Quick-start basics for the animals we carry. Species needs vary, so ask us for advice on the exact animal you buy.
Rhinoceros & Hercules beetles
Larvae live buried in deep, moist substrate made from fermented hardwood flake soil and decayed wood, which is also their food. Keep it damp but not waterlogged and top it up as they eat it.
Adults need a ventilated enclosure with substrate to dig in, a climbing branch and beetle jelly or soft fruit. Most species do well at normal room temperatures; avoid extreme heat or cold.
Mantises
Use a well-ventilated enclosure at least three times as tall as the mantis so it can hang and molt safely. Mist lightly for humidity, feed live insects no bigger than the mantis’s body, and stop feeding when it stops eating before a molt.
Tarantulas
Ground-dwelling species need more floor space than height to prevent falls, plus a hide and a shallow water dish. Tree-dwelling species need height and cross-ventilation. Remove uneaten prey within a day, and never disturb a tarantula during a molt.
Need help?
Call us at +1 (832) 463-0501 for setup advice on any animal you buy from us.