Thought you guys could help me out

My son is turning 4 very soon. Well, he is 100% fascinated with bugs. I thought this was normal little boy behavior, but no this goes way beyond that. He sits and reads insect books almost all day lol. Sits with me for hours looking at pics on the internet of insects. He also watches insect shows on discovery and animal planet. He is obsessed.

Well, he wants a scorpion. BAD. I don't think its really a good pet for a 4 year old. He won't be able to touch it, just look. I think it would be very boring for him. Could also potentially hurt him.
So by not getting him a scorpion, I don't want to put a damper his passion for bugs. This is something he really enjoys. My little future entomologist. I just want something he can enjoy, play with and not get hurt. Any ideas? Maybe ant farm? Anything else hands on anyone here knows about?

Thanks.

well actually someone I know really well has a scorpian and they are as "tame" as puppy dogs. Maybe some reasearch on the emperor scorpian could prove useful. but if you are still alittle unsure about scorpian stingers Another awesome bug would definatly be a Giant Millapede/centapede! they eat veggies and are really nifty! scorpians are more interesting than an ant farm, and centepedes are safer than scorpians... Although I do belive that centepedes have a toxin as well so read up is your are interested! Hope this idea helps! :rockon:

Get him a hissing cockroach. Those are pretty cool. As with millipeade they secrete a liquid that could be yucky for your little one.

even more interesting for your little guy would be a Malaysian Orchid Mantis. they are REALLY pretty! they look like little flower petals!
http://www.petbugs.com/caresheets/H-coronatus.html

My big brother came up with a great idea!!! There is a little insect called a Giant Vinegaroon. Which are basically stingerless scorpians! they are really docile and calm... basically the ball python of the insect world. My brother says that he had one for a while when he lived with our biological mother. He says that they make wonderful pets as long as they are cared for properly. my Bro and I hope this puts an end to the search for the perfect pet for your son!

My son was like that with snakes, and well..... Be careful what you start. :giggle:

Another option you might want to consider is a millipede. It's a relatively inexpensive little critter, and he can handle it. Plus, it has all those cool little leggies. :D

I love hissing cockroach's.

i definatley would suggest getting him something. I know my parents didnt let me explore many things when i as little, and now that i can do things for myself i find myself realizing i missed out on so many things, lord only knows what else i would be into if i had the chance to explore! My first choice would be a millipede. i had one and LOVED it, i think that he will really like the feeling the legs give when they crawl on you. If you get an imperial scorpian it shouldn't be harmful to him, if it stings/pinches him, he might hurt it, but he is also 4, they have the potential to hurt anything. lol. i've never sceen/had a hissing cockroach, so i can't really comment on them, but i would say get a millipede. If you do, make sure the liquid that they let out is not swollowed or gets into his eyes.
good luck! keep us posted!

Thanks for all your replies... I will read about every thing you all suggested. I am definately going to get something good for him. I was able to explore as a child and my mom never restricted my passion for animals. So I will do the same with my two children. I will let you all know what we decide.
Kristy

Moved to invert forum.

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Originally Posted by RoyalGuardian

Another awesome bug would definatly be a Giant Millapede/centapede! they eat veggies and are really nifty! scorpians are more interesting than an ant farm, and centepedes are safer than scorpians... Although I do belive that centepedes have a toxin as well so read up is your are interested! Hope this idea helps! :rockon:

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Ok there is a BIG difference between a giant centipede and a giant millipede.

Centipedes are fast, very aggressive, and venomous.. BAD choice.

Millipedes on the other hand are slow and docile.. however, when stressed they secrete a nasty poison out of their sides.. as long as you supervise your son when handling it and make sure he washes his hands after handling the millipede, they're perfectly safe.

Giant vinegaroons are a good choice.. I would not recommend it's relative the tailless whipscorpion however, as they are very fragile.

Emperor scorpions can be docile, however they can pinch VERY hard, and if they sting you it's like a very nasty bee sting. If your son wants an invert he can handle, I would not recommend a scorpion.