Bugs as Pets

Want to be the coolest home on the block? Get your kid one of these I-bet-no-one-else-has-one-of-these critters. They're cheap and easy to care for. Try a pet store, or you can order the bugs below, as well as others, at insectkits.com.

By Jacqueline Burt Wang; Photos by iStockphoto

Phasmids

Phasmids, or stick and spiny leaf insects, need fresh leaves (usually eucalyptus) every few days and a spray of water every day.

Ants

Instead of containing sand or dirt, Fascination's AntWorks ($20, amazon.com) is filled with a nontoxic blue nutrient gel so that ants need no additional food or water. Catch your own ants, or order them by mail.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

The large, wingless Madagascar hissing cockroach can't bite or hurt you. Keep it in a tank with a heating pad underneath, and feed it fresh veggies, fruits, and dry dog food.

Crickets

Like the sound of crickets? Get an adult male (females don't sing) and keep it in a ventilated aquarium. Crickets will eat each other if not well fed. Try lettuce and oatmeal.

Originally published in the June 2009 issue of Parents magazine.

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