Looking for a new pet but..

[Khagra]

I'm not really sure what to get. I used to be deep in the scorpion hobby, but sold most of them after my child got to an age where she was constantly wanting to get into the cages.

I have this old tank sitting around that I used to house the slings in (Needs to emptied and cleaned, don't judge me haha) but I'm hoping to find a suitable, non-venomous/poisonous invert of some variety to keep in here that I can have on my desk and observe. Preferably nothing that burrows as I want to actually -see- them. I'm really interested in mantids and large beetles, but would really like suggestions for anything that would look nice as a fully decked out display at my work space. Thanks!

Not sure the exact dimensions of the tank, it's custom made, I think it's 8gallons. You can see an old emperor scorpion sling molt sitting on top as well.

 

[Francesco]

What about a millipide, a giant slug or Anthia sexmaculata (Egyptian Predatory Beatle). I personaly love ants

 

[Khagra]

I was under the impression millipedes burrow quite a bit, is that not true? :O

 

[Dennis Nedry]

I was under the impression millipedes burrow quite a bit, is that not true? :O

If you get multiple it's likely there'll be at least one visible at any given time. How active they are varies from species to species and individual to individual

 

[Aquarimax]

All the suggestions above are great, but I second the OP’s mantis idea...

 

[pannaking22]

Darkling beetles make for great display pets. Really active and hardy.

 

[Wolfspidurguy]

if you have some experience with spiders then a jumping spider is a great option. i know you want to use that tank but thats way too big for a jumper. a small arboreal enclosure is perfect with some sticks in it and a hide (there usually out but they go in there if there tired and they retreat into it at night) the enclosure is small enough to set down on your desk so it makes an amazing display animal. i recommend Phidippus regius.

 

[schmiggle]

Snails are one of my personal favorites, and if it's watertight you could go for any number of aquatic invertebrates--insects, particularly insect larva, gastropods, leeches, etc.

 

[Khagra]

hmm... Mantids probably seem like best suggestion at this point.
What are cheap "starter" mantids that you guys would recommend?

 

[Ratmosphere]

I'd say a full grown female Chinese mantis

 

[KevinsWither]

Any of the mantises should work (except idolomantis/some other species)

 

[Esherman81]

Praying Mantis ..or jumping spider ..

 

[Sarkhan42]

For starter mantises I’d recommend Sphodromantis sp, or if you’re looking for something little more bizzare, ghost mantises.

 

[Esherman81]

For starter mantises I’d recommend Sphodromantis sp, or if you’re looking for something little more bizzare, ghost mantises.

We have a few like 8 lol.. One loves just too sit on my girls shoulder all day long lol