Are you a nature lover who wants to keep insects as pets? These tiny companions may not delight everyone in the family, but they will get people talking.
Understanding the specific humidity requirements of the insects you keep as pets is essential to ensure their well-being. As many thrive in natural habitats that are wet and warm, a cozy bug spa will keep their spirits high!
Many pet insects require higher than average humidity. This includes spiders, beetles, praying mantises, cockroaches, stick insects, butterflies, and moths.
High humidity is vital for reproduction, hydration, molting, and respiratory functions.
This article will explore more about keeping insects that like humidity as pets and discover the best conditions to keep them happy.
Why do insects need high-humidity environments?
High humidity is essential to the health of insects. The following are a few of the more significant ones:
Molting of exoskeletons: High humidity helps maintain the necessary moisture levels for their exoskeletons (rigid external covering for their bodies), preventing dehydration and maintaining structural integrity.
Adequate humidity facilitates successful molting, allowing insects to shed their old exoskeletons and grow.
Reproduction and Development: High humidity creates favorable insect reproduction and development conditions. Many species rely on moist environments for successful mating, egg-laying, and hatching.
Feeding and Digestion: Insects often obtain moisture from their food sources. High humidity aids in softening and breaking down their food, making it easier for insects to feed and digest. It ensures efficient nutrient absorption, promoting overall health and vitality.
Thermal Regulation: Insects are ectothermic creatures, meaning their body temperature is regulated by external factors. High humidity helps insects regulate their body temperature by preventing excessive moisture loss through exoskeletons.
This enables them to withstand hot and dry conditions without risking dehydration or overheating.
Popular pet insects that like humidity
1 Stick insects, Walking Sticks and Leaf Insects
Stick insects, commonly known as Walking Sticks and Leaf Insects, possess a remarkable talent for blending into their surroundings.
They are captivating as pets due to their resemblance to twigs and leaves and require minimal upkeep.
To ensure the correct humidity, one must know the specific needs of the particular stick insect species being kept. As a general rule, stick insects prefer medium to high humidity.
2 Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
Despite their name, these gentle giants are famous pets for their behavior and lack of aggression. They can measure up to 2-3 inches in length and have a lifespan of around 2-5 years.
One of the most distinctive features of Madagascar hissing cockroaches is their ability to produce a loud hissing sound. This unique ability is not seen in other roach species. It is made by expelling air through specialized breathing pores called spiracles. They use this hissing sound to communicate, particularly during courtship and territorial disputes.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches are generally docile and easy to handle. They are not known to be aggressive or bite humans, making them popular pets. Their calm nature makes them less intimidating than other roach species.
Maintaining high humidity levels is crucial for the well-being of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. They require a 50-60% humidity to prevent dehydration and ensure proper molting.
3 Tarantulas
They are known for their large size and hairy bodies. For arachnid enthusiasts, keeping a tarantula can provide an up-close experience of these docile creatures and scare off visitors!
High humidity supports their respiratory functions, prevents desiccation, and ensures successful molting.
Tarantulas have specific care requirements that must be met to thrive in captivity. Tarantulas may struggle to breathe without proper humidity and even become dehydrated.
Before considering a Tarantula as a pet, know that different types require different humidity levels.
Note: Some species of tarantulas have potent venom and may not be suitable for handling.
4 Praying mantises
Praying mantises are admired for their unique hunting methods. They make beautiful, peaceful pets.
Humidity helps them molt safely and maintain hydration for optimal health. While the optimal humidity level for most mantis species is around 50-60%, different species may have specific humidity preferences.
For instance, tropical mantises generally require higher humidity, up to 70-80%, to mimic their natural habitat.
On the other hand, desert mantises prefer drier conditions with humidity levels ranging from 30-40%.
5 Beetles
Beetles are very popular as pets.
Beetles such as Rhinoceros Beetles, Stag Beetles, Flower Beetles, Goliath Beetles, and Blue Death Feigning Beetles all require humidity to prevent desiccation and support their growth and reproduction.
These beetles are naturally found in regions with high humidity, such as tropical rainforests and jungles. The humidity in these habitats provides the necessary moisture for the beetles’ survival.
Therefore, mimicking these environments in their enclosure will ensure the happiness of your pet beetle.
6 Butterflies
While short-lived, butterflies can be enjoyed as stunning pets during their adult stage. Some species can be bred and raised from caterpillars.
Butterflies and moths go through several stages of life, including egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult. Each stage requires specific humidity conditions for successful development and survival.
- Eggs, for instance, need a relatively low humidity level to prevent moisture buildup and fungal growth.
- Caterpillars thrive in higher-humidity environments since they rely on moisture for growth and digestion.
- The pupal stage requires a controlled humidity level to ensure appropriate conditions for metamorphosis.
- Finally, adult butterflies and moths prefer moderate humidity, which helps them maintain their delicate wing structure and aids in flight.
Understanding and providing the necessary humidity conditions for each life stage is crucial for these fascinating creatures’ healthy development and well-being.
7 Ants
Keeping an ant colony in an artificial formicarium can be an educational and entertaining experience as you observe their complex social structure.
The humidity needs of ant colonies play a crucial role in their behavior and overall health. Ants are highly sensitive to changes in humidity levels, as they rely on a humid environment for survival.
A balance of humidity is essential for their respiration and maintaining the moisture levels within their nests.
In low-humidity conditions, ants may struggle to breathe or regulate their body temperature.
In too high humidity, their nests can become prone to fungal growth and rot, adversely affecting their health and eventually leading to the colony’s collapse. Thus, maintaining the ideal humidity level is vital for the well-being and functioning of ant colonies.
The level of humidity you need depends on the species, but you’ll generally do well with a humidity gradient. So there are, for instance, more humid chambers at the bottom and dryer ones at the top.
The ants will designate chambers with specific roles (brood chamber, food storage, graveyard) at the correct location.
8 Silkworms
Silkworms are often kept as pets for their silk production and as a fascinating way to witness their lifecycle from eggs to caterpillars.
Silkworms thrive in relatively high humidity, generally between 70% and 85%. This humidity range ensures that the silkworms’ delicate skin does not dry out, preventing any harm or potential health issues.
On the other hand, overly high humidity can cause the growth of dangerous bacteria and fungi, which can compromise the health of the silkworms.
Maintaining an ideal humidity level is crucial for the successful rearing and growth of silkworms, ensuring they remain healthy and produce quality silk.
9 Dragonflies
Dragonflies, known for their dazzling flight and vibrant colors, thrive in areas with high humidity levels, as it helps them effectively regulate their bodily functions.
The ideal humidity range for dragonflies typically falls between 40% to 70%. This range ensures that they do not become dehydrated or face difficulties in molting, an essential process for their growth and development.
Maintaining the appropriate humidity levels in their captive environment is crucial to ensure the well-being and longevity of these fascinating creatures.
10 Cockroaches
Cockroaches have specific humidity needs for optimal health and survival, making it crucial for pet owners to understand these requirements.
Generally, cockroaches prefer higher humidity levels to thrive. The ideal humidity range for keeping cockroaches as pets falls between 50% to 75%.
Maintaining the appropriate humidity level in their enclosure is essential for their overall well-being, as it aids in molting and respiratory functions.
Providing the proper humidity ensures that the cockroaches can properly shed their exoskeletons and breathe comfortably, contributing to their overall health and lifespan as pets.
11 Crickets
These fun creatures provide a soothing chirping sound and are easy to care for. They can also be kept as food for reptiles.
They need a certain amount of humidity to thrive, as it helps in facilitating their growth and molting process. Generally, the ideal humidity range for keeping crickets as pets is 40% to 60%.
However, it is crucial to monitor this level closely, as excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and other health issues for the crickets.
12 Millipedes
A millipede is an invertebrate creature with a long body and many legs. It is similar to a centipede but with more legs.
These multi-legged arthropods are intriguing pets known for their gentle nature and unique defense mechanisms. They need high humidity to prevent dehydration, aid in shedding their exoskeletons, and support their metabolic processes.
The ideal humidity range for keeping millipedes is around 70-80%. On the other hand, extreme humidity levels can lead to mold growth and respiratory issues for millipedes. Therefore, millipede keepers need to monitor and maintain the general humidity within the recommended range to ensure the health and longevity of these fascinating arthropods.
Here are the recommended humidity levels for some common insect pets.
Levels will differ depending on specific species, so take some time to do research online or join a local group of entomologists to understand what is required for your pet insect.
| Pet Insect | Humidity |
| Ants | 50% to 70% |
| Beetles | Around 80% |
| Butterflies | Low to High staged |
| Cockroaches | 50% to 75% |
| Crickets | 40% to 60% |
| Dragonflies | 40% – 70% |
| Millipedes | 70% – 80% |
| Praying Mantis | 30% – 80% |
| Silkworms | 70% – 85% |
| Spiders | 50% – 60% |
| Stick Insects | Up to 80% |
Setting up an insectary
An insectary is a controlled environment for keeping or rearing insects, usually a glass enclosure or terrarium.
The environment inside must be carefully monitored for correct temperatures, humidity, lighting, and ventilation.
Your insectary can be enhanced by adding small water features, plants, branches, moss, and rocks. Create natural hiding spots that mimic your insects’ natural environment.
Clean and maintain the enclosure regularly to ensure the best possible conditions for your insect pets.
Determining whether your insectary requires additional humidity will depend on the current humidity in the area where you wish to place the enclosure.
By measuring first with a hygrometer, you can find out the current humidity and the difference in what is required to work out how much more you need to increase the humidity.
If you don’t need to increase by a lot, then misting or providing a water source may be sufficient. You can monitor with your hygrometer regularly to check if the necessary humidity is achieved.
Ensuring the best humidity for your pet insects
To maintain the appropriate humidity level for your pet insect, you can use methods like misting the enclosure with water, providing a water source (such as a shallow dish), and using a humidifier if necessary.
Make sure the environment isn’t overly humid or too damp by measuring the present humidity level with a hygrometer to calculate how much humidity you need to add.
To preserve your insect’s health, it is essential to periodically check the humidity levels and modify them as necessary. Finding a balance to avoid moisture-related problems such as excessive condensation or mold is crucial
Setting up a humidifier inside or near your insectary is a great way to maintain constant humidity if you need to increase and maintain a constant humidity level.
Ultimately, although many insects are easy to care for. It’s essential to consider your pet’s needs and check them regularly. Once you are familiar with their habits and the enclosure they prefer, it will be easier to spot if they are unhappy.
Frequently Asked Questions – Insects that like Humidity
Can I keep insects that like humidity as pets?
Yes, many of these insects make excellent pets, especially for beginners. They are easy to handle and provide a unique experience.
How do I create an enclosure for my pet insect?
To create an enclosure for bugs that like moisture, you must provide a suitable habitat that mimics their natural environment. This includes appropriate humidity levels, temperature, and substrate. Seek advice from pet insect owners to find out what works best in your area.
How important is humidity in the enclosure of my pet?
Humidity is vital for the health and well-being of many pet insects that need humidity to survive. However there are some that adapt to lower levels better than others.
Can I buy insects to keep as pets from a pet store?
Yes, many pet stores offer a variety of insects to keep as pets. However, it’s a good idea to research the specific needs and requirements of the insect species you are interested in before purchasing. Ask a lot of questions from the experience pet store staff.
How do I maintain humidity and drinking water for my insects?
To keep the humidity stable and provide drinking water for your insects, you can mist their enclosure, provide a dish of water for drinking, or use a humidity system specific to their needs. A hygrometer will help you to monitor, maintain and adjust humidity levels as needed.
Keeping your crawly creatures happy
High humidity is a must for most insect pets as their natural habitats are often wet, damp, and humid.
Seek to understand the humidity levels needed for your type of insect and monitor it closely to ensure you see the best of your pet.
Inadequate or excessive humidity levels can impact their health, behavior, and survival.
This could be a good jumping-off point to learn more about pet insects or discover what is required to become an entomologist. They also have a Bug Club for children.
Although it is many years since I was a child, I fondly remember watching the life cycle of Monarch Butterflies as part of science class. I was also fortunate enough to live in an area where we could observe their life in our garden. My brothers and I would eagerly check every morning to see the progress of the stages, and I’d highly recommend this as a valuable lesson for a child.
So we can learn and help these beautiful insects, societies such as The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation are an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world by conserving invertebrates and their habitats. Keep Monarchs Wild: Why Captive Rearing Isn’t The Way To Help Monarchs
