Opinion

[Ratmosphere]

What is your opinion on keeping wild caught invertebrates?

 

[Chubbs]

If we're talking tarantulas or scorpions or any type that you can get in captivity then I don't understand why you'd take them out of the wild.

 

[Ratmosphere]

True but what if you buy a wild caught invertebrate? An example would be Dolomedes okefinokensis or Hogna carolinensis. Even though its wrong to keep a wild caught invertebrate as your pet there are still other concerns. Wouldn't wild caught species have more mites and parasites than a captive bred species? Would it even be worth it to purchase a wild caught invertebrate?

 

[Denny Dee]

Most of the true spiders are wild caught. Depends on the circumstances and on the species regarding the topic. Keep in mind that in the wild, many of these species don't last long (or even in one's home as most people kill any spiders found inside unfortunately). There are some folks that breed them but not many. If there are captive bred alternatives, then you should definitely only buy them as it is good for the hobby and better for nature. The only issue I have had with wild caught has been the fact that most females end up laying fertile egg sacs so you need to be prepared. I don't have any experience with wild caught T's (at least not to my knowledge).

 

[Ratmosphere]

So do you think it would be worth it to purchase a wild caught true spider?

 

[Denny Dee]

Absolutely. I have dozens of them. Keep in mind, that the life of a true spider is far less than a tarantula. That is one reason the prices are far lower than most T's as well.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Do they tend to come with a lot of mites on them?

 

[Denny Dee]

I have never had any develop mites.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Awesome. Thank you for all of the help!