All Isopods (185)

Trachelipus caucasius is a hardy isopod species originating from the Caucasus region, found around the Black Sea coasts of Russia, Georgia, and Turkey. Sometimes called "Trilobite isopods" due to their body shape, they display attractive grey colouration often accented with orange edging along the segments. At 2-4 cm when fully grown, they're a substantial species that's easy to observe, and their tolerance for a range of temperatures combined with straightforward care makes them a practical choice for keepers at all experience levels. A Glimpse Origin: Caucasus region (Russia, Georgia, Turkey - Black Sea coastal areas) Scientific Name: Trachelipus caucasius Maintenance required: Low Average Size: 2-4 cm Rarity: Medium Lifespan: 2-3 years Temperature: 18-26°C (64-79°F) Ventilation: Medium to High Humidity: 60-75% (with moisture gradient) Favorite food: Leaf litter, decaying hardwood, vegetables Supplements: Cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, eggshells Trachelipus caucasius: Introduction Trachelipus caucasius comes from the subtropical climate zones around the Black Sea, where conditions include warm summers, mild autumns, and cold winters. This natural environment has made them adaptable to a broader temperature range than many tropical isopod species—they'll handle cooler conditions that would stress more sensitive species, while also thriving in warmer setups. Their common nickname "Trilobite isopods" comes from their body shape, which has a segmented, somewhat flattened appearance reminiscent of the ancient trilobite fossils. Combined with their grey colouration and orange-edged segments, they have a distinctive look that sets them apart from more commonly kept species. They're considered beginner-friendly due to their tolerance for varying conditions and willingness to breed in captivity. For keepers wanting something slightly different from the standard Porcellio or Armadillidium species without demanding care requirements, Trachelipus caucasius are worth considering. Trachelipus caucasius: Physical Traits and Characteristics Large species, with adults reaching 2-4 cm in length Grey base colouration across the body Orange or amber-coloured edging along segment margins in many individuals Somewhat flattened body profile compared to rounder Armadillidium species Segmented appearance contributing to the "trilobite" nickname Hard exoskeleton providing protection Cannot fully conglobate (roll into a complete ball) like Armadillidium—they rely on speed and finding cover Prominent antennae and visible uropods Behaviour Trachelipus caucasius are active, adaptable isopods with a peaceful temperament. Activity levels: Once established, they're reasonably active and visible. Their larger size makes them easy to spot when foraging, and they don't hide as constantly as some more secretive species. Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive. They coexist well with other isopod species and terrarium inhabitants. They're not predatory and won't cause problems in mixed setups. Temperature tolerance: Their subtropical origins mean they handle temperature variation better than tropical species. They can tolerate cooler conditions (down to around 15°C for short periods) without significant stress, though they thrive best in the 18-26°C range. This makes them suitable for unheated enclosures in many UK homes. Defence: They can't roll into a complete ball like Armadillidium species. When threatened, they rely on moving quickly to find cover. Settling in: Generally adaptable and settle into new enclosures without extended adjustment periods. Diet Trachelipus caucasius are detritivores with undemanding dietary requirements. Primary foods: Dried leaf litter (oak, beech, hawthorn, and similar hardwoods) Decaying hardwood Cork bark Wood pieces Supplementary foods: Vegetables: carrot, courgette, sweet potato, cucumber Dried vegetable scraps work well Fish flakes for protein Small amounts of fruit occasionally Calcium: Important for healthy moulting, especially given their larger size. Provide cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, or eggshells as a constant calcium source. Feeding approach: They're not fussy eaters. Maintain a base of leaf litter and decaying wood, supplementing with vegetables every few days. Remove uneaten fresh foods within 24-48 hours. Their size means they have reasonable appetites, but don't overfeed—let them work through what's provided before adding more. Trachelipus caucasius: Breeding This species breeds well in captivity, with a reputation for reliable reproduction under appropriate conditions. Breeding basics: Females carry eggs in a marsupium and release fully formed juveniles Breeding rate is good—they're considered fast breeders Brood sizes are reasonable given their larger adult size Population growth is steady under proper conditions Conditions for breeding: Stable temperature within preferred range (18-26°C) Appropriate humidity with moisture available Adequate calcium for breeding females Sufficient hiding spots Consistent food availability Colony growth: Expect reliable population growth without the frustrating waits associated with slow-breeding species. They're productive breeders that will build colony numbers consistently. Trachelipus caucasius: Habitat Setup Enclosure: A medium to large container suits this species well given their size. A 15-20 litre container works for a starter colony, with larger enclosures beneficial as populations grow. Good ventilation is important—their subtropical origins mean they appreciate airflow. Substrate: Use a moisture-retentive substrate that can maintain a humidity gradient: Organic topsoil as a base (pesticide-free) Sphagnum peat moss mixed in for moisture retention Leaf litter worked into the substrate and layered generously on top Decaying hardwood pieces Crushed limestone or calcium powder throughout Substrate depth of 5-10 cm allows for some burrowing and helps maintain stable moisture levels at lower depths. Moisture gradient: They prefer humid conditions but benefit from having both moist and drier areas available. Set up approximately half the enclosure with damp substrate and sphagnum moss, allowing the other half to stay somewhat drier. This lets them regulate their moisture needs. Overall humidity: Aim for 60-75%. They need access to moisture but aren't as humidity-dependent as tropical cave-dwelling species. Regular misting of the humid side maintains appropriate conditions. Ventilation: Medium to high ventilation suits this species. Their subtropical climate origins mean they're accustomed to airflow. Use mesh lids or plenty of ventilation holes. Stagnant, overly humid conditions aren't ideal for them. Décor and hides: Cork bark pieces and tubes Flat bark and wood pieces Leaf litter coverage (they appreciate generous amounts) Hardwood branches Stones or slate pieces Moss patches in the humid area Provide plenty of natural hiding spots. They'll utilise cover throughout the enclosure and feel more secure with options available. Temperature: They tolerate a good range (18-26°C), making them suitable for room temperature conditions in most UK homes. They can handle cooler temperatures better than tropical species—brief drops to 15°C won't cause major problems, though consistent warmth promotes better breeding. Avoid sustained temperatures above 28°C. Bioactive Use Trachelipus caucasius work well as cleanup crew in appropriate bioactive setups. Advantages: Larger size makes them efficient decomposers Peaceful temperament allows cohabitation Temperature tolerance suits varied bioactive environments Hardy nature means they establish reliably Good breeding ensures population maintenance Suitable setups: Their temperature flexibility makes them suitable for a range of bioactive enclosures—from temperate setups to warmer tropical environments. They're particularly useful where temperature may fluctuate seasonally or where other species might struggle with cooler periods. Considerations: Larger adults may be visible in display enclosures (advantage or disadvantage depending on preference) Cannot roll into a ball, so may be more vulnerable to predation by some reptiles than conglobating species Mixed cleanup crews: They coexist peacefully with springtails and other isopod species. Their different niche and peaceful nature makes them suitable for diverse cleanup crew combinations. Suitability Trachelipus caucasius are suitable for keepers wanting a hardy, attractive species with minimal fuss. Good choice for: Beginners wanting something slightly different from common species Keepers in homes with variable temperatures Those wanting a larger, visible isopod species Bioactive setups requiring temperature-tolerant cleanup crew Collectors building diverse collections Not ideal for: Keepers specifically wanting conglobating (ball-rolling) species Extremely high-humidity tropical setups (better options exist) Care level: Low difficulty. They're forgiving of husbandry variations, tolerate temperature fluctuation, breed reliably, and don't have demanding requirements. A good choice for developing isopod-keeping skills or for maintaining functional colonies without constant attention. Value: Good value for an attractive, larger species. They offer interesting appearance and reliable breeding at a reasonable price point, making them practical for both collection and functional bioactive use.

Dwarf White Isopods (Trichorhina tomentosa) are the workhorses of the bioactive hobby. Tiny, prolific, and utterly dedicated to their cleanup duties, these miniature isopods have earned their reputation as essential "tank janitors" for terrariums and vivariums worldwide. At under 5mm fully grown, they're among the smallest isopod species available - less than half the size of most common isopods. But what they lack in size, they more than compensate for with sheer numbers and an impressive appetite for waste. A thriving colony of Dwarf Whites will efficiently process animal droppings, decaying plant matter, uneaten food, mould, and organic debris, keeping your enclosure clean and healthy. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, these soft-bodied isopods thrive in warm, humid environments. Their bright white colouration makes them easy to spot against dark substrate - useful when you want to check on your colony's progress. A Glimpse Origin: Central and South America Scientific Name: Trichorhina tomentosa Difficulty Level: Very Easy Size: 2-5mm (one of the smallest species) Lifespan: Up to 3 years Temperature: 21-29°C (room temperature is fine) Humidity: 70-80% Rarity: Very Common An Overview Dwarf White Isopods occupy a unique niche in the hobby. Unlike the larger, more colourful species kept primarily for display, Trichorhina tomentosa are valued almost entirely for their practical utility. They're the invisible maintenance crew working tirelessly beneath the surface of your bioactive setup. Their claim to fame is their remarkable breeding ability. Dwarf Whites are parthenogenetic - every individual is female and can reproduce without mating. This means a single isopod can establish an entire colony. Combined with their prolific breeding rate (females can produce 30+ offspring monthly), populations explode rapidly under good conditions. A small starter culture can become thousands within months. This reproductive strategy makes them incredibly effective as a cleanup crew. Their numbers quickly scale to match the waste production in any enclosure, and they can outcompete pest species like grain mites and wood mites by sheer population pressure. They're also popular as feeder insects for smaller reptiles and amphibians. Their tiny size makes them perfect for dart frogs, small geckos, and froglets - animals too small to eat larger isopod species. They're soft-bodied and nutritious, providing a natural food source that also performs cleanup duties between being eaten. Their burrowing nature means you'll rarely see them on the surface during the day. They prefer to stay hidden within substrate and leaf litter, emerging mainly to feed. This makes them an "invisible" cleanup crew - they do their work unseen. Basic Care Dwarf White Isopods are among the easiest isopods to keep, tolerating a wide range of conditions and requiring minimal attention once established. Temperature should be maintained between 21-29°C (70-85°F). They thrive at typical room temperatures without supplemental heating. Warmer temperatures within this range encourage faster breeding. Humidity is important - aim for 70-80%. As tropical species, they prefer consistently moist conditions. Unlike some isopod species that need a moisture gradient, Dwarf Whites do well with uniformly damp substrate. However, avoid waterlogging - good drainage is essential. Ventilation requirements are minimal. Unlike larger isopods that prefer good airflow, Dwarf Whites tolerate lower ventilation. A few small holes for air exchange are sufficient. This actually makes them easier to maintain, as humidity is easier to keep stable. Enclosure size can be small - their tiny size means even compact containers can house large colonies. They don't climb, preferring to burrow, so lid security is straightforward. They're remarkably adaptable and forgiving of imperfect conditions, making them genuinely beginner-friendly. If you can maintain basic humidity and temperature, they'll thrive. Feeding Dwarf White Isopods are detritivores with unfussy appetites. They'll consume virtually any decomposing organic matter, making them exceptionally effective cleanup crew members. Primary foods (should always be available): Hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech - essential for both food and habitat) Decaying driftwood and softwoods Fungi and mould (they actively consume these) Animal droppings (in bioactive setups) Supplementary foods (offered occasionally): Vegetable scraps - carrots and cucumbers are favourites Fruit scraps (use sparingly to avoid mould issues) Fish flakes or dried shrimp (protein source) Decaying plant matter Calcium supplementation is beneficial though less critical than for larger species. Crushed eggshells or cuttlebone can be offered. Their appetite is remarkable for their size. Despite being tiny, colonies consume substantial amounts of organic matter. This is precisely why they're so effective as cleanup crews - they process waste rapidly and efficiently. In bioactive enclosures, they'll naturally consume animal faeces, shed skin, uneaten feeder insects, fallen plant material, and any developing mould. They turn waste into nutrients that benefit plants and soil health. Be mindful not to overfeed fresh foods, as excess can create mould problems in humid environments. Leaf litter and decaying wood should form the bulk of their diet. Appearance and Behaviour Dwarf White Isopods are genuinely tiny. Adults reach only 2-5mm in length (under 1/4 inch), making them one of the smallest isopod species available. For context, they're roughly the size of a grain of rice. Their colouration is uniformly white to cream, with soft, somewhat translucent exoskeletons. Unlike the hard, calcified shells of Armadillidium species, Dwarf Whites have pliable bodies. Their white colour provides strong contrast against dark substrate, making them relatively easy to spot despite their small size. Their bodies are oval-shaped and segmented, typical of isopods, with multiple pairs of legs. They lack the ability to roll into a ball (conglobate) like pill bug species. Behaviourally, Dwarf Whites are dedicated burrowers. They spend most of their time beneath the substrate surface or hidden within leaf litter, rarely venturing into the open during daylight hours. This makes them largely invisible in most setups - you'll know they're working by the results rather than by seeing them. They're nocturnal, becoming more active at night when they emerge to feed. If you want to observe them, checking after dark with a red light works well. Their parthenogenetic reproduction (all-female, asexual breeding) is their most remarkable trait. Every adult can produce offspring without mating, leading to rapid population growth. A single female can produce 30+ babies monthly, and those offspring mature quickly to begin reproducing themselves. They're completely harmless - they don't bite, sting, or carry diseases. They're docile and show no aggression toward enclosure inhabitants. Habitat Dwarf White Isopods are native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America, where they inhabit moist leaf litter on forest floors. Enclosure options: Small plastic containers work perfectly for culturing Any terrarium or vivarium for bioactive use Front-opening or removable-top containers for easy access Minimal space required due to their tiny size Temperature: 21-29°C (70-85°F). Standard room temperature is ideal - no special heating required. Humidity: 70-80%. Consistently moist conditions are preferred. Ventilation: Minimal. A few small holes for air exchange are sufficient. Low ventilation actually helps maintain humidity. Substrate depth: A few centimetres is adequate. They burrow but don't require extremely deep substrate like some larger species. Lighting: None required. They're nocturnal and prefer dark, damp conditions. They're often used alongside springtails in bioactive setups. The two species complement each other perfectly - springtails target smaller debris and mould while Dwarf Whites handle larger organic matter. Together, they create a comprehensive cleanup crew. Note: While excellent with most animals, Dwarf Whites can stress certain burrowing invertebrates like Therea roaches and some large Spanish Porcellio species. Their persistent presence seems to disturb these animals. For most reptile and amphibian setups, however, they're ideal companions. Substrate Mix Dwarf White Isopods are less demanding about substrate than many species, though they still benefit from an appropriate mix. Simple culture substrate: Coconut coir (Dwarf Whites are one of the few isopods that thrive in pure coco coir) Peat moss Organic topsoil Any combination of the above Enhanced bioactive substrate: ABG mix or similar tropical substrate Coconut coir base Earthworm castings (adds nutrients) Charcoal (aids drainage) Essential additions: Generous hardwood leaf litter (both food and habitat) Decaying wood pieces or cork bark Hiding spots (bark, wood, leaf coverage) Unlike many isopods that struggle with plain coconut coir, Dwarf Whites actually thrive in it - as long as leaf litter and other botanicals are provided. This makes substrate preparation particularly easy. Maintain consistent moisture throughout - Dwarf Whites prefer uniformly damp conditions rather than the moisture gradient required by some species. The substrate should feel damp but not waterlogged. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent standing water. pH should ideally range between 6.2-7.5, with water hardness of 5-11 dGH if you're monitoring these parameters (though they're tolerant of variation). Breeding Dwarf White Isopods are among the easiest isopods to breed - in fact, stopping them from breeding would be the challenge. Their parthenogenetic reproduction means every adult can produce offspring independently. No males exist in this species; females essentially clone themselves. This reproductive strategy results in exponentially growing populations. Breeding rate: Females can produce 30+ offspring monthly. Juveniles reach maturity in 4-6 weeks, at which point they begin reproducing themselves. This creates compound growth - populations can explode from a small starter culture to thousands within months. Breeding conditions: Maintain humidity at 70-80%, temperatures at 21-29°C, abundant leaf litter, and some protein supplementation. Beyond these basics, breeding happens automatically. Females carry eggs in a brood pouch and produce egg capsules (oothecae) containing 15-20 fertilised eggs. Each female can produce up to five oothecae in her lifetime. Seasonal patterns: Breeding may be initiated more in autumn/winter months, though under stable captive conditions they breed year-round. Their prolific breeding makes them self-sustaining in bioactive setups. Once established, a colony will maintain itself indefinitely, with populations naturally adjusting to match available food (waste production). For culturing purposes, starting with 50-100 individuals provides a strong foundation that will rapidly multiply into a thriving colony. Uses in Bioactive Setups Dwarf White Isopods excel in several roles: Cleanup Crew: Their primary function. They efficiently process animal droppings, shed skin, fallen plant material, uneaten food, and developing mould. Their numbers scale to match waste production. Substrate Aeration: Their burrowing activity keeps substrate fresh and prevents compaction, encouraging healthy plant root growth and preventing anaerobic zones. Feeder Insects: For small reptiles and amphibians (dart frogs, small geckos, froglets), they provide a nutritious food source. Their soft bodies are easily digestible. Mite Competition: Thriving Dwarf White populations can outcompete pest mite species (wood mites, grain mites) through sheer numbers, helping prevent infestations. Symbiotic Partners: They work excellently alongside springtails and other isopod species, each handling different aspects of waste processing. They're suitable for most reptile and amphibian enclosures, particularly those requiring high humidity. Their small size means they won't disturb inhabitants, and they're too tiny to pose any threat to animals.