Did you know that insects make up more than half of all known living organisms on Earth?1 With almost a million described species, these creatures offer a diverse array of potential pets for the adventurous animal lover.
From colorful beetles to graceful mantises, insects can provide a unique and low-maintenance alternative to traditional pets.
According to the Smithsonian Institution, insects require minimal care, little space, and are relatively easy to find. Their small size makes them ideal for those living in apartments or with limited room.
These 15 insects might just be the perfect addition to your home.
1. Stick Insects
Stick insects, or walking sticks, are masters of camouflage. These elongated creatures come in various species, each mimicking twigs or leaves with uncanny precision. Their gentle nature and low-maintenance care make them ideal for beginners.
Care guide:
- House in a tall, ventilated enclosure
- Provide branches for climbing
- Mist daily for humidity
- Feed fresh leaves (bramble, oak, or ivy)
- Maintain temperatures between 70-80°F
2. Praying Mantis
Praying mantises have alien-like appearance and predatory skills. These insects are known for their distinctive “prayer” pose and their ability to turn their heads 180 degrees. Watching a mantis hunt can be a thrilling experience.
Care guide:
- Use a tall, escape-proof enclosure
- Include twigs and plants for climbing
- Maintain humidity by misting
- Feed live insects (crickets, flies)
- Keep at room temperature 70-80°F
3. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
Don’t let the word “cockroach” scare you off. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are clean and odorless, and make interesting pets. These large insects are known for their distinctive hissing sound and can live for several years.
Care guide:
- Use a secure, ventilated container
- Provide hiding spots and climbing surfaces
- Maintain high humidity (70-80%)
- Feed fruits, vegetables, and dry dog food
- Keep at 75-85°F
4. Rhinoceros Beetles
Rhinoceros beetles are the tanks of the insect world. With their impressive horns and robust bodies, these beetles make for eye-catching pets. They’re surprisingly docile and can be handled gently.
Care guide:
- House in a terrarium with a deep substrate
- Provide rotting wood for food and burrowing
- Maintain high humidity
- Offer fruits as treats
- Keep at 70-85°F
5. Leaf Insects
Leaf insects take camouflage to the next level, perfectly mimicking leaves in shape and color. These peaceful creatures are a joy to observe as they sway gently, blending in with their surroundings.
Care guide:
- Use a tall, well-ventilated enclosure
- Include branches for climbing
- Mist daily for humidity
- Feed fresh leaves (oak, bramble)
- Maintain temperatures of 70-80°F
6. Millipedes
While not technically insects, millipedes are often kept as pets alongside them. These gentle giants are fun to watch as they navigate their environment with hundreds of legs. They’re excellent for those who prefer a calm, low-energy pet.
Care guide:
- Provide a terrarium with a deep, moist substrate
- Include hiding spots and climbing objects
- Feed decaying leaves and vegetables
- Maintain high humidity
- Keep at 70-80°F
7. Giant Water Bugs
Giant water bugs, also known as toe-biters, are impressive aquatic insects. While they require more specialized care, their unique appearance and behaviors make them intriguing pets for experienced keepers.
Care guide:
- Use an aquarium with both water and land areas
- Provide plants and hiding spots
- Feed small fish or insects
- Maintain clean water with proper filtration
- Keep at 70-80°F
8. Orchid Mantis
The orchid mantis is nature’s living flower. These stunning insects mimic orchids so well that they can fool both prey and predators. Their beauty and unique hunting strategy make them a favorite among insect enthusiasts.
Care guide:
- House in a well-ventilated, tall enclosure
- Include branches and artificial flowers
- Mist daily for humidity
- Feed flying insects (fruit flies, moths)
- Maintain temperatures of 75-85°F
9. Blue Death Feigning Beetles
Despite their ominous name, blue death-feigning beetles are harmless and make entertaining pets. These metallic blue beetles are known for playing dead when threatened, a behavior that’s amusing to observe.
Care guide:
- Use a terrarium with a sand substrate
- Provide hiding spots and climbing objects
- Feed fruits, vegetables, and dry dog food
- Maintain low humidity
- Keep at room temperature
10. Giant African Millipedes
Another non-insect arthropod, giant African millipedes can grow up to 11 inches long. These gentle giants are peaceful and can live for several years, making them long-term companions for patient keepers.
Care guide:
- Provide a large terrarium with a deep, moist substrate
- Include plenty of hiding spots and climbing objects
- Feed fresh fruits, vegetables, and decaying leaves
- Maintain high humidity
- Keep at 75-80°F
11. Assassin Bugs
Assassin bugs are skilled predators with a unique appearance. While they require careful handling due to their painful bite, they’re interesting to observe and can help control other insect populations.
Care guide:
- House in a secure, ventilated container
- Provide branches and hiding spots
- Feed live insects (crickets, mealworms)
- Maintain moderate humidity
- Keep at room temperature
12. Atlas Moths
Atlas moths are among the largest moths in the world, with wingspans reaching up to 12 inches. While their adult stage is brief, raising these moths from caterpillars can be a rewarding experience.
Care guide:
- Use a spacious, mesh enclosure
- Provide appropriate host plants for caterpillars
- Maintain high humidity
- Do not feed adults (they don’t eat)
- Keep at 70-80°F
13. Hercules Beetles
Hercules beetles are the strongmen of the insect world, capable of lifting 850 times their own weight. These impressive beetles for those interested in insect strength and behavior.
Care guide:
- Use a terrarium with a deep, moist substrate
- Provide rotting wood and fruit
- Maintain high humidity
- Offer fruits as treats
- Keep at 70-80°F
14. Lubber Grasshoppers
Lubber grasshoppers are large, colorful insects that make for interesting pets. Their vibrant colors serve as a warning to predators, but they’re harmless to humans and can be quite docile.
Care guide:
- House in a well-ventilated terrarium
- Include branches for climbing
- Feed fresh leaves and vegetables
- Maintain moderate humidity
- Keep at room temperature
15. Jewel Beetles
Jewel beetles live up to their name with their iridescent, metallic exoskeletons. These beautiful insects are a joy to observe and can add a splash of living color to your home.
Care guide:
- Provide a terrarium with proper ventilation
- Include wood for burrowing and laying eggs
- Feed tree sap or sugar water
- Maintain moderate humidity
- Keep at 70-80°F
Each species brings its own unique charm and care requirements. These tiny creatures provide an opportunity to observe nature’s intricacies up close, often with minimal space and maintenance needs.
By choosing one of these creatures, you’re not just gaining a pet but opening a window into the diverse world of entomology.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.