A huntsman spider can cross a tub, wall, or hand faster than most keepers expect. That speed is the first thing to respect. These spiders are fascinating, alert, and often visible in the enclosure, but they are not calm lap pets and they do not reward casual handling. This guide covers the core care points for commonly kept huntsman spiders, including temperature, humidity, feeding, enclosure setup, safety, and how to catch or move one without panic. Species differ, so use th

A tub of green bottle or blue bottle casters can turn from “not ready yet” to “far too many flies” quicker than expected. The trick is to control temperature, moisture, and timing so you get usable live flies when your inverts need them, not all at once. Green bottle and blue bottle casters are the pupal stage of blowflies. They are often used to produce live flies for reptiles, amphibians, mantids, spiders, fish, birds, and other insect-eating animals. They are useful becaus

Giant African land snails are calm, curious and surprisingly long-lived pets. They need warm, humid housing, a safe substrate, steady calcium, careful egg control and secure containment. Get those basics right and they can thrive for years. A healthy snail should look active, hydrated and well supported by clean, damp surroundings. Understanding giant African land snails “Giant African land snail” is a broad name. It can refer to several large land snail species, including L

Ceratophysella isabellae and Yuukianura aphoruriodes are not the standard “tropical white springtail” often sold for bioactive terrariums. They are more specialist, moisture-loving Collembola that do best in stable, damp, organic setups with plenty of decaying material and gentle feeding. Treat them as small detritivores first, not as disposable clean-up tools, and they become much easier to keep. Understanding these two springtail species Springtails are tiny hexapods, not i

Healthy beetle grubs are built long before the adult beetle appears. The right substrate, steady moisture, enough space, and calm handling will do more for your results than any last-minute fix. This guide is written for keepers rearing multiple beetle grubs at once, whether from a breeding pair, a bought batch, or eggs hatched at home. It covers the practical details that matter most: housing, substrate preparation, weighing, batch records, feeding, pupation, and the common

Rainbow stag beetles look like polished metal as adults, but the real work happens long before that shine appears. Most success comes from giving the grubs the right substrate, keeping it moist without making it wet, and leaving them alone at the stage when disturbance can ruin a pupa. Rainbow stag beetles, Phalacrognathus muelleri, are one of the most popular Australian stag beetles in the hobby. They are not usually difficult, but they do reward steady, careful husbandry. I

Velvet spiders don't get the attention they deserve. While jumping spiders and tarantulas tend to hog the spotlight, the African Velvet Spider (Gandanameno sp.) is quietly one of the most rewarding invertebrates you can keep — calm, long-lived, and covered in that impossibly soft, velvety fur that gives the whole family its name. If you've been looking for something a little different, this is a genuinely special spider. What Is a Velvet Spider? Velvet spiders belong to the f

Jumping spiders are fascinating pets that combine vibrant colours, curious behaviour, and impressive hunting skills. Their small size and engaging personality make them popular among exotic pet enthusiasts. However, caring for these tiny hunters requires specific knowledge to keep them healthy and thriving. This guide covers everything you need to know about jumping spider care, including diet, temperature, humidity, housing, handling, common illnesses, sexing, moulting, and

Identifying the sex of your regal jumping spider can feel tricky at first. These small, agile creatures show subtle differences between males and females that become clearer once you know what to look for. Understanding your spider’s sex helps you provide better care, anticipate behaviour, and even plan breeding if you’re interested. This guide walks you through the process step by step, with clear tips and examples to make sexing your regal jumping spider straightforward. St

The Peruvian Fern Insect, scientifically known as Oreophoetes peruana, is a fascinating species prized by insect enthusiasts for its unique appearance and manageable care requirements. Keeping this species healthy and thriving requires understanding its natural habitat and replicating those conditions in captivity. This guide offers detailed husbandry care instructions covering temperature, humidity, lighting, enclosure setup, feeding, sexing, and general maintenance to help

Air plants, or Tillandsias, have become a favorite among plant lovers for their unique appearance and minimal soil needs. These fascinating plants absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, making them easy to display in creative ways. This guide shares practical tips to help you care for your air plants like a pro. Understanding Air Plants and Their Needs Air plants are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on other plants or surfaces without soil. They rely on ai

Jumping spiders are fascinating pets known for their curious behaviour and impressive hunting skills. Setting up the right enclosure is essential to keep your spider healthy and active. A well-designed habitat mimics their natural environment, providing safety, comfort, and stimulation. This guide walks you through the key steps to create an ideal home for your jumping spider. Choosing the Right Enclosure Size and Type Jumping spiders do not require large spaces, but their en

General care instructions for the Assassin bugs. Assassin bugs are hardy, fascinating predators with quite straightforward husbandry needs. TEMPERATURE 22-28 C, 50-70% humidity Well ventilated enclosures LIGHTING Well lit enclosures. Avoid direct sunlight HOUSING Assassin bugs thrive in well ventilated enclosures that offer both security and structure. A medium sized enclosure with a tight fitting mesh lid is ideal, providing enough height for climbing and moulti

A wonderful way to nourish your insect friends is by making homemade fruit jelly. This easy process lets you control the ingredients, ensuring that your beetles receive the essential nutrients they need to flourish. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create your own fruit jelly and look at the benefits it provides for your insect collection. Why Feed Fruit Jelly to Insects? Fruit jelly is an exceptional food source for various types of insects, especially beet

In the world of pets, invertebrates offer a captivating alternative to traditional furry companions. They require less space, are often easier to care for, and can be fascinating to observe with their diverse behaviours. If you're looking for a low-maintenance pet or simply want to explore the animal kingdom's diversity, selecting the right invertebrate for your first pet can be an exciting adventure. This guide will help you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle

Hatching stick insect eggs might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance and a bit of patience, it can turn into a fulfilling hobby. If you're stepping into the captivating realm of stick insects—also known as phasmids—you may quickly find yourself enchanted by these remarkable creatures. They are not only unique and fascinating but also relatively easy to care for once you grasp the essential steps involved in hatching their eggs. This guide provides best pra

General basic care information for the the tropical tree dwelling Pink Toed Tarantula. A great beginner's species. TEMPERATURE 22-26C daytime 70-85% humidity LIGHTING Lighting should be subtle and natural No special UV or heat lamps are needed. They thrive in ambient room light and prefer dim, shaded areas within their enclosure, much like their native rainforest habitat. Bright lighting can stress them, so it’s best to avoid direct exposure and instead use diffused d

General basic care information for the a range of Tropical Scorpions. These are general instructions and species specific care should take priority. Temperature 26-30C daytime, Night time drop to 24 C. 70-80% humidity Lighting Tropical scorpions like Pandinus imperator and Heterometrus spp. are nocturnal and prefer dim environments, so they don’t require special lighting for daily care. Ambient room light is usually sufficient, but for nighttime viewing, a low-wattag

General basic care information for the a range of desert scorpions. These are general instructions and species specific care should take priority. Temperature 24-26 C daytime Night time drop to 21 C. 30-40% humidity Lighting Desert scorpions are generally nocturnal creatures that thrive in warm, arid environments. They don’t need intense lighting - ambient room light is usually enough. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent overheating. For display setups, red