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Insects & Arachnids
Insects and arachnids inhabit every corner of the Earth except the poles. Find out where your pet comes from and what micro-habitat it needs. Tropical and desert species often need heat; temperate species are typically kept cool.
temperature
Desert and tropical species: a gradient from 70°F on the cool side up to 80°F on the warm side. Temperate species: room temperature, 65°–75°F.
WATER & HUMIDITY
Mist tropical species daily and desert species at least once a week. Tropical and temperate species should have a small, shallow water bowl and damp substrate. Desert species should be kept dry, except during a molt, when humidity should be higher.
shelter & cage size
Provide a hiding place suited to the species: a cave, hide log or rock for ground dwellers; tall branches and plants for tree dwellers. Extra logs and furniture allow a rotation of cleaned hides and perches.
Enclosure size: most insects and arachnids are modest in their needs. A 3- to 5-gallon enclosure suits small to medium animals; a 10- to 20-gallon enclosure holds even the largest available species.
SUBSTRATE
Tropical and temperate species: orchid bark, peat moss, potting soil, coco peat, coco bark or cypress mulch. Desert species: dry sand, or a 50/50 mix of sand and peat.
DIET & feeding
Herbivores: feed daily and remove old vegetable matter. Many insects are specialists, so find out exactly what your species eats. Predators: feed once or twice a week, three to five food items per feeding. Check for uneaten prey and never let crickets or other feeders swarm your pet.
LIGHTING
A display light can run 10 to 14 hours a day to show off your animal and keep plants alive. Many insects and arachnids are active at night, so a night cycle matters: if a lamp is your heat source, use dark bulbs or ceramic heat emitters so you don't disturb it.
medical concerns
Lack of appetite can signal a problem; check temperatures and humidity and correct them. Molting is the most dangerous time in your pet's life. Make sure it gets completely out of the old skin and check the legs and mouth parts. If your pet is stuck in shed, entirely or partially, or any other problem persists, call us.
Ground dweller setup
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Tree dweller setup
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FAQ
How often should I clean the enclosure?
Spot clean and remove dead or uneaten crickets at least twice a week. Replace substrate and scrub furniture and walls every other month.
Can I handle my insect or arachnid?
Only if it's a species that handles well, and never if anyone involved is allergic to bee stings or mosquito bites and the animal has a venomous bite or sting. Use an open palm, let it walk hand to hand, and always work over a table. Never let it fall more than about 12 inches.
What happens during a molt?
Most spiders flip onto their backs for a short time (up to three days) and emerge from the old skin, leaving an inside-out shell behind. Keep humidity high (90% or more) so the old shed doesn't stick. Remove all uneaten food during the molt and for several days after while the new shell hardens. Watch closely and call us if anything looks wrong.