Invertebrate Supplies

What is an invertebrate?

An invertebrate is a type of an animal that doesn’t have an internalised skeleton. Typically, invertebrates have an exoskeleton – hardened armour, often made of a strong protein called ‘chitin’ – and it’s this that supports their body’s shape and their internal organs. There are more than 1.3 million species of invertebrates found across the world, and they range from land-dwelling creatures like insects and spiders to sea-dwelling creatures like corals and sponges.

What types of invertebrates make good pets?

There are many different types of invertebrates that can be kept as pets, either in aquariums (water-based) or terrariums (land-based). Tarantulas are some of the most commonly kept land-dwelling invertebrates and can be comfortably housed in small, affordable terrariums. Their close relatives, jumping spiders, need even less space and can be kept in nano terrariums no bigger than a shoebox. Millipedes, scorpions, and praying mantises are several more invertebrates that are both relatively easy to keep and incredibly rewarding.

How do you care for invertebrates?

Not all invertebrates have the same care requirements, but most require three basic yet fundamental things: a suitably sized terrarium, a cave or other hiding spot, and a shallow water dish. As long as you provide your invertebrate with these three things you can add whatever else you like to their enclosure, including decor, branches, and foliage from live plants or artificial plants. Before you purchase your invertebrate and bring it home, make sure you thoroughly research exactly how to care for it!