Why You Should Keep Isopods - Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods

Why You Should Keep Isopods

Because they are awesome, that’s why.

This blog post will explore the many benefits of isopods, also known as woodlice, in terrariums and natural ecosystems.

Isopods offer a range of benefits for both plants and animals. The benefits of isopods include organic matter decomposition, soil aeration, and promoting healthy plant growth, which help maintain a balanced and thriving ecosystem. These many benefits make isopods essential for supporting a healthier environment in both terrariums and broader ecosystems.

They play an important role in ecosystems by breaking down organic material, recycling nutrients, and aerating the soil, all of which contribute to a thriving ecosystem and a healthier environment.

Introduction to Isopods

Isopods, often called pill bugs or roly polies, are fascinating small crustaceans that are commonly found in many parts of the world. Closely related to other species like insects and crustaceans, isopods play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. With many species to choose from, isopods offer a range of benefits for both plants and animals. One of their most important abilities is breaking down decaying organic matter, such as dead plant material, which helps recycle essential nutrients back into the soil. This process of nutrient cycling not only supports plant growth but also improves drainage and overall soil quality. Because isopods are low maintenance and beneficial for a variety of environments, they make excellent additions to terrariums and vivariums, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem.

They're Not Bugs, So No One Needs To Be Scared Of Them

I’m a reptile keeper, and I’ve kept a lot of different animals. But I also have family members. I’m lucky that my family share my love of all things creepy and crawly, but yours may not.

Show most people a picture of a Rubber Ducky and they’re going to say ‘Ahhh’ there are not many Arthropods that get that response. This means that you can set up a nice terrarium, add some pretty isopods, and whilst your family may not be as in love with them as you will, they won’t be uncomfortable in their own home. Many pet owners appreciate isopods for their non-threatening appearance and ease of care, making them a popular choice for responsible pet ownership.

They Will Live Off Leaf Litter And Things That Other Animals Would Ignore

Isopods are the masters of a low-waste lifestyle. They are nature’s clean-up crew—small invertebrates that feed on organic waste. In the wild they live in a huge variety of environments, rooting around on the floor, taking care of fallen leaves and decaying plant matter, poop and other waste, and even cleaning up small bodies. Most isopods have leaf litter as a huge part of their diet, and they also serve as an important food source for other animals in the ecosystem.

Which leads us to…

Creating a Balanced Ecosystem

A balanced ecosystem is key to the well-being of your isopods and the overall health of your enclosure. To create a suitable environment, it’s important to provide a mix of leaf litter, organic debris, and animal waste, which serve as natural food sources for isopods. By feeding on decaying matter, isopods actively contribute to nutrient cycling, helping to break down waste and return valuable nutrients to the soil. Different isopod species may have unique requirements, so researching the needs of your chosen species is essential for maximum benefit. Regular monitoring of your ecosystem ensures that conditions remain optimal and helps reduce the risk of harmful bacteria. By fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem, you not only support your isopods’ health but also promote overall ecosystem health, creating a thriving, balanced environment for all inhabitants.

They're Super Cheap To Keep

You don’t need to go out and buy specialist food. Isopods have low maintenance care requirements, making them ideal for beginners and busy keepers. Check out our articles here, and search for all our articles on what isopods eat.

Many of the species we keep, such as Porcellionides Isopods which will thrive at room temperature, so you don’t need to worry about heating their enclosure.

Speaking about enclosures…

They Will Live In A Small Enclosure

Only got a small space, that’s fine they don’t need huge enclosures. If you’re just keeping isopods then you are only limited by your imagination. I love the look of the Victorian-style terrariums, but you don’t need to spend a lot. Just make sure there aren’t any gaps for them to get out of. Also, remember to maintain appropriate humidity and substrate conditions to keep your isopods healthy.

Once They Start Breeding The Colony Can Become Self-sustaining, No Need to Get Any More

Once you’ve got humidity, diet, and their enclosure right they will likely start breeding, and that means more of them. By making isopods into eco-friendly waste recyclers, you can harness their ability to establish self-sustaining populations and contribute to ongoing waste management. This means that you don’t need to go out and buy more, or even you might be able to sell some of your own isopods to other keepers.

They Make Great Clean-up Crews. That Makes Your Life Easier

If you keep reptiles, or other animals in a vivarium or similar enclosures, isopods can be a great help keeping on top of small amounts of waste. Or if you keep plants in an enclosure they will turn any fallen leaves into mulch that will reabsorb back into the soil and improve everything for the plants.

They Don't Need Specialist Equipment

There are so many species, and as invertebrates, many of them will thrive at room temperature, with simple lighting, leaf litter and some simple substrates. They don’t even need a water bowl, they get all the required hydration from the substrate and moss.

There Are So Many Species That You Can Find The Best Ones For You

There are hundreds of species in the hobby, and we have a great range ourselves, offering different species to suit various needs and preferences. That means that whatever grabs your attention in terms of keeping isopods there is one out there that is suitable.

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