Hey! I’m putting together a research list of invertebrates that have a prehistoric appearance and would also make good pets. So far, I have isopods, millipedes, tailless whip scorpions, triops, and brine shrimp. What other species should I consider adding?
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Most marine invertebrates, such as sea cucumbers, cephalopods, jellyfish, and sea slugs, are considered ancient when compared to other animals.
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Vinegaroons are fascinating creatures that have an ancient appearance. Their care is quite similar to that of most scorpions, and they are completely harmless. Ornate harvestmen are equally easy to care for and are considered extremely ancient, with estimates suggesting they date back around 470 million years, even older than horseshoe crabs. Additionally, harvestmen serve as excellent scavengers and cleaners in tanks, and they can thrive in communal setups if provided with sufficient food.
That’s really interesting! I didn’t realize harvestmen were that ancient. I’ve always thought of them as just creepy little guys, but knowing they’ve been around for so long makes them seem more fascinating. How do they compare in care to something like a tarantula?
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Great question! While tarantulas can be a bit more demanding in terms of humidity and temperature, harvestmen are generally easier. They don’t require as specific conditions, and you can keep them in a more communal setup, which is a bonus. Plus, they’re really low-maintenance when it comes to feeding since they scavenge.
I love the idea of having scavengers like harvestmen in a tank! They really do help keep things clean. I’ve been thinking about adding some vinegaroons to my collection as well. How do you usually set up their habitat?