Giant Canyon Isopods

Daniel Brown on 07/04/2025

Giant Canyon Isopods: Complete Care Guide for Porcellio dilatatus

When it comes to selecting a reliable clean up crew for bioactive setups, few isopod species match the impressive combination of size, hardiness, and adaptability found in giant canyon isopods. These remarkable critters have earned their reputation as one of the most robust and beginner-friendly options available to terrarium enthusiasts and reptile keepers alike, especially for those who wonder if isopods might overpopulate a terrarium or vivarium.

Porcellio dilatatus, commonly known as the giant canyon isopod or giant canyon woodlouse, represents a large isopod species that has captured the attention of hobbyists worldwide. Originally native to western europe, these drought tolerant creatures have successfully established populations across various climates, demonstrating their exceptional adaptability and resilience.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything needed to successfully care for these fascinating invertebrates, from initial setup requirements to advanced breeding techniques. Whether you’re looking to establish your first isopod colony or enhance an existing bioactive setup, this complete care manual will provide the knowledge and confidence needed to help these remarkable pets thrive in your care.

Key Takeaways

Giant Canyon Isopods (Porcellio dilatatus) are large, hardy crustaceans growing up to 20mm in length
These isopods excel as cleanup crews in bioactive terrariums and vivariums
They thrive in drier environments and tolerate a wide range of temperatures
Deep substrate (3-4 inches) is essential for their natural burrowing behavior
They reproduce rapidly under proper conditions and live 2-3 years
Excellent for both beginner and experienced isopod keepers

What Are Giant Canyon Isopods?

Porcellio dilatatus is a terrestrial crustacean species native to Western Europe that has become increasingly popular in the bioactive terrarium hobby since the early 2000s. These remarkable creatures belong to the family Porcellionidae and have earned their common name through their impressive size and natural preference for rocky, canyon-like environments.

What sets giant canyon isopods apart from other isopod species is their exceptional adaptability. Originally commonly found in the arid canyons and rocky crevices of europe, they have successfully established populations in north america, demonstrating remarkable ecological flexibility. This adaptability translates directly into their care requirements, making them one of the most forgiving and hardy species available to hobbyists.

The species has gained recognition not just for its size, but for its practical utility in bioactive environments. Unlike some more delicate isopods that require precise environmental conditions, porcellio dilatatus giant canyon isopods tolerate a wide range of parameters while maintaining their effectiveness as decomposers and substrate aerators.

Physical Characteristics and Appearance

Giant canyon isopods reach an impressive maximum size of 2cm (20mm) in length when fully mature, placing them among the larger terrestrial isopods available in the pet trade. Their robust, flattened body consists of 11 distinct segments, each adorned with bristling setae that aid in both movement and sensory perception.

The coloration of these woodlice typically ranges from muted brown to bluish-gray, often featuring darker mottled patterns or subtle stripes that provide natural camouflage. Their legs and antennae display lighter coloration compared to the main body, while the ventral surface presents a characteristic creamy tan appearance.

One notable feature distinguishing giant canyon isopods from other large isopod species like Trachelipus rathkii is their stockier build and the presence of retractable lobes on the first three body segments. These specialized structures enhance their mobility and climbing ability, particularly useful in their natural habitat of rocky terrain and canyons.

The overall appearance conveys both durability and functionality, with their armored exoskeleton providing protection while maintaining the flexibility needed for their active burrowing lifestyle. Adults display sexual dimorphism, with mature females often appearing slightly larger and more rounded when carrying eggs in their marsupium.

Natural Habitat and Behavior

In their natural habitat, porcellio dilatatus isopods inhabit xeric and arid environments, particularly thriving in the rocky crevices and canyon environments that give them their common name. These microhabitats provide essential moisture retention and temperature regulation, critical factors for creatures that rely on environmental humidity to prevent desiccation.

The species exhibits strong burrowing behavior, spending the majority of their time concealed beneath substrate or within protective crevices. This preference for underground living reflects their adaptation to drought conditions, where surface exposure would quickly lead to dehydration. Their natural habitat preferences directly inform their captive care requirements, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate substrate depth for proper burrowing.

Giant canyon isopods display distinctly nocturnal behavior patterns, becoming active during nighttime hours when humidity levels naturally increase and temperatures moderate. During daylight hours, they remain hidden in their burrows or beneath cover objects, emerging only when environmental conditions favor their activity.

Their temperament is notably docile and non-aggressive toward humans and other animals. When disturbed, they exhibit typical defensive behaviors including rapid burrowing or seeking the nearest available cover. They demonstrate sensitivity to bright lights and sudden movements, quickly retreating when sensing potential threats near their enclosure.

Terrarium Setup and Enclosure Requirements

Creating an appropriate habitat for giant canyon isopods begins with selecting an enclosure that provides ample space for colony development and natural behaviors. A minimum 5-10 gallon tank serves small colonies adequately, though larger containers support more robust population growth and stability.

Excellent ventilation ranks as the most critical aspect of enclosure design. Whether using traditional glass terrariums or cube-shaped plastic containers, multiple ventilation holes positioned near the top and covered with fine mesh prevent escapes while ensuring proper air circulation. This ventilation prevents the stagnant air conditions that commonly lead to mold growth and bacterial issues.

Temperature management remains straightforward, with standard room temperatures between 72-75°F proving ideal for year-round care. Unlike tropical species requiring heating equipment, giant canyon isopods thrive at typical household temperatures, making them particularly accessible for beginners.

The enclosure should incorporate multiple hiding spots using natural materials like cork bark or pieces of decaying softwood. These hiding places reduce stress and provide the security these naturally secretive creatures require. Arranging these elements to create varied microclimates throughout the habitat enhances both behavioral expression and colony health.

Substrate and Habitat Setup

Proper substrate preparation forms the foundation of successful giant canyon isopod care, requiring a deep layer of 3-4 inches minimum to accommodate their extensive burrowing behavior. The substrate blend should prioritize both drainage and moisture retention while providing nutritional value for these voracious appetite creatures.

An effective substrate mixture combines several key components:

Component	Purpose	Ratio
Sphagnum moss	Moisture retention, burrowing texture	30%
Orchid bark	Aeration, drainage	25%
Coco coir	Structure, moisture control	25%
Earthworm castings	Nutrition supplementation	20%

The surface layer requires a thick covering of leaf litter, with alder leaves proving particularly favored by the species. This leaf litter serves multiple functions, providing both food sources and additional hiding opportunities while maintaining the natural environment these isopods would encounter in their habitat.

Creating a moisture gradient within the substrate proves essential for colony health. One corner should remain consistently damp through strategic placement of moist sphagnum moss, while the remainder of the substrate maintains relatively dry conditions. This gradient allows individuals to regulate their moisture exposure according to their physiological needs.

Substrate pH should trend slightly basic, with a dKH range around 8-12 supporting optimal health and reproduction. Regular monitoring and occasional lime additions help maintain these parameters within the preferred range.

Humidity and Temperature Management

Giant canyon isopods demonstrate remarkable tolerance for varying humidity levels, thriving in conditions from arid to moderately moist provided they maintain access to a consistently damp retreat area. This flexibility makes them significantly easier to manage than many tropical isopod species that require uniformly high humidity levels.

Standard room temperatures between 68-75°F provide ideal conditions for these hardy species throughout the year. Unlike more sensitive species requiring precise temperature control, giant canyon isopods tolerate moderate temperature fluctuations without adverse effects on their health or reproduction.

The key to successful humidity management lies in creating environmental gradients rather than uniform conditions. Light, irregular misting focused on establishing a damp corner serves the colony’s needs without creating the oversaturated conditions that promote mold growth. The majority of the enclosure should remain relatively dry, mimicking the arid conditions these drought tolerant creatures naturally prefer.

Adequate ventilation cannot be overstated in its importance for both humidity control and overall colony health. Proper air exchange prevents the stagnant conditions that lead to bacterial and fungal problems while maintaining the environmental stability these isopods require for long-term success.

Feeding and Nutrition

Giant canyon isopods possess a voracious appetite that reflects their role as efficient decomposers in both natural and captive environments. As primary detritivores, they consume decaying plant matter and leaf litter with remarkable efficiency, breaking down organic waste into valuable nutrients that benefit the entire terrarium ecosystem.

Their substantial food requirements mean successful colonies need regular feeding to maintain healthy populations and support reproduction. While leaf litter forms their staple diet, supplementation with additional food sources ensures optimal nutrition and colony vigor.

Effective supplemental foods include:

Small portions of vegetables (carrots, potatoes, squash) offered in quantities consumed within 24-48 hours
Protein sources like freeze-dried fish or commercial fish food
Specialized isopod superfood blends designed for culturing isopods
Calcium sources including crushed eggshells or cuttlebone

The species readily accepts most organic matter, though they’re not particularly picky eaters. However, care must be taken to avoid overfeeding fresh foods that decompose quickly and create mold issues. Any uneaten fresh food should be removed promptly to maintain a healthy environment.

Calcium supplementation proves particularly important for proper exoskeleton development and successful molting. Regular provision of calcium sources supports the colony’s overall health and enables the rapid growth rates these prolific breeders can achieve under optimal conditions.

Breeding and Reproduction

Giant canyon isopods breed rapidly when provided adequate space, consistent food sources, and appropriate environmental conditions. This prolific reproduction makes them excellent candidates for establishing sustainable colonies and provides a renewable great food source for reptiles and amphibians.

Females carry developing eggs in a specialized brood pouch called a marsupium for several weeks before releasing fully-formed juveniles. Higher humidity levels during breeding periods significantly improve reproductive success, though care must be taken to avoid oversaturating the entire enclosure.

The complete lifecycle from egg through the juvenile manca stage to adult requires approximately 3-4 months under optimal conditions. Males engage in courtship behaviors including antenna rubbing and positioning displays when approaching receptive females.

For successful breeding programs, maintain groups of at least 5-10 individuals to ensure genetic diversity and colony stability. Separate breeding cultures should be established before introducing isopods to display vivarium environments, allowing population establishment without competition from other organisms.

Regular monitoring of population levels prevents overcrowding that can lead to resource depletion and increased competition. Successful colonies can produce hundreds of offspring annually, making population management an important consideration for long-term success.

Bioactive Terrarium Benefits

Giant canyon isopods excel as cleanup crews in bioactive terrarium and vivarium applications, where their natural behaviors provide essential ecosystem services. Their constant activity breaking down decaying organic matter, leaf litter, and waste products creates a self-sustaining cycle that maintains substrate health and prevents the accumulation of harmful decomposition byproducts.

Their extensive burrowing activity provides natural substrate aeration, preventing compaction and creating channels for air and water movement throughout the soil layers. This mechanical action maintains soil structure and promotes healthy root development for live plants within bioactive setups.

Unlike surface-dwelling cleanup crew species, giant canyon isopods work primarily within the substrate layers, making them less visible but highly effective at processing buried organic matter. This deep substrate activity complements other cleanup crew organisms like springtails that work primarily at surface levels.

The species adapts well to both tropical and arid bioactive environments, making them versatile choices for diverse terrarium types. Their tolerance for varying humidity levels and temperatures allows them to function effectively across a wide range of bioactive setup styles.

For reptiles and amphibians housed in bioactive enclosures, these isopods serve as both cleanup crew and occasional food source. Their size makes them suitable prey for medium to large lizards, while their burrowing behavior means they’re not constantly visible to stress more nervous animal species.

Compatible Tankmates

Springtails represent the ideal companion species for giant canyon isopods, with both organisms contributing complementary cleanup services without competing for the same ecological niches. While isopods focus on larger organic matter and substrate processing, springtails handle smaller particles and surface debris.

Small millipedes can coexist peacefully with giant canyon isopods, providing additional assistance with controlling algae growth and processing leftover food particles. Both species occupy similar microhabitats without significant territorial conflicts.

Non-aggressive snail species make suitable additions to isopod colonies, contributing to algae control and adding diversity to the cleanup crew ecosystem. However, care should be taken to select species with similar environmental requirements to avoid parameter conflicts.

Giant canyon isopods should not be housed with large predatory invertebrates or aggressive insects that might view them as prey items. Their docile nature and relatively slow movement make them vulnerable to more aggressive tankmates.

Most reptiles and amphibians tolerate giant canyon isopods well as part of their cleanup crew, though some may occasionally hunt them as food items. This natural predation typically doesn’t significantly impact established colonies and can be beneficial for providing environmental enrichment.

Common Care Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Oversaturating substrate ranks among the most frequent and problematic mistakes in giant canyon isopod care. Excessive moisture creates ideal conditions for mold growth and bacterial outbreaks that can devastate entire colonies. Maintaining proper moisture gradients rather than uniformly damp conditions prevents these issues.

Overcrowding represents another common challenge, particularly as successful colonies expand rapidly under favorable conditions. Insufficient space leads to increased waste production, resource competition, and stress-related health problems. Regular monitoring and colony division prevent overcrowding issues.

Overfeeding fresh foods that decompose quickly commonly leads to mold problems and substrate fouling. Offering small quantities of fresh food that disappear within 24-48 hours prevents decomposition issues while ensuring adequate nutrition.

Inadequate ventilation creates stagnant air conditions that promote fungal growth and reduce colony health. Proper air exchange through well-positioned ventilation holes maintains the environmental quality these isopods require for long-term success.

Insufficient hiding places increases stress levels and reduces natural behavioral expression. Providing multiple cork bark pieces, wood chunks, or other cover objects throughout the enclosure creates the security these naturally secretive creatures need to thrive.

Where to Purchase Giant Canyon Isopods

Reputable online vendors represent the most reliable source for healthy giant canyon isopods, with specialized retailers like Rubber Ducky Isopods offering quality breeding stock and live arrival guarantee policies. These vendors typically provide detailed care information and ongoing support for new keepers.

Local pet stores occasionally stock giant canyon isopods, though availability varies significantly by region and season. Reptile expos and specialized invertebrate shows often feature multiple vendors offering various isopod species including porcellio dilatatus.

When selecting a vendor, prioritize those offering transparent health and shipping practices along with live arrival guarantees. Quality vendors provide clear photographs of their stock and detailed care instructions for successful acclimation.

Typical starter culture pricing ranges from $10-20 for groups of 10 individuals, though larger starter colonies generally provide better establishment success rates. The initial investment proves worthwhile given the species’ rapid reproduction and long-term utility.

Consider purchasing from vendors who maintain detailed breeding records and can provide information about the genetic background of their stock. This information becomes valuable for maintaining healthy colonies and avoiding inbreeding issues in closed populations.

FAQ

How big do Giant Canyon Isopods get?
Giant canyon isopods reach up to 2cm (20mm) in length when fully mature, making them among the larger terrestrial isopods available to hobbyists.

How long do they live?
Under proper care conditions, giant canyon isopods typically live 2-3 years, with some individuals potentially reaching slightly longer lifespans in optimal environments.

Are they good for beginners?
Yes, they rank among the hardiest and most forgiving isopod species available, making them excellent choices for first-time isopod keepers and those new to bioactive setups.

Do they need high humidity?
No, giant canyon isopods prefer drier conditions compared to many tropical species, requiring only access to a moist retreat area rather than uniformly high humidity.

How fast do they reproduce?
They breed rapidly under proper conditions with adequate space and food resources, producing multiple generations annually in well-maintained colonies.

Can they escape from terrariums?
Proper ventilation covers with appropriate mesh sizes prevent escapes while maintaining necessary airflow for colony health.

What temperature do they need?
Room temperatures between 68-75°F prove ideal for year-round care, making them suitable for most household environments without additional heating.

Do they bite or sting?
No, giant canyon isopods pose no danger to humans despite their armored appearance. They cannot bite, sting, or cause any harm through direct contact.

What do they eat?
As detritivores, they primarily consume decaying plant matter, leaf litter, and organic waste, though they benefit from supplemental vegetables, protein sources, and calcium additions.

Can they live with reptiles?
Yes, they function excellently as cleanup crews in reptile enclosures and can serve as occasional food sources for larger lizards and amphibians without causing stress or health issues.

Giant canyon isopods represent an exceptional combination of hardiness, utility, and ease of care that makes them ideal for both beginners seeking their first cleanup crew and experienced keepers looking to enhance their bioactive environments. For those interested in rarer species, Giant Cannonball Isopods offer a unique choice for terrarium enthusiasts. Their drought tolerant nature, impressive size, and prolific reproduction ensure these remarkable critters will continue serving as valuable allies in creating thriving, self-sustaining terrarium ecosystems for years to come.

Whether you’re establishing your first isopod colony or expanding an existing bioactive setup, investing in quality giant canyon isopods from reputable sources provides the foundation for long-term success. With proper care and regular monitoring of their well being, these fascinating creatures will reward your efforts with efficient waste processing, natural substrate maintenance, and the satisfaction of observing one of nature’s most effective decomposers in action.

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Trachelipus Trilobatus are medium-sized species that are native to Russia. Predominantly found near the Black Sea, these flat isopods have a hard exoskeleton. They have a greyish pattern and orange-tinged ring at the base of their exoskeleton. The beginner series isopod can make precious pets even for experienced isopod collectors. The Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods are also found on the coast of Turkey and Georgia in abundance. These Romanian isopods resemble the Porcellio Spatulatus Coros species a lot. These beautiful isopods thrive in mediumly humid environments. A Glimpse Origin: Russia, Eastern Europe (Romania) Scientific Name: Trachelipus Trilobatus Difficulty: Easy Rarity: High Temperature: 18 to 26℃ Size: 2 cm to 4 cm Humidity: Medium Favourable Foods: Cuttlebone, eggshells, decaying leaves An Overview Trachelipus Trilobatus make beloved and interesting pets because they are rare to find. These Trachelipus isopods are Russian and Romanian species characterized by their greyish pattern and orange-tinged ring at the base of their exoskeleton. These Eastern European natives have a somewhat flat appearance. These elegant Trachelipus isopods resemble the Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods. These easy-to-keep and easy-to-breed isopods are medium-sized species that can grow from 2cm to 4cm in size. Being a mediumly humid environment thrivers, the Trilobatus Isopods need a terrarium setup with medium to high levels of humidity. As the original climate of the Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods is subtropical, they can grow in warm weathered and hard wintery setups conveniently. These iso odsmake ideal pets because of their fast breeding capabilities and a high tolerance for colder environments. Feeding the Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods is not difficult either. These isopods do not have any kind of fixed diet. The Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods can be fed decayed wood, cuttlefish bone, and limestone. Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods are fast breeders. They can produce large numbers under suitable environmental conditions. These stunning isopods have excellent breeding capabilities. Basic Care For Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods. You can use an enclosure setup with a medium level of humidity to house the Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods. It is essential to ensure the Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods get sufficient calcium supply through supplements like cuttlefish bone. Don’t keep the enclosure in direct light. Make use of a substrate mix with vegetable peels and wood pieces to meet the needs of the Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods. Feeding Trachelipus Trilobatus are a relatively easy species when it comes to feeding. The Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods can feed on staple diets like decaying wood and leaf litter. They are not fond of a certain type of food. These Isopods consume dried vegetables and vegetable peels as found in the natural environment. Appearance And Behaviour Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods thrive in medium to high humidity conditions. They can be a suitable choice for beginners because they are easy to keep and even easier to breed isopods. Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods are medium-sized isopods with a flat appearance. These greyish-orange coloured isopods resemble the Porcellio Spatulatus Coros in appearance. You can make an ample amount of hiding spots because they are highly preferred by the Trachelipus Trilobatus. Trachelipus Triobatus Isopods Habitat The Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods is a species recognized for its fast breeding capabilities. The Trachelipus Trilobatus can live beside other species and animals in an enclosure. They are not scavengers and can keep a vivarium setup clean. Substrate Mix These isopodswill need a substrate mix with wood pieces, leaf litter, vegetable peels, and more. Isopod collectors can add natural supplements of wood and leaves within the setup. Oyster shells are essential supplements for their growth. Add only pesticide free supplements inside the enclosure because they can pose a huge risk for the Trachelipus Trilobatus Isopods.

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The Pink Panda King Isopods are an eye-catching species, known for their vibrant pink and white coloration. A rare and unique addition to any collection, these isopods are popular among hobbyists for their distinctive appearance and relatively easy care requirements. Ideal for bioactive enclosures, they thrive in humid environments and play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter. Their captivating look and low maintenance make them a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced isopod enthusiasts. Insight Place of Origin: Vietnam Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Panda King' Maintenance Effort: Medium Ideal Temperature Range: 70℉ - 80℉ General Size: ~ 1 cm Rareness: Low to Medium Humidity Range: 70% - 80% Preferred Diet: Fruit, vegetables, fish food Supplements in Addition: Cuttlebone, eggshells Panda King Isopods: Introduction These isopods are generally observed in limestone caves and belong to central and northern parts of Vietnam. 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The consumption of calcium for these isopods is a bit higher than other isopod species. Feeding These isopods feed on almost all types of food. They are essentially scavengers and feed on organic waste. However, during confinement in a cage, it is imperative to offer optimal nutrition. They can be supplemented with vegetables, greens, rotten leaves, or even wood. For calcium and protein, dried shrimp, fish food, cuttlebone, and egg shells are great for these species growth and development. Calcium powder is also good to give as a substitute. Most isopod owners make the mistake of overfeeding the isopods. Overfeeding attracts pests into their enclosure. Therefore, it is important to feed the necessary quantity of food. Natural Habitat Panda King isopods live in limestone caves and taverns. These species are commonly found in the central and northern parts of Thailand. In this region, caves are abundant. The caves are dark and humid; therefore, they are suitable for the isopods. Panda King isopods are scavengers. They are also found among rotting leaves, fruits and vegetables. These species like to live in dark areas. They are shy in nature and like to burrow and hide. It is necessary to understand their natural habitat to build an artificial habitat for these isopods. Panda King Isopods: Breeding Panda King isopods are active species ready to reproduce unless acclimated to their surroundings. Once they adapt to their surroundings, they start producing many offspring. These isopods have a distinct mating ritual where the male isopods transfer sperm into the female's pleopods. The offspring hatch after six weeks after the eggs are attached to a firm surface. These offspring stay close to their mother, thus forming a small colony. Artificial Habitat of Panda King Isopods Panda King isopods thrive in humid environments. They are native to the tropical climates of Asia and need moisture to stay hydrated. 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Murina Glacier Isopods, also known as Cubaris murina, are considered an excellent entry-level species within the Cubaris genus. Though they lack the vibrant colors or distinctive markings of other species, they are highly valued for their efficiency as bioactive custodians. These isopods are particularly well-suited for terrariums and vivariums, helping maintain a clean and balanced environment. Their adaptability and ease of care make them a popular choice for those new to the hobby. Cubaris Murina Glacier: Synopsis Place of Origin: Indo-Pacific region, North America Scientific Name: Cubaris murina Lifespan: 1-4 years Difficulty level: Medium Temperature Range: 62℉-83℉ Size: 1 cm Rareness: Medium Humidity Range: 70% -80% Preferred Diet: fungi, bacteria, algae and other detritus Supplements in Addition: Cuttlebone, bat guano, calcium powder Cubaris Murina: Abstract Murina Glacier Isopods are highly adaptable to a variety of environments. 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Murina Glacier Isopods: Morphs These species, which have either been cultured or found in the wild, are found in different patterns and colors. Papaya: They are dull pink and are believed to be an albino version. These isopods are popular among enthusiasts. Glacier: It is an almost completely white variety. They have white eyes, legs, and antennae. Anemone: This isopod is a variety of speckled patterns of orange and grey. Florida Orange: The orange variety of the isopod discovered in the wild in Florida, hence the name. Murina Glacier Isopods: Food Even Though the isopods are very small in size, their appetite is not very small. Feeding is essential to continue their life cycle. There are better methods than feeding them with random decaying material. The food supplied should be the perfect blend of various materials, ensuring that the isopods get all the required nutrients. The decaying organic matter should be placed in the corner of the container, forming the basis for their feeding. In addition to the organic matter, litters of leaf and decaying wood will help them maintain a healthy condition. Other than the naturally available materials, special supplements are designed to provide the perfect mix of required nutrients for the isopod. Supplying them with these designed foods can help them make healthy offspring. Cubaris Murina Glacier: Breeding The two main components for them to breed in abundance are the perfect food with the right amount of nutrients and a comfortable environment. Both can be achieved by using naturally available materials and man-made settings. Reproducing healthy offspring relates to the size and the regular structure. A study was conducted in 2009 on these species, and it was discovered that they can produce decent-sized broods quickly. This makes them a reliable species for different kinds of terrariums. These species can proliferate in a culture where there is low density compared to a high-density culture. Cubaris Murina: Natural Environment The environment provided by Mother Nature to the isopods is humid in nature. To adjust to the temperature and humidity, they have the ability to burrow themselves inside their living area, which helps them maintain their preferred living conditions. Due to this ability, they are seen in many parts of the world where there is a perfect blend of moist and humid environments. These isopods come out of their burrow whenever they feel the environmental conditions are safe for them. With a large appetite, they will hunt for their food any time of the day. Cubaris Murina Glacier Isopods: Artificial Enclosure Setting It is always difficult to set up an artificially made environment that is 100% comfortable for the isopods. But with the advancements in technology, an environment that can mimic the natural environment can be set up, which can ensure a near-to-comfortable climate for the isopods. These artificial settings are achieved by using humidity controllers and temperature regulators. Based on the sensor feedback, the system adjusts the conditions itself, providing the isopods with a misty environment, almost matching their natural environment. Proper care of the system has to be ensured as a wrong sensor feedback may create a difference in temperature or humidity, resulting in an uncomfortable environment. This will affect the lifespan as well as the ability to reproduce. For an artificial setting, start with a shoebox-size plastic container. They do not reproduce in a short period of time. Therefore, the same box can be used for a longer period of time. It is to be ensured that sufficient ventilation is provided in the artificially designed environment. 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Monitor the enclosure and make sure that the humidity and temperature are maintained. Provide supplements to meet their overall nutritional needs. Also, while placing the enclosure, keeping them in a dark place away from sunlight is essential.

PostPods Isopod Mystery Box from £25.00

Isopods are tiny animals that do not have backbones. There are over 10,000 species of isopods present worldwide. Isopods are generally small creatures. Their size varies between a couple of micrometers up to a half meter (we don't sell those ones unfortunately) Isopods have a wide distribution geographically. Isopods are present in almost all terrains of the world. It is possible to find isopods in distinctive places like oceans, mountains, deserts, etc. Isopods have recently gained popularity as low-maintenance pets. They are great as beginner-friendly pets. Their ability to adapt to even the harshest conditions and relatively smaller size make them excellent pets. In addition to being sold alone, they are also available in mystery boxes. Many isopod sellers/breeders offer isopod mystery boxes for customers to purchase. While purchasing a mystery box, the customer is unaware of the isopods that will be inside the box. This creates a high anticipation and excitement in the buyers. A General Overview Scientific Name: Isopoda Class: Malacostraca Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Isopod Mystery Box The Isopod mystery box is a very popular product for hobbyists for a variety of reasons. An isopod mystery box is a random collection of various isopods. The content and the isopod species in a mystery box will be unknown to the buyer until they receive it. At PostPods, the isopod mystery boxes we offer contain extra isopods worth upto 50% more than the original mystery box purchaseprice. These mystery boxes enable the buyer to receive a surprise element and the added value for the money paid. Although the selection of isopods for the mystery box is random, we list all the isopods we have available on our website. So, you will only recieve isopods from our listed items online. Why A Mystery Box? Brands and businesses worldwide have been developing a particular interest in the concept of mystery boxes. The idea of sending random products from a business’s collection sounds very interesting. It also creates a significant sense of curiosity and novelty for the buyers. The pleasant surprise that the buyers feel when opening the mystery box is sure to cause significant dopamine release. The pleasure felt will be even more remarkable when the surprise is regarding live creatures or animals. Through mystery boxes of isopods, PostPods attempts to do the same. The team expects to make it a pleasant surprise for the buyers on which isopod they receive. Types of Isopods in the Isopod Mystery Box As mentioned before, an isopod mystery box from PostPods contains some of the most popular types of isopods. They are explained in detail below (but not restricted to these types). Cubaris Cubaris is a very popular genus of creatures that contains over 100 species. Cubaris isopods are incredibly popular as pets as they require pretty low maintenance. When compared to other isopods, the Cubaris isopods have a relatively longer lifespan. Their reproduction rates are pretty low. Cubaris isopods are very easy to take care of. These isopods are in high demand and are a bit expensive, so they are a valuable addition to any mystery box. The incredibly popular pet isopod called Rubber Ducky comes under the Cubaris genus. Some of the other famous members of the Cubaris genus are as follows. Porcellio Porcellio isopods are a possible addition to the isopod mystery boxes. Porcellio genus isopods are in great demand in the pet isopod world. Isopods of the Porcellio genus are found around the globe. Many isopods in the genus can withstand almost all kinds of harsh conditions. As of now, about 200 species have been reported to be a part of the Porcellio genus. A good number of these species are suitable to rear as pets. The very popular pet isopod called Dairy Cow is a member of the Porcellio genus. The isopods in the Porcellio genus generate great curiosity among buyers for their unique defence mechanism of running in a maze-like pattern. Their polymorphic trait is also unique. Armadillidium Armadillidium is a highly sold pet isopod genus. The isopod members of this genus are all in wide demand worldwide. The characteristic feature of the Armadillidium genus isopods is their ability to roll into a ball as part of the defence. Armadillidium isopods are one of the most commonly available isopods. They are also sold in bulk numbers due to the ease of caring for them. There are about 189 species present in the Armadillidium genus.

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