Owning an invertebrate as a pet

Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. They include insects, spiders, millipedes and many more. There are more than a million species, coming in all shapes, sizes and colours, with all sorts of interesting behaviour. A few of them make fascinating and practical pets.

Why keep an invertebrate?

Invertebrates don't need much space, and they usually take less time to look after than pets such as cats and dogs. Feeding them is generally cheap. They can be very educational, especially for children who are curious about nature.

They are also unlikely to trigger the pet allergies some people have to cats and dogs. Some people are allergic to insects such as cockroaches, though, so bear this in mind.

Choosing the right invertebrate for you

Many types of invertebrate are kept as pets in the UK, including:

• stick and leaf insects
• hissing cockroaches
• praying mantises
• millipedes
• tarantulas

Invertebrates don't need much handling or taming, but every species has its own care needs for housing, security, feeding and handling. If this is your first invertebrate, decide whether you want an insect or a spider, then research which invertebrate is most suitable for you.

For a beginner, choose a calm, harmless invertebrate. Starting this way means you can learn to care for it properly, and neither you nor your pet is likely to be harmed.

Good choices for beginners

Stick and leaf insects

Stick and leaf insects are very calm and are not known to bite. They are easy to look after, but their bodies are very fragile, so handle them gently.

Hissing cockroaches

Hissing cockroaches are robust and hardy. They are easy to care for and don't pose any threat to a new keeper.

Tarantulas

Tarantulas are generally hardy, quiet and need little space, and they have become more popular as exotic pets. The Chilean rose tarantula is a popular beginner species, as is the Mexican redknee.

Many tarantulas can flick irritating hairs and may bite, so they are best watched rather than handled, especially by children. Always wash hands after handling any invertebrate.

Do your research first

Spend time researching before you commit, so you know your choice suits you and your family. In particular, find out:

• How long it lives. Lifespans vary a lot. Some female tarantulas can live for 20 years or more.
• How to handle it. Some species can be handled gently; others are best left alone.
• What it eats. Feeding is usually cheap, but each species has its own diet.
• What housing it needs. This includes the right temperature and humidity.

Think about everyone in your home, too. If someone is scared of spiders, a tarantula may not be the right choice.

The law

In Great Britain, some venomous species need a licence from your local council under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Northern Ireland has its own rules. Never release pet invertebrates or their eggs into the wild.