In my last blog I explored how I made mistakes that led to trouble in my colonies, offering a beginner’s perspective on isopods, so with a beginner’s perspective here is my guide to successful isopod keeping..
Keeping isopods has grown in popularity among hobbyists due to their fascinating behaviours, ease of care, and the vital role they play in decomposing organic matter in the ecosystem. Isopods are also commonly known as 'pill bugs' and are small crustaceans found in various habitats. As detritivores, isopods help to break down waste, making them a wonderful addition to any terrarium or bioactive setup. For me personally I keep my isopod colonies as pets which is just as fulfilling as any other way of keeping them. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know as a beginner isopod keeper, from setting up their habitat to understanding their behaviour and needs. The vast majority of pet isopods belong to the terrestrial suborder Oniscidea, and popular species include those commonly kept by hobbyists.
I asked members of my community for their go to pro tip, that they’d tell any beginners starting out, here’s my favourites:
“Stock up on tonnes of leaf litter”
“Get the substrate right and rest is easy”
“Get one species and then cancel the internet”
“Make room for more tubs. Once you have some you’re bound to want more”
“Keep it simple”
“Don’t over think it, they are really not that hard to care for… Avoid bright light, don’t get them wet and never feed them after midnight!”
The main consensus is, keep it simple and be prepared to get addicted to these cute little crustaceans. Beginners can find isopods in nature, such as under rocks or logs, or look for isopods for sale from reputable sources, including online retailers and local stores.
Choosing Your Isopod Species
Before diving into isopod keeping, it’s crucial to select a suitable species. With over 5,000 species of isopods worldwide, some are more beginner-friendly than others. Popular choices for new keepers include:
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Porcellio laevis: Known for their hardiness and adaptability, they come in various colours, including white, grey, and brown. They thrive in diverse conditions, making them perfect for beginners.
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Armadillidiidae: These are recognizable for their ability to roll into a ball when threatened. They are also easy to care for and readily breed in the right conditions.
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Cubaris sp.: While more exotic, species like Cubaris murina are popular due to their vibrant colours and unique appearances. They require slightly more specific care but can be rewarding as part of your collection. Dwarf white isopods (Trichorhina tomentosa) are another excellent choice for beginners, as their small size and rapid reproduction make them ideal for small enclosures and vivarium cleanup roles.
Armadillidium vulgare is a resilient and popular species among hobbyists, easily recognized by its ability to roll into a tight ball and its smooth, oval-shaped body. This species thrives in a variety of habitats and is valued for its hardiness, making it a great addition to terrariums as part of the clean-up crew.
Giant canyon isopods are a much larger species, known for their substantial size and ravenous appetite. They are best suited for larger enclosures, as they can handle more food and may become cannibalistic if underfed.
The rough woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) is a widespread and hardy species within the Porcellio genus, well-suited for vivariums due to its adaptability and effectiveness as a detritivore.
When choosing isopods, it’s important to understand the needs of different isopod species. Resources that focus on how to choose the right isopod species can help you match their habitat, diet, and breeding requirements to your experience level and space. Larger species, such as Porcellio scaber or Armadillidium maculatum, may require more space and produce more waste, making them better suited for bigger setups..
Some keepers experiment with keeping other species together, but compatibility and care needs should always be researched. Detailed advice on whether you can keep different isopods together will help you understand the risks of cohabitation. When researching, also consider the compatibility of isopods with other species in mixed enclosures to ensure a harmonious environment..
Before deciding, research the specific care requirements for each species to ensure you can meet their needs.
Setting Up the Habitat
A proper habitat setup is critical for the health and wellbeing of your isopods. Here’s how to create the ideal home:
Container Choice:
Choose a plastic or glass container with a secure lid to prevent escapes. Mesh lids are recommended to allow for airflow. Additionally, adding ventilation holes on multiple sides of the container is important to improve airflow and prevent CO2 buildup.
Substrate:
A mix of organic soil, leaf litter, and decaying wood provides the best environment for isopods to burrow and thrive. When selecting substrate components, ensure they are free from harmful chemicals and other harmful chemicals, as these can cause health issues for your isopods and disrupt the microfauna. The only concern with substrate is ensuring it is free from mold and chemical buildup to maintain a healthy environment.
Container Choice
There are many different options out there, from glass or plastic terrariums to Really Useful Boxes (RUBs) and other such plastic tubs that provide ample space for your isopods to explore. If you’re just starting out, a beginner’s guide to isopods as pets can help you choose an enclosure that matches your goals and experience. Ensure the container has a secure lid and adequate ventilation. You can also use mesh lids to allow for airflow while preventing escapes..
Substrate and Leaf Litter
The substrate plays an integral role in your isopod habitat. A mixture of organic potting soil, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter works well:
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Organic Potting Soil: Provides essential nutrients and holds moisture.
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Sphagnum Moss: Aids in maintaining humidity and provides an excellent surface for beneficial bacteria to thrive.
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Leaf Litter: Provides hiding spots and food source as it breaks down. Use leaves from safe trees like oak, maple, or beech.
Aim for a substrate depth of 3-4 inches to allow for burrowing behaviours. You can also add clean rocks or pieces of bark to create additional hiding places.
Maintain the Habitat
Maintaining a clean and stable habitat for your isopods is essential for their health and well-being. Here’s how to effectively manage their environment:
Moisture Regulation:
Isopods require a humid environment to thrive. Regular misting and the use of materials like sphagnum moss help maintain humidity. It is important to maintain moisture levels—keep the environment moist but not waterlogged. Excessive moisture can lead to mold growth and health issues for your isopods, so always avoid waterlogged conditions.
Cleaning and Waste Management:
Remove uneaten food and waste regularly to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. Conduct routine inspections of the enclosure, and monitor for mold growth, taking steps to prevent it by ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding excessive moisture.
Moisture Regulation
Keeping the substrate moist is vital for isopod survival. However, too much moisture can lead to mould growth and unwanted bacteria, so follow these guidelines and, if needed, consult a dedicated humidity guide for isopods to fine-tune your setup::
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Misting: Mist the enclosure lightly every few days, depending on the humidity levels in your area. Use a spray bottle to apply water, ensuring an even distribution without flooding the substrate.
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Humidity Monitoring: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Isopods thrive at around 70-80% humidity. If the levels drop, adjust your misting routine accordingly.
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Drainage: Add a drainage layer at the bottom of the enclosure using materials like gravel or coconut coir. This prevents excess water from pooling at the base and maintains appropriate moisture levels in the substrate above.
Cleaning and Waste Management
A clean environment is crucial to prevent disease and maintain a balanced ecosystem inside the enclosure. Follow these steps:
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Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect the habitat for any signs of mould or waste buildup. Isopods naturally produce waste, and while this is part of the ecosystem, excessive waste can lead to problems.
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Removing Leftover Food: Uneaten food should be removed within two days to prevent mould growth. This proactive approach helps maintain hygiene in the habitat.
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Substrate Replacement: Over time, the substrate will become degraded. Consider replacing it partially every 3-6 months or remove and replace it entirely as needed. Prioritize using a mix of old and new substrate to preserve beneficial microorganisms.
Understanding Isopod Behavior
Isopods are truly fascinating creatures, and observing their unique behaviors is one of the joys of keeping isopods as pets. Whether you’re watching a bustling isopod colony in a bioactive enclosure or studying a single species in a dedicated isopod habitat, understanding their natural instincts can help you provide the best possible care.
Most isopod species are primarily nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. However, if you maintain high humidity and provide plenty of hiding spots, you’ll often see your pet isopods exploring during the day as well. In the wild, terrestrial isopods inhabit various habitats—ranging from forests rich in leaf litter and rotting wood to gardens and even household nooks—where they primarily feed on decaying organic matter. This natural diet is key to their role as detritivores, helping to recycle nutrients and support soil health.
One of the most interesting aspects of isopod behavior is their social nature. Many isopods thrive in groups, forming tight-knit colonies that communicate through subtle chemical signals and body language. You’ll often notice isopods clustering together under cork bark or within layers of peat moss and coconut husk. This aggregation isn’t just for company—it helps them conserve moisture and maintain the high humidity levels they need to survive. Isopods are positively thigmotactic, meaning they prefer to stay in close contact with surfaces, which is why they love to squeeze into crevices and burrow into a suitable substrate like eco earth or coconut coir.
Understanding these behaviors is essential for creating a suitable habitat. Providing a deep, moisture-retentive substrate, such as a blend of peat moss, coconut husk, and leaf litter, allows isopods to burrow and feel secure. Maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels—ideally between 20-25°C and 70-80% humidity—will encourage natural behaviors and support a thriving isopod colony. A balanced diet that mimics their natural intake, including decaying organic matter, fresh fruits, and vegetables, is also crucial for their health.
Breeding isopods can be especially rewarding for invertebrate enthusiasts. Different species have unique breeding habits, but most isopods reproduce by direct development: females carry eggs in a marsupium pouch until they hatch into tiny, fully formed mancae. With the right conditions—consistent moisture, a suitable substrate, and a steady supply of organic matter—breeding isopods becomes a natural part of keeping isopods, and you’ll soon see your colony grow.
Beyond their captivating behaviors, isopods play a vital role in maintaining soil health and supporting the ecosystem within bioactive enclosures. By breaking down leaf litter and other decaying organic matter, they recycle nutrients and help create a balanced environment for tropical plants and other microfauna.
Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your isopod collection, taking the time to observe and understand these little critters will provide valuable insights into their needs and enrich your experience as a keeper. With the right habitat, a balanced diet, and attention to their social and environmental preferences, your isopod colony will thrive—making isopod keeping a truly rewarding hobby for anyone fascinated by the wonders of the natural world.
Environmental Enrichment
Adding various materials not only boosts the aesthetic appeal but also provides enrichment for the isopods:
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Hiding Places: Incorporate pieces of bark, rocks, or coconut shells. These structures mimic their natural environment, providing places to hide and explore. In bioactive terrariums, isopods can serve as the primary inhabitants, helping to maintain the ecosystem by managing waste and supporting overall balance.
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Moss and Plants: Live or dried moss can enhance humidity and provide hiding spots while adding a natural look to the habitat. Some isopod keepers introduce non-toxic plants that can thrive in humid conditions, contributing to the ecosystem.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for most isopods ranges between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Guides covering isopod heating requirements can help you decide when additional heat is needed and how to provide it safely. Many species also do well kept simply at room temperature as long as other conditions, like humidity and nutrition, are appropriate. A stable environment free from drastic temperature fluctuations will help keep your isopods healthy. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or placing their enclosure near heat sources, as excessive heat can increase stress levels..
Lighting
Most isopods do not require special lighting. A natural light cycle is sufficient, and an isopod lighting requirements guide will confirm that low-intensity lighting is usually best. Maintain a typical day-night cycle by placing them in a room with natural light or using standard fluorescent lighting. Just be sure not to create hotspots that can overheat the enclosure..
Nutrition: Feeding Your Isopods
Feeding isopods is a crucial part of their care, and providing a balanced, natural diet is essential for maintaining healthy cultures. Feeding your isopods is straightforward, as they are detritivores, but it helps to understand what isopods eat in detail so you can offer a varied menu. Here are some important feeding tips::
Main Diet
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Leaf Litter: The foundation of their diet. As leaves break down, isopods consume the decaying material, which provides nutrients.
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Vegetables: Supplement with small pieces of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or cucumbers. Ensure they are chopped into small sizes to prevent mould. I tend to grate up any vegetables I give to my colonies.
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Commercial Isopod Food: There are prepared foods available specifically for isopods. These can be used to enhance their diet and keep them healthy.
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Fish Food Flakes: Crushed fish food flakes can also serve as an additional food source, providing essential carbohydrates and proteins. However, while fish flakes can be used occasionally, relying on them long-term is not recommended as it may attract pests or slow isopod growth.
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Avoid citrus fruits, which can be harmful.
Feeding Schedule
Feed your isopods every few days, observing how much they consume to determine quantity. Remove any uneaten food after a few days to prevent mould and bacteria buildup. Excess food can also attract fungus gnats, which are harmless but can become a nuisance in the enclosure. Aim to create a balance
Breeding and Colony Care
Isopod breeding is an important aspect of colony care, and successful breeding depends on providing optimal habitat conditions such as proper humidity, temperature, and nutrition. Isopods are generally prolific breeders, and understanding their breeding needs is vital for fostering a healthy colony, whether you’re keeping them abroad or following a beginner’s guide to keeping isopods in the UK..
Breeding Conditions
To encourage breeding, focus on creating a comfortable environment:
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Healthy Habitat: A well-maintained enclosure with adequate humidity and food leads to better breeding success. Young isopods rebound quickly when conditions are optimal.
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Age and Maturity: Ensure that your isopods have reached maturity, which can take several months. Most species take about six months to become sexually mature.
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Mating: In some species they are sexually dimorphic and you may be able to tell the sex from the size of them, in some species males also have a longer, more slender endopods/uropods. They engage in courtship behaviour, and successful mating will lead to the females carrying eggs.
Egg Development
Once mated, females will carry fertilized eggs in a specialized pouch called a “brood pouch.” Here’s what to expect:
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Incubation: Isopod eggs typically take about 3-8 weeks before the eggs hatch, depending on species and environmental conditions. During this time, it’s crucial to maintain optimal humidity and temperature.
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Juveniles: After the eggs hatch, juvenile isopods emerge from the brood pouch as fully formed but miniature versions of the adults. Juveniles can often be identified easily as they move about searching for food.
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Population Management: As your colony grows, remember to monitor population levels to avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to stress and competition for resources. If you notice space constraints, consider transferring some isopods to a new enclosure.
Enhancing Your Isopod Experience with Springtails
In summary, keeping isopods can be a rewarding and educational experience for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. These fascinating creatures are not only easy to care for; they play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and waste decomposition within their habitat. By establishing a suitable environment, providing proper nutrition, maintaining good hygiene, and monitoring their health, you can successfully cultivate a thriving isopod colony.
Additionally, consider introducing springtails (Collembola) into your isopod habitat. Springtails are tiny, wingless arthropods that are often regarded as excellent companions for isopods in bioactive setups. Here are a few reasons why adding springtails can enhance your isopod care experience:
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Biological Control: Springtails help break down organic matter and excess food more efficiently. This not only prevents mould growth but also contributes to a cleaner habitat overall.
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Food Source: While isopods primarily feed on decaying plant material, springtails can serve as a supplemental food source for larger isopods. They are small enough that juvenile isopods can also take advantage of them, providing a diverse diet for your colony.
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Stable Environment: The presence of springtails can help maintain humidity levels in the substrate due to their moisture-loving nature. They thrive in similar humidity conditions to isopods, making them an ideal cohabitant.
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Cultural Enrichment: Springtails add another layer of biodiversity to your enclosure, creating a more dynamic environment that mimics a natural ecosystem. Observing the interactions between isopods and springtails can be both enjoyable and informative.
To introduce springtails, simply add a small population to your isopod enclosure after ensuring that conditions are suitable for both species. They reproduce quickly, establishing a balance that will benefit your overall habitat.
In conclusion, starting your journey as an isopod keeper opens a world of wonder and discovery. By adhering to the tips outlined in this guide and considering the addition of springtails, you will create a flourishing ecosystem that not only benefits the isopods but also enhances your enjoyment of this captivating hobby. Embrace the learning experience, engage with fellow hobbyists, and watch as your mini ecosystem thrives! Happy keeping!
By Kezia Hopkinson
