Insects are some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Sure, they may not be conventionally cute like dogs and cats, but they can be amazing pets, too! They’re intriguing, educational, and can be beautiful in their own little ways. And here at PetPal, we appreciate pets in all shapes and sizes. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular insects that you can keep as pets.
1. Ants
Ants are one of the most common insects you can keep as pets. They’re social insects that live in large colonies, and watching how they act can be incredibly fascinating.
If you want to keep ants as pets, you can keep an ant farm and observe your mini pets as they dig tunnels, gather food, and interact with each other. It’s a perfect way to get a glimpse into the curious world of these tiny creatures.
Ants are smart creatures and are relatively low-maintenance — they’ll be happy munching on sweets and protein sources such as pet food or even other insects.
2. Stick Insects
Stick insects are renowned for their camouflage abilities — they really do look like walking sticks! These critters are generally easy to keep, requiring a diet of fresh leaves and a suitable habitat that mimics their natural environment. Stick insects are non-aggressive and can live for about a year.
3. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
You heard us right — some species of cockroaches make popular pets! Madagascar hissing cockroaches are perfect pets for beginners because they’re easy to care for.
They’re not picky eaters and will munch on a lot of food items — from fresh fruits and veggies to pet food. And if you want some high-quality pet food you can feed your other animal companions, you can purchase some from PetPal’s online pet store!
These insects can get quite large, so you’ll have no trouble observing them in their little habitats. They also have a unique ability to produce a hissing sound by expelling air from their breathing holes.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches are also great for kids because they don’t bite and can take some gentle handling.
4. Praying Mantises
Praying mantises are cool critters with a unique appearance and amazing hunting behaviors. They can be kept in a small terrarium with plenty of branches for climbing.
Watching a mantis catch its prey can be incredibly fascinating. However, they require a bit more care than some other pet insects, making them a better choice for more experienced insect keepers.
5. Beetles
There are many different types of beetles you can keep as pets, ranging from the small and colorful ladybugs to the large and impressive Hercules beetles. Beetles look amazing and can be easy to care for, but most large species spend a lot of time as larvae living underground and only live as adults for a short time.
6. Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies and moths can be fragile and picky when it comes to diet, but watching them transform from caterpillars can be a rewarding experience. Having them as pets can also be a great introduction to science if you have kids in your home!
Bonus: Tarantulas (Not Insects, But Close Enough)
Tarantulas, like all spiders, are arachnids and not insects. However, they’re close enough when it comes to their care requirements. These critters can come in various shapes, sizes, and habitats, so it’s never boring having them around.
Depending on the species, tarantulas can be pretty docile and low-maintenance, making them amazing additions to your home. They may not be cuddly creatures, but they’re oh-so-interesting.
The Takeaway
There are many types of insects you can keep as pets, and it can be rewarding to have them in your home. They’re amazing to observe and can also be interesting conversation starters! But as always, it’s important to do your research to know their ideal set-up and diet.
If you want to get professional advice regarding your pets, talk to a vet online with PetPal! Our partner vets are willing to help you out and provide you with personalized guidance on raising healthy pets. Download the PetPal app from the Play Store or App Store to book a consultation.
