Orange Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus)

The Best Substrate for Tarantula Enclosures – What Works Best?

Sylvia Duruson

Creating the perfect home for your eight-legged friend involves numerous considerations, with substrate choice ranking among the most critical decisions. The substrate—the material lining the bottom of your tarantula’s enclosure—serves multiple purposes beyond mere decoration. It provides a foundation for burrowing, helps maintain humidity, absorbs waste, and creates a naturalistic environment that promotes natural behaviors. ...

A glass tank for housing insects

The Best Tank Size for Different Pet Insect Species

Sylvia Duruson

Keeping insects as pets has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of these small yet complex creatures. Unlike traditional pets, insects generally require minimal space, making them ideal for apartments or homes with limited room. However, determining the right enclosure size is crucial for your insect’s health, natural ...

Comparison of butterflies with different seasonal color variations including eyespots

Why Some Insects Make Better Pets Than Others

Sylvia Duruson

While dogs and cats often claim the spotlight in the pet world, insects have been steadily gaining popularity as alternative companions. These tiny creatures offer unique advantages as pets – they require minimal space, have fascinating behaviors, and can teach valuable lessons about biology and ecology. However, not all insects are created equal when it ...

A person introducing a new insect into an existing terrarium enclosure

How to Introduce a New Insect to an Existing Enclosure

Muhammad Sharif

Introducing a new insect to an established enclosure requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the well-being of both your new arrival and existing residents. Whether you’re adding to your collection of praying mantises, expanding your colony of stick insects, or diversifying your terrarium ecosystem, proper introduction techniques can make the difference between a harmonious ...

Why Stick Insects Are Masters of Camouflage in Captivity

Sylvia Duruson

In the fascinating realm of insect husbandry, stick insects stand as remarkable exemplars of evolutionary adaptation. These extraordinary creatures, scientifically known as Phasmatodea, have perfected the art of disguise through millions of years of natural selection. When kept in captivity, their camouflage abilities continue to astonish and delight keepers worldwide. This remarkable defensive strategy—evolving to ...

A colorful leaf insect hanging on a branch in a glass terrarium.

How to Breed Pet Insects in Captivity – A Guide for Beginners

Sylvia Duruson

Breeding insects at home is a fascinating hobby that offers unique insights into the miniature world of these six-legged creatures. Whether you’re looking to maintain a sustainable food source for other pets, want to observe fascinating life cycles firsthand, or simply enjoy keeping unusual pets, insect breeding can be both rewarding and educational. This growing ...

Close-up of a hairy tarantula with black and orange-brown legs resting on dry leaves.

Why Some People Prefer Tarantulas Over Traditional Pets

Rica Rosal

In a world where cats and dogs reign supreme as household companions, there exists a growing community of pet enthusiasts who find their joy in eight-legged friends. Tarantulas, once considered merely creatures of horror films and Halloween decorations, have steadily gained popularity as exotic pets in homes across the globe. These fascinating arachnids offer a ...

A person gently holding a large, hairy tarantula in their open palm.

How to Tell If Your Pet Insect Is Happy and Healthy

Rica Rosal

Keeping insects as pets has grown in popularity over the years, with enthusiasts appreciating these fascinating creatures for their unique behaviors, minimal space requirements, and often striking appearances. However, unlike traditional pets like dogs or cats that can express their feelings through sounds or body language we easily recognize, determining the well-being of a pet ...

macro shot of assorted insects on green leaf

The Most Colorful Beetles You Can Keep as Pets

Sylvia Duruson

The fascinating world of exotic pet keeping has expanded beyond traditional cats, dogs, and fish to include some of nature’s most brilliantly adorned insects – beetles. With approximately 400,000 species identified worldwide, beetles represent the largest order in the animal kingdom, and among them are some truly spectacular specimens that showcase nature’s artistic palette. These ...

Stick insect perched on a green leaf against a dark background.

How to Properly Care for a Stick Insect – A Low-Maintenance Pet

Sylvia Duruson

Stick insects, also known as walking sticks or phasmids, offer a fascinating gateway into the world of exotic pet ownership without demanding excessive time, space, or resources. These remarkable creatures, which have perfected the art of camouflage through millions of years of evolution, can provide endless fascination while requiring minimal maintenance compared to traditional pets. ...