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Keeping invertebrates as pets is not for everyone. Most people, when thinking of tarantulas, scorpions or other invertebrates, react in disgust or fear. This is mostly due to the fact that these animals are greatly misunderstood. Thanks to horror movies and stupid shows like FEAR FACTOR alot of these invertebrates have been given a bad reputation as being dangerous, even deadly. Though many invertebrates that are kept as pets are venemous (no, they don't remove the venom before the animal is sold) keep in mind that their venom is not designed to kill people. It is designed to help them subdue their prey. There are species of scorpions that have venom so strong that it can kill a person but that is not what it is there for. Most of these animals would rather run away and hide from a person than actually try to bite them. They are actually very timid, and at times nervous. Keep in mind also that people are not supposed to die from bee stings or ant bites, but they do. It is not because of the bee or ant, but because of the person's allergic reaction to the sting or bite. The same can be held true for all invertebrates that can bite or sting. The first rule to follow when having pets like this is to show them respect.
I got my first tarantula when I was in the 6th grade, in 1979. It was a Mexican Red-Knee, aka Brachypelma smithi. At the time this species of tarantula was the most readily available type in petstores. In the years that followed this species was overcollected for the pet trade and it is now protected from export from Mexico. To this date though, this species is still one of the best tarantula species to have as a pet. They are long lived (the first one I got I received as an adult and I had her for 13 years) and very docile. They are also very attractive. I have been hooked ever since. My collection now is 50 strong, just in tarantulas (I also have many scorpions, millipedes, centipedes and mantids). Back in 1979 information on tarantulas was scarce and the few books on them available at the time are now laughable at their inaccuracies. Luckily things have changes substantially! |
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