Animals with an exoskeleton are referred to as invertebrates, or ‘inverts’ for short. Shrimp, crabs, tarantulas, stick insects, millipedes, praying mantis, for example, all fall under this category.
Predatory, land-dwelling species like praying mantis, jumping spiders, scorpions and some species of tarantulas are EXCELLENT, low maintenance pets. Each species exhibits very fascinating, natural and sometimes ruthless behaviours and displays.
It is also noted that praying mantis, stick insects and jumping spiders’ lifespan naturally live at a more manageable time-frame than pets that require years and years of keeping.
Phasmids, like leaf insects, jungle nymphs or stick insects are purely herbivorous and their diet consists mainly of bramble, rose, oak and privet which are very readily available (depending on the species!)
We also stock both fully and semi aquatic species as well terrestrial specimens. Most inverts are opportunistic scavengers and can metabolise waste-products so are usually used as ‘clean-up crew’. Custodians of the sort can make great additions to freshwater, marine tanks and bioactive reptile/amphibian enclosures.
Bioactive reptile enclosures are brilliant fun with most people having an inclination towards setting them up for tree frogs or geckos of tropical environments which is great! Sadly, the idea of an arid set-up certainly does seem to intimidate most … But it truly is conceivable! Like a maturing fish tank, it is always recommended to establish a colony of your desired species of spring-tail, isopod, larvae or worm etc. before letting the ‘main display’ pet in.
There are literally hundreds of options for clean-up crew for many different set ups that we are more than happy to advise and suggest for new-time keepers.
