ARTHROPODS
The word "arthropod" encompasses many different animals, from crustaceans, centipedes and millipedes, and arachnids, to the myriad of known insects. Many are relatively easy to keep and care for, but they do require regular attention. At home or in the classroom, arthropods can provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment.
Many of these fascinating animals can be purchased from your local pet store or online. Others may simply be collected from your own back yard or neighborhood. Whichever way you obtain your arthropods there are many different things you need to consider for their general welfare and upkeep.
HOUSING
Although arthropods may be kept in just about any container, some, obviously, are better than others. The most important consideration is "escapability". You don't want your pet tarantula wandering around the house when Aunt Betsy has just arrived for a visit. I find that those clear plastic small animal containers sold at pet stores are ideal for most arthropods. They come in various sizes, have secure lids, and can accommodate a small light for viewing. Other possible containers might be plastic shoe boxes, aquariums, gallon size glass jars, and deli cups. Whichever container you choose, be sure it's large enough to allow your pet some room to roam.
Where you place your container is also very important. Your arthropod's cage should be kept out of direct sunlight, and away from heaters and air conditioners. And although most arthropods can tolerate modestly low temperatures, they should never be kept at a too high or too low a temperature. A general rule to follow is that if you are comfortable, so is your pet.
SUBSTRATE
Substrate, or what bedding you put in your container will largely depend on your pet's specific needs. Does it require a dry, desert-like environment? Then sand would be a good choice. For a moist, humid environment then peat moss or potting soil will suffice. Other substrates are fine gravel, vermiculite, ground coconut shells (my personal favorite), or paper towels. Learn what you can about your pet's natural environment and use a substrate that will best duplicate its natural living conditions.
You may also want to furnish your container with rocks, sticks, branches, bark, live plants, etc. Your choice again will depend on your research into the natural environment you are duplicating. Some arthropods like to burrow so be sure nothing can fall over and pin or crush your pet.
WATER
Providing your pet with adequate water is essential to its health. In summer an animal could die from dehydration in as little as two or three days. Distilled water is best as it does not contain chlorine or other possibly harmful impurities. It also does not leave unsightly stains on the glass or plastic surfaces of the enclosure. Tap water should be allowed to stand overnight to allow any chlorine to dissipate.
Water containers can vary as much as the container in which you keep you arthropod. Some sort of shallow drinking cup, such as a two liter soda bottle lid or milk jug cap works well. Some arthropods will drink from droplets sprayed on plants or from the sides of the cage. Others will get most of their needed moisture from prey.
FOOD
Arthropods, such as mantids, arachnids (spiders and scorpions) and centipedes, require live food. Crickets, which are available at most pet stores and online, are the staple food for most of these animals in captivity. They are cheap, easy to care for, and can be purchased in large quantities. They're pleasing to listen to as they chip away in their own container, oblivious to their fate. Only the males chirp and are easy to distinguish from females by their lack of an ovipositor, the long third "tail" protruding from the rear of the females. Crickets come in various sizes from pinhead to adult. Be sure to purchase the size required by your pet, generally never any larger than half the size of the arthropod's body. Don't forget to feed and water the crickets. They will eat most anything from dry dog or cat food to a variety of fruits and vegetables. I feed mine slices of orange as this provides moisture as well.
You may also offer other foods to your animal such as meal worms, cockroaches, caterpillars, pill or sow bugs (rollie polies), or small grasshoppers. Don't use insects caught around the home if there is any chance they could be contaminated by pesticides.
Be sure to observe your animal to see that it is healthy and thriving. It helps to keep a record on each animal, carefully noting its feeding habits. In this way you can determine its preferences, how often it eats, and other important information such as cause of death, etc.
CLEANING
A clean living environment is essential to your pet's health. Millipedes produce large quantities of waste. Crickets can die before eaten, fruits and vegetable quickly rot. All can lead to a filthy habitat which in turn can harbor harmful viruses, molds, and fungi. This waste matter will need to be removed promptly, daily if necessary.
To clean the inside of your container, wipe with a damp cloth to remove water stains and dust. Decaying matter can be removed with a pair of long tweezers. As needed, you may want to do a more thorough cleaning. This will require a temporary housing for your animal. Clean the dirty container with a 10 percent solution of bleach and water. Rinse very well and replace the substrate (clean) and any decorations.
CONCLUSION
This brief introduction was meant to whet your whistle to the world of keeping arthropods as pets. As more and more people discover these fascinating creatures, the more available they will become. For more detailed information on various types of arthropods follow the links below.
Tarantulas, Scorpions, Millipedes, Hissing Cockroaches, Hermit Crabs
© copyright 2000 James B. Doss