There are some popular species of isopod, and rightly so, but there are a lot of species that somehow don't get the same interest, which is a shame as they're just as interesting and exciting as the more fashionable Rubber Duckys, Panda Kings, and Dairy Cows. Worth looking past the famous five to the species that get overlooked despite being just as rewarding to keep.
1. Armadillidium granulatum Orange
A. granulatum Orange are a firm favourite here. They're one of the most confident species of isopods we've ever kept. Happily hanging out on the top of the leaf litter, or on the cork bark we put in for them to hide under. A great choice for keeping as pets, or in a bioactive set-up with something that's not going to view them as a light snack.
We've noticed they tend to be more active during the day compared to other isopods - unusual for species that are typically more crepuscular. Their vibrant orange body makes them showy when they're out in the open, which is often.
Like other A. granulatum, they're conglobators - rolling into a ball when disturbed. A coastal species of Mediterranean and Atlantic shores, so 18-22°C and 50-80% humidity with a gradient suits them well. Accessible intermediate species.
2. Jumbo Armadillidium gestroi
Jumbo A. gestroi has all the things you love about the standard gestroi - the bright colours, easy to keep, and their love of hanging about in the open - but in a bigger package.
This is great for three reasons:
- They deal with waste that bit quicker, helping to keep things cleaner
- They're easier to see - a real display animal
- The females will have more offspring - bigger broods than standard gestroi
They also have brighter colours, so what's not to love? One of the more rewarding Armadillidium species in the UK hobby once you've got past the standard species.
3. Porcellio hoffmannseggii (Titan Isopods)
Okay, so they're not the Giant Isopods that live in the deep oceans, but compared to other terrestrial species these are a fair size. Titan isopods are something that so many isopod lovers are trying to get their hands on. The hobby quotes them at up to 4cm, but Budde-Lund measured adults at 15 to 20mm of body length in 1885, and no published measurement we have found supports the bigger figure. Browse our Hoffmannseggii Isopods.
They're quite pretty to look at even though they're not the bright colours of others. Dark body with subtle markings, distinctive thin antennae, and elegant skirting around the body edges.
P. hoffmannseggii burrow into the substrate readily and tolerate a range of conditions. Less fussy than premium Cubaris but rewarding to keep due to their size and presence.
Just be aware they can be territorial so keep them in a large enough enclosure - 11 to 15 litres, well ventilated, for a starter group, and 25 litres or more as the colony grows.
4. Cubaris sp. Amber Ducky
You may have heard of Rubber Ducky Isopods, but have you heard of Amber Ducky Isopods? If not then you've missed out. As pretty as Rubber Duckys, with warmer colours, but much braver, meaning you get to see them more. Browse our Amber Ducky Isopods.
These are a little drop of walking amber. The trade reports them from Thailand, and no collecting locality has been published. They prefer tropical environments with high humidity (60-80%) and warmer temperatures (21-28°C).
We feed them a mix of decaying leaves, vegetables, and protein sources to support their health. The usual Cubaris husbandry, but with more visible activity than many of the premium species.
5. Cubaris sp. Amber Firefly
The pattern and colours of these isopods really set them apart. In the right light it almost looks like they're glowing. They're a bit more expensive than many species of isopod, but they're worth the money - and as with all isopods, if you can get them breeding yourself they're more of an investment than a cost. Browse our Amber Firefly Isopods.
Their body features striking white markings against a range of shades from yellow to orange - the combination that creates the "firefly" effect. Our Amber Firefly pages give 22 to 28°C and 60 to 75% humidity, with a diet built on leaf litter.
We have observed that they enjoy soft fruits and protein-rich food. Feeding should be regular and varied - supports both colour expression and breeding success.
Why "Underrated" Matters
The hobby tends to fixate on a handful of famous species - Rubber Ducky, Panda King, Dairy Cow, Powder Orange. These are popular for good reasons but they're not the only options. The five species above offer:
- Visual variety - colour palettes beyond the standards
- Behavioural variety - Amber Ducky and Granulatum Orange are more visible than typical species
- Husbandry experience - covers Mediterranean (A. granulatum, A. gestroi), Iberian (Hoffmannseggii), and tropical Cubaris (Amber morphs)
- Investment potential - selective breeding of premium morphs can be rewarding for serious keepers
- Conversation pieces - most keepers haven't heard of these, making your collection distinctive
Husbandry Overview by Species Group
Quick reference for the five species:
- A. granulatum Orange & Jumbo A. gestroi: Mediterranean species. 18-22°C and 50-80% for A. granulatum, 18-24°C and 50-70% for A. gestroi, each with a humidity gradient and drier zones available. Conglobators, can be kept in standard plastic enclosures with mesh ventilation.
- Porcellio hoffmannseggii: Iberian Peninsula origin. 20-26°C, around 45-60% humidity with gradient. Large enclosure needed due to size and territorial behaviour. Non-conglobator (Porcellio species don't roll up).
- Cubaris Amber Ducky & Amber Firefly: Asian tropical species. 21-28°C and 60-80% humidity for Amber Ducky, 22-28°C and 60-75% for Amber Firefly. Limestone pieces beneficial. Conglobators. Generally smaller enclosures suit them well.
Standard Setup Components
Regardless of which species you choose, the foundation stays consistent:
- Flake soil and organic topsoil base with crushed leaf litter mixed through
- Decaying hardwood pieces for both food and habitat
- Cork bark and lotus pods as hides
- Generous leaf litter on top
- Always-available cuttlebone for calcium
- Cross-flow ventilation
- Species-appropriate humidity and temperature
Avoid sand-based substrates (not standard for isopods) and peat moss (acidic).
The Honest Recommendation
If you've got the basic isopod species established and want to expand your collection, these five species offer genuine value:
- Easier entry point to tropical Cubaris (Amber Ducky, Amber Firefly)
- Standout Mediterranean displays (A. granulatum Orange, Jumbo A. gestroi)
- An imposing showpiece (Hoffmannseggii Titan)
Each is fascinating in its own right and brings something different to a collection. The famous five (Rubber Ducky, Panda King, Dairy Cow, Powder Orange, Zebra) deserve their popularity, but there's so much more to the hobby - and these five are some of the most rewarding overlooked species available in the UK.
Leave a comment