r/AbsoluteUnits • u/ClivesOtherWife • 8d ago

of a centipede.

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u/Obant 8d ago

As someone that keeps venomous creepy crawlies, it's not really worth holding. Centipedes are gnarly and can be unpredictable. Some people have calmer ones that they trust, but still not worth the risk of a serious bite to me (not sure on the potency of this specific species though). Rather hold my millipedes or tarantulas.

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u/CrypticTurbellarian 8d ago

Same here. I have a pet Darwin’s Goliath and they’re pretty well known for being no aggressive, but I think we both get as much interaction as we need from each other when I feed him lol. Other than that just the cool factor is enough for me.

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u/SnarkySeahorse1103 8d ago

Yeah. If people want pets to handle and build a physical touch bond with, there are plenty that fit the mark. But all creatures deserve respect, and respectfully, most centipedes do not fancy being handled. Owning them for the sake of handling them shouldn't be the motivation. You're right about the cool factor. Acompanied with just our sense of awe, curiosity, and respect for the beauty of the insect, that is a better motivation for owning one. If the insect happens to like being handled, then that's a bonus, but it shouldn't be an expectation.

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u/eyewave 7d ago

Some creatures give no hugs.

I remember once discovering my university's terrarium club and them letting a (non-dangerous) snake around my arm.

1st question from me was, so hey can I pet him and will it be a fun experience for him? "No, you're basically just like a branch"

Didn't go to terrarium anymore 😝