard boxes.

One important thing to remember when considering a Tarantula as a pet is that they require specialized care. In particular, they need an appropriate diet and access to water. Tarantulas also require a temperature range of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is vital to keep this in mind when setting up their habitat. There are several species recommended for beginners, but these two are my favorite, and I can recommend them:

Pink Toe Tarantula:

The pink toe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) is a beautiful and docile spider that can make an excellent pet for the right person. This spider is known for its bright pink toes, hence its name. They typically grow to be about 4-5 inches in size and can live for ten years if well cared for.

The pink toe tarantula is not as aggressive as some other tarantula species and is, therefore, a good choice for someone new to keeping spiders as pets. In addition, they are generally easy to care for and do not require a lot of special equipment or feeding. They can be fed various insects such as crickets, mealworms, and cockroaches.

Mexican Redknee:

Mexican Redknee Tarantulas, as their name suggests, hail from Mexico. They are beautiful spiders and make great pets for those looking for exotic animals to keep. 

These spiders can grow up to six inches in leg span and have a lifespan of around 10-30 years for females and approximately 5-6 years for males. They are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in a temperature-controlled environment with 50-70% relative humidity levels. 

As with all spiders, it is essential to remember that they are venomous and should be handled with caution. Mexican red knee tarantulas are not considered aggressive but will bite if provoked.

Millipedes

Millipedes are an excellent pet for people looking for an invertebrate that is low maintenance and easy to care for. These animals can be found in many different colors, so you can find one that will match your décor. Millipedes do not require a lot of space, so they are perfect for people who live in apartments or tiny homes. They also do not need a lot of food and can survive on a diet of fruits and vegetables.

Cockroaches

Many people might think that keeping cockroaches as a pet is disgusting, but they are fascinating creatures. Cockroaches have been around for over 300 million years and are one of the most adaptable creatures. They can live in nearly any environment and can eat almost anything.

Cockroaches make interesting pets because they are so docile. They rarely bite, and they don’t require a lot of care. The only thing you need to provide them with is food and water. Cockroaches can be kept in a small tank or jar and do not require a lot of space.

If you’re interested in keeping cockroaches as pets, you should know a few things before getting started. First, of course, the most important thing is to get a healthy specimen.

Praying Mantis

The praying mantis is a fascinating creature that can be kept as a pet. They are fascinating to watch and have a unique personality from other pets. Praying mantises can be bought from pet stores or online, and they do not require much care. They should be fed insects such as crickets or flies, and they can live for several months.

Stick Insect

Are you looking for an exciting and unique pet? Consider a stick insect! These unusual creatures can be kept as pets and make fascinating additions to any home.

Stick insects are easy to care for and don’t require a lot of space. They can be kept in a small tank or jar, making them perfect for people who live in apartments or other small areas.

Stick insects are also deficient in maintenance. Therefore, you need to provide them with food and water and change their habitat occasionally.

If you’re looking for an unusual pet that is low maintenance and doesn’t require a lot of space, then consider a stick insect!

You can find here: a more in depth article about the stick insect as a pet

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many benefits to owning an insect pet. They are low-maintenance, educational, and entertaining. In addition, insects make great pets for all ages and can be found at most pet stores. So if you’re looking for a new pet to add to your family, consider an insect!