Perfect Small Terrarium Pets & Their Dream Enclosures (2025 Guide)

Small pets can amaze us with their tiny size! These fascinating creatures, from Mourning Geckos to Poison Dart Frogs, fit right on your fingertip and bring an incredible world of miniature diversity to terrariums.49

These little animals might be small, but they show remarkable character. The “coolest” Praying Mantis needs just a small space to thrive. Colorful Isopods help break down plant material and make great companions. These simple terrarium pets adapt well to normal household conditions. Both newcomers and seasoned keepers can enjoy these tiny friends.

My guide will show you 12 amazing small-space companions and the best ways to create their homes. These little creatures need specific conditions to thrive in their mini ecosystems, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Mourning Geckos

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“Mourning geckos are parthenogenic, which means that they are an exclusively-female species that reproduces essentially through self-cloning. This means that a healthy initial population of 2 adult mourning geckos will multiply exponentially over time.” — Mariah Healey, Reptile Care Expert and Content Writer at ReptiFiles

Mourning Geckos originated in Southeast Asia and Pacific islands50and have adapted to thrive in environments of all types, from rainforests to urban settings.These small terrarium pets grow to just 3.5-4 inches, which makes them ideal for compact setups51.

Natural Habitat Requirements

These terrarium animals need specific conditions to thrive. The enclosure temperature should stay between 77-82°F during the day and drop to 72°F at night52. The humidity should remain between 60-70%, with short spikes after daily misting53.

Terrarium Size & Setup

A 12x12x18-inch terrarium provides enough space for 5-6 adult geckos52. The habitat needs a 2-inch drainage layer of hydro balls, covered with terrarium mesh and 2-3 inches of ABG substrate52. These social creatures perform better in groups, unlike many other reptiles54.

Plant Compatibility

Live plants are vital for humidity control and climbing spaces. The best plant options include:

Pothos and Philodendron
Bromeliads and Ferns
Peperomia and Pilea55

Feeding & Care Schedule

These terrarium pets need a well-laid-out feeding schedule: two days of crested gecko diet, three days of insects, and two rest days56. The insects must be dusted with calcium supplement because of their constant egg production56. Daily misting helps maintain humidity and provides drinking water52.

Poison Dart Frogs

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“Mourning geckos are omnivores. Specifically speaking, they primarily feed on fruit and insects in the wild. As pets, however, they do best on a diet of specially-formulated crested gecko diet powder (CGD) and calcium-dusted live insects. Offer CGD 2-3x/week and insects 2-3x/week for optimal nutrition.” — Mariah Healey, Reptile Care Expert and Content Writer at ReptiFiles

Poison Dart Frogs engage viewers with their brilliant colors and active daytime behavior.These small terrarium pets [range from grape-sized to a maximum of two and a half inches in length](https://reptilesmagazine.com/poison-dart-frog-care-sheet/?srsltid=AfmBOorlR7hfC7TCwy9xUTxrYLb61gfRH8Zx4Io30B9WDUvQaIu5-YGQ)57.

Species Selection Guide

The Dyeing Poison Dart Frog, Green and Black Poison Dart Frog, and Bumblebee Poison Dart Frog rank among the most popular species. Captive-bred frogs are completely non-toxic49. A 20-gallon high aquarium provides enough space for two to six adult frogs, making it perfect for beginners58.

Bioactive Terrarium Setup

Your bioactive setup needs multiple layers. Start with a drainage layer using lightweight expanded clay aggregate. Add a mesh separator and substrate next58. The terrarium’s appearance improves with leaf litter that creates perfect hiding spots for these animals58.

Compatible Plants

The best plants for dart frog terrariums include:

Ferns and Pothos
Philodendron varieties
Peperomia species
Bromeliads and Orchids59

Humidity & Temperature Control

These terrarium pets need specific conditions to thrive. The ideal daytime temperature ranges between 72-80°F49. Humidity levels should stay between 80-100%, and daily misting becomes essential49. A glass lid works better than a screen top to maintain proper humidity58.

Feeding Requirements

Young frogs need 20-30 fruit flies per daily feeding49. Adult frogs eat 50-75 fruit flies daily and should get food four to five times weekly49. Each feeding requires dusting food items with calcium and vitamin supplements49.

Praying Mantis

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Praying mantis make fascinating small terrarium pets, but they need specific habitat conditions to thrive. The enclosure should be three times as tall as the mantis’s length so they can molt safely12.

Enclosure Design

The right setup requires specific measurements – a 3-4cm mantis will do well in an enclosure that’s 12-15cm high and 6-10cm wide12. The habitat must have a mesh lid or screen at the top to help with molting, along with horizontal twigs or branches that let them climb12.

Ventilation Requirements

Your mantis’s health depends on good cross-ventilation through two separate airflow areas – one at the top and another on the side13. Good airflow stops mold and bacterial infections that often show up in poorly ventilated enclosures13.

Plant Selection

The right plants can boost the habitat and help keep humidity levels steady:

Golden pothos creates natural hiding spots
Peperomia offers varied climbing surfaces
Hoyas provide extra coverage14

Feeding Schedule

Your mantis’s growth stage determines how often you should feed them. Young nymphs just need food every 1-3 days 15, while adult males eat nowhere near as much as females6. Live prey like flies, moths, and small crickets are the foundations of their diet16. The insects should be gut-loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide the best nutrition12.

Tree Frogs

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Arboreal amphibians make excellent small terrarium pets. Many species thrive in properly designed enclosures. A 10-gallon terrarium provides a minimum starting point for housing these delightful creatures17.

Species-specific Requirements

Tree frogs need enclosures that mirror their native habitat because of their climbing nature. Most species grow between 2-3 inches, while some varieties can reach up to 5 inches18. The habitat should maintain humidity levels between 50-80%, which you can measure with a hygrometer18.

Vertical Space Setup

Vertical space plays a vital role in tree frogs’ well-being. The enclosure needs to be taller than its width by a lot to give them enough climbing space4. You’ll need 2-3 inches of coconut-fiber or bark bedding at the bottom18. Sturdy climbing branches and cork tubes positioned diagonally help create natural movement patterns19.

Lighting & Temperature

These terrarium pets thrive in specific temperature ranges: 75-85°F during daytime and 65-75°F at night18. A fluorescent bulb should provide 12 hours of daily lighting to maintain natural cycles17. Night-specific bulbs let you observe them without causing much disturbance18.

Plant Compatibility

Live plants improve the habitat and help maintain humidity levels. Compatible options include:

Pothos and Philodendron varieties
Spathiphyllum and Syngonium
Anthurium and Earth stars
Mounted peperomia species20

Artificial plants provide a practical alternative with similar benefits but require no maintenance4.

Isopods

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These remarkable terrarium animals make great pets and are the quickest way to keep your habitat clean. You’ll find many options from the popular Powder Blue to the striking Dairy Cow variety, which make perfect small terrarium companions21.

Species Selection

Some species adapt better to terrarium environments than others. Dwarf White Isopods work well in planted setups and stay hidden while they help maintain the ecosystem. Powder Orange and Powder Blue varieties do best in medium-sized enclosures22. Dairy Cow Isopods show impressive cleaning abilities in larger setups22.

Bioactive Setup Benefits

Isopods break down organic matter and aerate the substrate naturally in bioactive environments7. These little helpers process fallen leaves, waste materials, and debris. Their frass returns nutrients to the substrate22. They stay more active than springtails and reach spots other cleanup crews might miss7.

Substrate Requirements

A well-balanced substrate mix is vital for isopod survival. The foundation needs:

Sphagnum moss to retain moisture23
Earthworm castings to provide nutrition23
Orchid bark to ensure aeration23
Leaf litter as food source24

Population Management

Your isopod colony needs careful management. You can adjust feeding frequency to control breeding – less food can decrease offspring by 20-40 isopods per litter 21. Notwithstanding that, calcium sources like crushed eggshells help healthy shell development25. The best results come when you start population control as the colony reaches 30-50 individuals21.

Web-footed Geckos

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Web-footed geckos have amazing adaptations with their distinctive webbed feet that help them traverse and burrow in fine desert sand. These small terrarium pets reach about 4 inches in length. Females tend to grow slightly larger than males8.

Desert Terrarium Setup

A 10-gallon enclosure provides comfortable space for up to three geckos3. The habitat needs fine, round-cornered natural sand without any loam and clay particles26. Your gecko’s natural burrowing behavior requires substrate depth of 4-6 inches3. Flat rocks make perfect hiding spots, and proper ventilation plays a vital role in keeping moisture levels down26.

Temperature Control

These terrarium animals depend on precise temperature management. The enclosure’s temperature should range between 85-92°F during the day and drop by 15-20°F at night8. Overhead heating works better than under-tank heaters since burrowing geckos might get burned from bottom heat sources8. One-third of the ground space should maintain 95°F to create a temperature gradient26.

Compatible Desert Plants

Desert plants improve the habitat while protecting your geckos from injuries:

Mediterranean herbs for well-drained conditions
Succulents with thick, leathery leaves
Non-spiny plants to prevent abscesses27

Feeding Schedule

Adult web-footed geckos do well on a diet of small crickets every three days8. Young geckos need daily meals of five crickets or three worms8. Remove uneaten prey after feeding sessions to keep stress levels low28.

Pacman Frogs

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Pacman frogs make excellent small terrarium pets, despite their fierce-sounding name. These pets need minimal space and are easy to care for.

Terrarium Size Requirements

A 10-gallon terrarium provides enough space for one adult Pacman frog2. These animals spend most of their time burrowed in substrate, so floor space matters more than height. Small plastic enclosures work well for baby frogs until they grow larger29.

Substrate Selection

The right substrate is vital for these terrarium pets. Coconut fiber remains the top choice, and you’ll need 3-4 inches of depth to let your frog burrow naturally2. Sphagnum moss serves as a great decorative topper that helps keep moisture in, but keep it away from feeding areas2.

Temperature & Humidity

Your Pacman frog needs specific climate conditions to thrive. The temperature should stay between 75-85°F during the day and drop to 65-75°F at night30. The habitat’s humidity should range from 50-80%, which you can track with a hygrometer5. Daily misting with dechlorinated water helps maintain proper moisture levels5.

Feeding Guide

Feed adult Pacman frogs once or twice each week5. Their diet includes:

Gut-loaded crickets and dubia roaches
Earthworms for variety
Occasional frozen/thawed rodents5

Dust insects with calcium supplements daily and add multivitamins weekly5. Use feeding tongs to protect yourself from painful bites5.

Millipedes

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The life-blood of millipede care in small terrarium setups is proper substrate depth. These amazing terrarium animals just need substrate as deep as their body length31. Some species need up to 4-5 inches of depth to burrow properly32.

Substrate Depth Requirements

The substrate mix just needs specific ingredients to keep millipedes healthy. We mixed organic potting soil or compost as the base and added peat moss with decaying hardwood leaves31. This combination ended up giving both nutrition and proper moisture retention. The substrate should stay loose and airy to let millipedes burrow naturally without getting packed down31.

Humidity Control

These terrarium pets do best in specific moisture conditions. The habitat just needs 70-80% humidity33, which you can track with an accurate digital hygrometer. You can also keep things damp by misting regularly with dechlorinated water31. The substrate should feel moist but not soaking wet – you shouldn’t see water drops when you squeeze it31.

Safe Plant Options

These plants are great additions that will improve your terrarium while keeping millipedes safe:

African Violet and Boston Fern
Spider Plant and Swedish Ivy
Prayer Plant and Peperomia34

Food & Supplements

The best terrarium pets just need a varied diet. You can add fresh vegetables and fruit pieces to supplement their natural substrate feeding33. Calcium is crucial for their shell development, which comes from ground cuttlebone35. Adding protein supplements like fish flakes or rabbit pellets once a week helps keep them healthy36.

Emperor Scorpions

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Emperor scorpions are among the bigger small terrarium pets and they just need careful habitat planning. These amazing arachnids have specific care requirements to live happily in captivity.

Enclosure Security

A 10-gallon aquarium is the smallest size you’ll want for an adult Emperor scorpion10. The enclosure should have a secure, tightly-fitted metal mesh lid with strong clips37. Good airflow comes from cross-ventilation holes on both sides and top of the enclosure38.

Temperature Requirements

These terrarium animals thrive with careful temperature control. Their habitat should stay between 75-86°F during the day10 and drop slightly at night. Heat mats work best when placed on the tank’s side instead of underneath11. This makes sense since scorpions dig deeper when they want to escape heat11. A digital thermometer helps you track temperature changes easily.

Hiding Spots Setup

The right substrate depth makes a big difference – you’ll want at least 3 inches of coconut fiber or peat moss10. Cork bark pieces placed at different angles create perfect hiding spots10. A good setup has:

Several cork bark pieces
Natural wood decorations
Real or artificial plants for cover

Feeding Schedule

These terrarium pets do well with a regular feeding routine. Adult scorpions usually eat 3-4 large crickets each week 10, while younger ones need food every other day37. Each prey item should get a coating of calcium supplements10. Any uneaten food should be removed within 24 hours to keep your pet happy and their home clean.

Blue Death Feigning Beetles

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Blue Death Feigning Beetles are native to America’s southwestern deserts and make fascinating small terrarium pets. These beetles adapt easily to life in captivity. A protective waxy coating gives them their eye-catching blue color and helps them survive harsh desert conditions39.

Arid Terrarium Setup

These beetles do best in a glass terrarium since they can’t climb smooth surfaces40. Your enclosure needs good ventilation with a screen lid41. The substrate works best with several layers. You’ll want a sand-based mixture on top, a clay-enriched middle layer that adds stability, and organic material in the deeper layers42.

Temperature Management

These amazing terrarium pets need specific temperature conditions. Your habitat should stay between 70-85°F during the day41. An overhead lamp works better than under-tank heaters and creates a natural heat gradient40. A metal screen lid will help spread heat evenly across the enclosure1.

Desert Plant Options

Live plants will create a more natural desert habitat that enriches your beetles’ environment. You’ll find Haworthia succulents work great in these setups42. Add some cholla cactus skeletons and cork bark pieces so your beetles can climb and hide40. When you keep humidity below 20%, your beetles will keep their beautiful blue color41.

Ghost Mantis

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Ghost Mantis are fascinating small terrarium pets that resemble leaves and have specific habitat requirements. These distinctive creatures will thrive in terrariums when you provide the right living conditions.

Specialized Enclosure Needs

Your mantis’s enclosure dimensions should follow a simple rule: the length and width must be twice the mantis’s length, and the height should be three times its length43. Adult ghost mantis require a minimum container size of 4″L x 4″W x 6″H43. These remarkable pets can live together peacefully when you give them enough space – just double the enclosure size for each extra mantis43.

Plant Selection

The right plants will boost the habitat quality and give your mantis climbing options. You can choose from these suitable plants:

Hoyas and Pothos that provide natural coverage
Peperomia varieties to create varied textures
Small Philodendrons that offer climbing surfaces14

Humidity Requirements

Proper humidity levels are vital for your ghost mantis’s health. The habitat will need 60-90% humidity levels43, which you can maintain through daily misting. Mesh enclosures require more frequent misting than glass or plastic versions9. A 1-2 inch substrate layer helps keep moisture levels stable43. A digital hygrometer will give a reliable way to monitor humidity9.

Fine mesh fabric works best for proper grip because standard metal mesh can harm their tarsi9. You can use simple paper towels or coconut fiber as substrate options, but keep them slightly moist9.

Dwarf Tarantulas

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Dwarf tarantulas make exciting exotic arachnids as small terrarium pets. Female specimens grow to just 1.5-2 inches in length44. These compact creatures are perfect candidates to create specialized micro-habitats.

Terrarium Security

Dwarf tarantulas need proper ventilation through cross-ventilation holes on both sides and top of the enclosure45. The habitat must be escape-proof with special attention to small gaps since these arachnids can squeeze through tight spaces45. A simple spiderling enclosure of 4x4x5 inches is enough for juveniles44.

Substrate Requirements

The substrate mix is crucial for dwarf tarantula’s well-being. A combination of materials creates the best environment:

Coco fiber to retain moisture46
Peat moss to ensure burrowing stability46
Organic topsoil to provide natural texture46

The substrate should be 3-4 inches deep to support natural burrowing behavior44. The bottom layers should stay slightly damp while the top layer remains dry44.

Temperature Control

These remarkable terrarium pets thrive within specific temperature ranges. The habitat should stay at 70-75°F (21-24°C)44. Heat lamps should be avoided as they dry out the substrate47. Room temperature is enough for most dwarf species, so supplemental heating isn’t necessary47. An infrared temperature gun helps monitor temperatures accurately48.

Comparison Table

Species	Size/Length	Minimum Enclosure Size	Temperature Range	Humidity Requirements	Substrate Depth	Feeding Frequency
Mourning Geckos	3.5-4 inches	12x12x18 inches (5-6 adults)	77-82°F day, 72°F night	60-70%	2-3 inches	2 days CGD, 3 days insects
Poison Dart Frogs	Up to 2.5 inches	20-gallon (2-6 frogs)	72-80°F	80-100%	Not mentioned	4-5 times weekly
Praying Mantis	3-4cm	3x body length height	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Every 1-3 days
Tree Frogs	2-5 inches	10-gallon minimum	75-85°F day, 65-75°F night	50-80%	2-3 inches	Not mentioned
Isopods	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Varies with population
Web-footed Geckos	4 inches	10-gallon (up to 3 geckos)	85-92°F day, 15-20°F drop night	Not mentioned	4-6 inches	Every 3 days
Pacman Frogs	Not mentioned	10-gallon	75-85°F day, 65-75°F night	50-80%	3-4 inches	1-2 times weekly
Millipedes	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	70-80%	4-5 inches	Not mentioned
Emperor Scorpions	Not mentioned	10-gallon	75-86°F	Not mentioned	3+ inches	3-4 crickets weekly
Blue Death Feigning Beetles	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	70-85°F	Below 20%	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Ghost Mantis	Not mentioned	4″x4″x6″ minimum	Not mentioned	60-90%	1-2 inches	Not mentioned
Dwarf Tarantulas	1.5-2 inches	4x4x5 inches	70-75°F	Not mentioned	3-4 inches	Not mentioned

Epilogue

Small terrarium pets are a great way to enjoy animals when you have limited space. I’ve researched and worked with these 12 species that fit perfectly in compact setups. Each one has its own unique traits and needs specific care.

A well-laid-out habitat is vital to keeping terrarium pets healthy. Mourning Geckos need tall spaces while Web-footed Geckos do better with deep substrate. Your pets will thrive when you match their environmental needs. The right temperature, humidity levels, and substrate depth all play key roles in creating their ideal home.

My detailed comparison shows how each species adapts to life in a terrarium. Blue Death Feigning Beetles do best in dry conditions with humidity under 20%. On the flip side, Poison Dart Frogs need much higher humidity between 80-100%. This is a big deal as it means that you should do your homework before bringing any terrarium pet home.

There’s another reason these pets are amazing – they don’t need much space. A lot of them are happy in small enclosures if they’re set up right. A Ghost Mantis can live comfortably in a 4″x4″x6″ home. Even if you keep multiple specimens, you rarely need anything bigger than a 20-gallon tank.

Note that the sort of thing I love about terrarium pets is how they combine good research, careful setup, and regular care. Pick one species that fits your skill level and available space. Once you’re skilled at caring for them, you might want to explore more options from this fascinating group of pocket-sized pets.

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FAQs

Q1. What are some suitable small animals for a desktop terrarium? For a small desktop terrarium, insects and arachnids are most appropriate. Good options include praying mantises, isopods, millipedes, and certain species of small spiders. Avoid reptiles or amphibians, as they require larger enclosures to thrive.

Q2. How can I set up a terrarium for isopods? To set up an isopod terrarium, use a substrate mix of coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter. Provide hiding spots with bark pieces and maintain humidity around 70-80%. Feed them a variety of vegetables and decaying plant matter. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold growth.

Q3. What are the care requirements for a praying mantis in a small terrarium? Praying mantises need an enclosure at least 3 times their body length in height. Provide branches for climbing, maintain proper humidity through misting, and ensure good ventilation. Feed them live insects appropriate to their size. Some species may require specific temperature ranges.

Q4. Can I keep multiple species together in a small terrarium? It’s generally not recommended to keep multiple species together in a small terrarium. Different animals have varying care requirements and may prey on each other. Focus on creating an ideal environment for a single species or group of the same species.

Q5. How often should I clean and maintain a small insect terrarium? Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy terrarium. Spot clean daily, removing any uneaten food or waste. Perform a more thorough cleaning every few weeks, replacing substrate as needed. Monitor humidity levels and adjust misting frequency accordingly. Regularly check for signs of mold or pests.