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At first glance, Temperate Springtails look tiny and insignificant, but they play a big role in nature and maintain the ecosystem like isopods do. They contribute majorly to the well-being of the health of the environment and soil by giving microbes a proper ambiance to grow and thrive. Not region-particular, you can easily spot these springtails in almost all parts of the world, and they often intrigue people having an interest in reptiles, amphibians, or terrariums. If you are intrigued to own them as pets, we suggest you read this post so you can learn more about their care and requirements. Temperate Springtails: A Glimpse Origin: Worldwide Scientific Name: Folsomia candida Difficulty: Easy Rarity: Not rare Temperature: 18°C to 27°C Size: Up to 1-4 mm Humidity: 50-70% Favorable Foods: Decaying organic matter, mold, fungi, plant material, pollen, bacteria An Overview Members of the Collembola group, these tiny creatures are found worldwide, but more in commonly in tropical climates where decaying organic material is available in plenty.  Unlike other species, they are easy to care for and maintain, so you don’t have to monitor them 24/7 if that’s what you are concerned about. As nature’s clean-up crew, they break down waste and mold in the wild and contribute to the ecosystem despite being so tiny. Temperate Springtails: Basic Care Here are some basic care tips for your springtails: Since temperate springtails are low maintenance, you don’t need to do much to keep them happy and healthy except provide a comfortable bioactive enclosure so they can live and breed peacefully. You can use a glass jar or a plastic container if it has tiny holes and offers proper ventilation so your springtails can breathe and function properly. Place a few inches of the damp substrate inside the enclosure so the moisture levels are stable and your springtails live comfortably without issues. Keep the container in a room and ensure the temperature doesn’t exceed 18-27°C, as this is not good for their health and can cause problems like reduced body size, delayed reproduction, and heat shock. Temperate Springtails: Feeding It doesn’t take much effort to feed Temperate Springtails, which is why beginners prefer them more than other species. Their eating habit consists of decaying plant material, pollen, mold, fungi, and bacteria when they are living on their own, and they source all important nutrients required for their growth. When keeping them in captivity, you must ensure to feed them the same. Temperate Springtails: Appearance & Behaviour Temperate springtails are generally white or greyish and have a soft, oval body that simultaneously makes them unique and vulnerable. Unlike other species, they don’t have wings but a furcula that helps them flip their bodies in the air and escape danger if attacked. Even though they are so small, they often bounce around on the soil and look for food in their surroundings. In captivity, you will see them crawling through substrate quickly or staying hidden in moist, dark areas so nobody can see or disturb them. They are harmless to humans and animals as they don’t bite or cause any damage if that’s what you are worried about. Habitat Temperate Springtails thrive in moist, dark environments and need a continuous food supply to eat whenever they want and not starve. They love to live in the damp soil, under leaf litter, or rotting wood when they are on their own. The information is vital as you will have to create the same space using the same materials to not keep them from thriving. Ensure the bioactive setup has natural materials like coconut fiber, leaf litter, moss, and small pieces of bark so they have plenty of spots to hide and explore. Temperate Springtails: Substrate Mix Substrate mix plays a vital role in their development and if you are concerned for the same, a substrate mix containing charcoal, coconut fiber, leaf litter, and sphagnum moss is a must because it creates a healthy environment for your springtails to thrive and breed, just like in the wild. Placing clay balls or lava rocks at the bottom is good for drainage and keeps the terrarium clean and fit for your springtails to live in.

A recent additions to the pet springtails family is the Thai Red Springtails. Recently, enthusiasts and explorers have discovered this rare species in Thailand, bringing attention to their unique traits and origins. Originating from Thailand, these springtails have quickly gained popularity among collectors. We encourage you to explore their natural habitat and learn more about their environmental needs to better understand how to care for them. If you are planning to purchase a pet for the first time, you can choose Thai Red Springtails for their ease of care and fascinating behaviour. Thai Red Springtails are harmless creatures that are great to keep as family pets. Their miniature size, low maintenance, etc., make them the best pets for children. Springtails will be the right choice for anyone planning to purchase a pet for the first time. Springtails are omnivores that eat anything from plants to dead matter. The only requirement that they need is food and shelter. So, you can leave them unattended with enough food, and they will survive just fine. Due to the growing interest in springtails, more and more variety is being brought up. One of those recent additions to the pet springtails family is the Thai Red Springtails. They are famous for their bright red color and extremely small size. Thai Red Springtails famous as show pets in terrariums. They are sourced from some of the highly humid spots of Asia, especially Thailand. Following is some detailed information on these springtails and instructions on properly caring for them. Introduction to Springtails Springtails are tiny arthropods that play a significant role in maintaining clean and healthy environments within bioactive setups, terrariums, and vivariums. These fascinating creatures are essential for breaking down organic matter, helping to control mold, and supporting the overall health of the ecosystem. In addition to their cleaning abilities, springtails serve as a nutritious food source for dart frogs, isopods, and other small animals, making them an indispensable part of any thriving vivarium. To ensure optimal health and activity, springtails require consistently high humidity and warm temperatures, ideally between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Maintaining the right moisture levels is crucial—substrates should be kept moist but never waterlogged, as excess food and standing water can lead to mold and other issues. A combination of coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and coconut coir creates an ideal substrate, allowing springtails to burrow, reproduce, and break down decaying plant matter efficiently. By carefully managing humidity, food, and substrate composition, enthusiasts can maintain a vibrant, self-sustaining environment where springtails thrive. This not only supports the health of the springtails themselves but also contributes to the overall balance and cleanliness of the vivarium or terrarium. Thai Red Springtails: A Glimpse Common Name: Thai Red Springtails Scientific Name: Lobellasp. Origin: Thailand Availability: Very Rare Level of Difficulty: Very easy Temperature: 74 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit Favourite Food: Fish flakes Package/Order Info: Each order includes a securely packaged culture of Thai Red Springtails. Thai Red Springtails: An Overview Thai Red springtails are originally from the humid parts of Thailand. They are one of those springtails that require an extremely high temperature and humidity to survive. Experts suggest keeping them in closed enclosures with temperatures between 74- and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a humid environment is crucial for their health and activity, as it supports their moisture needs and prevents dehydration. It is important to control temperature and humidity using tools like thermostats and hygrometers to ensure optimal conditions for the springtails. They are popular as an exotic pet. But many collectors use them as the cleanup crew in terrariums. Although they are slow in crawling, they remain active throughout the day. They do not jump while crawling. But they can climb up well. Therefore, it is recommended to use a secure, well-fitting lid with proper ventilation to maintain humidity and prevent escapes. Thai Red springtails are also famous for their appetite. They eat almost anything from plants, fruits, wood, decaying matter, etc. But their favorite food is tropical fish flakes. They are also very fond of mold, fungus, and bacteria. They are keen to eat such microorganisms, so they are considered one of the best cleanup crews among the springtails. Their candy red color is eye-catching. The color is one of the primary reasons why they remain the bestsellers for a while. Their body separates into segments. They need to get enough moisture and humidity from their habitat. So, the substrate mix has to be damp enough. Keeping some dead matter or decaying pieces of wood around is also ideal. Thai Red springtails have a rapid reproduction rate, allowing them to quickly establish thriving populations in suitable environments. Under optimal conditions, juveniles grow into adults, developing their vibrant coloration and reaching maturity. Adults play a key role in reproduction and are essential for maintaining and expanding the colony. Species and Variations of Thai Red Springtails Thai Red Springtails (Lobella sp.) stand out among springtail species for their vibrant red coloration and their ability to flourish in warm, humid environments. These red springtails are particularly prized in the world of bioactive setups for both their striking appearance and their effectiveness as a cleanup crew. The ideal Thai Red Springtails: Habitat and Enclosure Thai Red springtails are ideal to be kept anywhere in the world. However, preparing their enclosure and feeding routine to suit their basic needs is essential. You can use any containers or tanks, but a vivarium is an ideal controlled environment for Thai Red springtails, as it allows you to mimic their natural habitat with proper substrate, humidity, and temperature. These springtails make excellent companion pets. But, it is essential to introduce them to the enclosure first. It may take up to two weeks for the Thai Red springtails to get familiarized with the new surroundings. It is advisable to bring new pets like isopods to the enclosure only after the springtails are comfortable with the enclosure. After three to five weeks of keeping these springtails in the enclosure, they become fully functional and active. Spraying or watering the soil is crucial while keeping Thai Red springtails. They need the soil to be damp always. So, you have to water the soil at regular intervals. Always remember to keep these springtails in a closed enclosure. You can use any containers or tanks, but ensure they have lids. The lids are crucial because these springtails tend to follow the path of condensation and may climb out of the tank. Likewise, put no ventilation holes in the enclosure. These springtails will find them through the condensation remains and may climb out. You need not worry about them not having enough ventilation. As you open the enclosure occasionally to wet the soil, they will get ample airflow. While choosing companion pets for Thai Red springtails, ensure you are not buying any bigger insects that can harm the springtails. Because most insects consume springtails. These springtails are incredibly tiny in size. So, it is advisable to get them in groups to make the enclosure more pleasing to the eyes. Thai Red springtails are prone to mite infestation. Mites are various bugs that harm the springtails. So, you have to keep a close watch for the mites. Mites are small and round. If you spot any, make sure to clear them off. Diet Thai Red springtails usually eat everything. But they prefer to have fish flakes, leaf litter, and decaying organic matter. These springtails have a significant appetite. So, keeping as much leaf litter and softwood bark in the enclosure as possible is advisable. Leaf litter also provides them with enough cover and hiding spots. Brewer’s yeast is another favorite food of these springtails. You can sprinkle the yeast every three days in reasonable amounts. Avoid adding too much yeast, as it can limit the amount of oxygen inside the enclosure. When you use water in the enclosure, it is ideal to use dechlorinated water. Thai Red springtails also prefer consuming various microorganisms. So, do not try to clean off the mold and fungus from the enclosure. These springtails usually breed within a couple of months. Please note, they need a lot of food when they are breeding and nursing. The newborns also prefer having enough food. So, make sure to increase the feeding frequency during breeding. Substrate Mix These springtails prefer moist soil. So, make sure to retain the moisture in the substrate mix as much as possible.   You can use rich soil with sphagnum, peat, worm castings, bat guano, etc., as the ideal substrate mix for these springtails.   You can also use a ready-made bedding mixture as the substrate.   Mixing a good amount of leaf litter, rotting wood, and bark pieces in the substrate mix is advisable.   You can deposit the food as piles in the different parts of the substrate.   You can also keep a paper towel sprayed with mite medicine on any corner of the enclosure.   While wetting the substrate, make sure to avoid chlorinated water.   Also, while adding leaf litter, make sure to add pesticide-free ones.

Discover the fascinating Trachelipus caveatus (ex Crete) isopods, a rare and captivating Mediterranean species perfect for dedicated collectors and enthusiasts. Native to the beautiful Greek island of Crete, these remarkable isopods showcase the unique biodiversity of Mediterranean ecosystems and make an exceptional addition to any specialized collection. Known for their robust nature and distinctive appearance, Trachelipus caveatus stands out among cave-dwelling isopod species with their excellent adaptability to various terrarium conditions. These rare Cretan isopods offer hobbyists the opportunity to keep a truly unique species that's rarely available in the UK market. A Glimpse Origin: Crete, Greece Scientific Name: Trachelipus caveatus Difficulty Level: Moderate Size: Up to 12-15mm Rarity: Very Rare Temperature: 18°C to 24°C Humidity: 60% to 75% Favourite Food: Decaying leaves, rotting wood, fish flakes An Overview Trachelipus caveatus from Crete represents one of the Mediterranean's most interesting isopod species. These hardy crustaceans have evolved in the unique limestone cave systems and rocky coastal areas of Crete, developing remarkable resilience and adaptability that makes them surprisingly easy to maintain in captivity. Their natural habitat consists of humid limestone caves, rocky crevices, and areas rich in decomposing organic matter. This cave-dwelling heritage means they're particularly well-suited to bioactive terrarium setups where they excel as efficient decomposers, breaking down organic waste and contributing to a healthy ecosystem balance. What makes Trachelipus caveatus particularly special is their role as both fascinating pets and excellent cleanup crew members for vivariums. Their consistent activity and voracious appetite for decaying matter help maintain pristine terrarium conditions naturally. Trachelipus caveatus: Essential Care Caring for these Mediterranean gems requires attention to their specific needs, but with proper setup, they're remarkably low-maintenance. Enclosure: Provide a well-ventilated terrarium of at least 20 litres for a small colony. A 20-gallon tank offers ideal space for breeding groups, allowing natural behaviours and territory establishment. Ventilation: Ensure excellent airflow to prevent mould growth while maintaining humidity. Cross-ventilation works best for these cave-adapted species. Temperature: Maintain 18°C to 24°C using heating mats if necessary. Avoid overheating as these Mediterranean species prefer consistent, moderate temperatures. Humidity: Target 60-75% humidity using regular misting and damp substrate areas. Monitor with a hygrometer for optimal conditions. Substrate: Create a mixed substrate using organic soil, leaf litter, and decaying wood pieces. Add limestone chips to replicate their natural Cretan cave environment and provide essential calcium. Trachelipus caveatus: Feeding Guide These efficient decomposers thrive on a varied diet that mimics their natural food sources found in Cretan cave systems and coastal environments. Primary Diet: Provide abundant decaying hardwood pieces and a thick layer of mixed leaf litter. Oak, beech, and maple leaves work excellently and break down at ideal rates for sustained nutrition. Protein Supplements: Offer high-quality fish flakes, dried gammarus, or specialized isopod protein foods once or twice weekly. This supports healthy growth and reproductive success in breeding colonies. Fresh Foods: Occasional offerings of fresh vegetables like carrot, courgette, or sweet potato provide nutritional variety. Remove uneaten portions within 48 hours to prevent spoilage. Remember that proper feeding practices are crucial for maintaining healthy colonies and preventing pest issues. Trachelipus caveatus: Appearance and Behaviour Distinctive Look: These isopods display the characteristic flattened body shape typical of cave-dwelling species, with robust segmentation and subtle earth-tone colouration. Colouration: Varies from greyish-brown to darker earth tones, often with subtle mottling that provided camouflage in their natural Cretan cave habitats. Size: Adults reach 12-15mm in length, making them a medium-sized species that's substantial enough to observe easily while not overwhelming smaller terrariums. Social Behaviour: Highly gregarious and prefer living in groups. They often aggregate under favourite hiding spots and show interesting social interactions. Activity Patterns: Primarily nocturnal, becoming most active during evening hours. During the day, they shelter under wood pieces, leaf litter, or in substrate burrows. Defensive Behaviour: When threatened, they can partially curl up, though not as completely as armadillidium species. Trachelipus caveatus: Creating the Perfect Habitat Replicating the unique Cretan cave environment these isopods call home ensures their health and encourages natural behaviours that make them fascinating to observe. Terrarium Layout: Design your setup with both horizontal space for foraging and vertical elements like cork bark pieces and rock formations that mimic their natural cave environment. Hiding Places: Provide multiple shelter options including cork bark tubes, flat stones, and densely layered leaf litter. These Mediterranean isopods feel most secure with abundant hiding spots that replicate cave crevices. Moisture Gradient: Create areas of varying moisture levels - from slightly damp to moderately moist. This allows individuals to choose their preferred microclimate and supports different life stages. Lighting: These cave-adapted species prefer dim conditions. If using planted terrariums, ensure they have adequate shelter from any grow lights. For those new to keeping more unusual species, our guide on choosing the right isopod species provides valuable insights into species selection and care considerations. Trachelipus caveatus: Substrate Requirements The substrate mix is crucial for these Mediterranean cave dwellers, as it must retain appropriate moisture while providing the organic matter they need to thrive. Base Layer: Start with organic, pesticide-free topsoil mixed with decomposed leaf mould. This provides the foundation for a healthy microorganism community. Drainage: Add a small amount of horticultural sand or fine gravel to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which these cave species particularly dislike. Organic Matter: Layer in plenty of partially decomposed hardwood pieces and mixed leaf litter. This creates the rich, organic environment they naturally inhabit in Cretan cave systems. Calcium Source: Include crushed limestone or marble chips to replicate the calcium-rich cave environment of Crete while providing essential nutrients for healthy exoskeleton development. Depth: Maintain 7-10cm of substrate depth to allow for natural burrowing behaviours and create stable moisture gradients throughout the enclosure. Breeding Trachelipus caveatus These fascinating Cretan isopods breed readily in captivity when provided with optimal conditions. Females carry their developing young in a brood pouch, and with proper care, you can expect regular breeding activity throughout the warmer months. Breeding success increases significantly with stable conditions, adequate protein sources, and a well-established colony of at least 10-15 individuals. Young isopods will appear as miniature versions of adults and begin contributing to the cleanup crew almost immediately. Why Choose Trachelipus caveatus? Trachelipus caveatus represents an opportunity to keep a truly unique piece of Mediterranean biodiversity. These rare isopods offer several advantages for serious collectors: Rarity: Extremely uncommon in the hobby, making them a prestigious addition to any collection Hardiness: Despite their specialized origin, they adapt well to terrarium conditions Efficiency: Excellent cleanup crew members that actively process organic waste Behaviour: Interesting social interactions and activity patterns provide hours of observation Educational Value: Perfect for learning about Mediterranean cave ecosystems and isopod biology Whether you're expanding your existing collection or seeking something truly unusual, Trachelipus caveatus from Crete offers an unmatched combination of rarity, beauty, and fascinating natural history. Quick Care Summary Perfect for: Experienced collectors seeking rare Mediterranean speciesDifficulty: Moderate - suitable for those with some isopod experienceBest kept: In groups of 10+ individuals for natural behaviourSpecial needs: Limestone-based substrate and excellent ventilationReward level: High - fascinating behaviour and extreme rarity make these truly special

Blooming in the most common places like under the damp log in your backyard, Trachelipus Rotzeburgi Isopods are terrestrial isopods, also known as woodlice or pill bugs. They are an easy-to-look after species, plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as other isopods do. They are nature's recyclers and break down organic matter and enrich the soil to be as essential as they can be for plants and humans. Their presence is a sign the ecosystem is healthy and functioning, making them a fascinating subject to many. That being said let us walk you through the details of Trachelipus Rotzeburgi Isopods so you can decide if that's the right choice for you to have as a pet. Trachelipus Rotzeburgi Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Central Europe Scientific Name: Trachelipus ratzeburgii pedemontanus Rarity: Not rare Size: Up to 1.8 cm Difficulty Level: Easy Humidity: 60-70% Temperature: 17-25 °C Favorite Foods:  Decaying plant matter, Dried river shrimp, Vegetable scraps, fruit, and rotten wood An Overview A beginner-friendly species to start your pet keeping experience, Trachelipus rotzeburgi is from central Europe, where they are found in different regions, but more common in areas with high-humidity and low temperatures. They are hardy creatures with small in size, which is added benefit for blending perfectly in every surrounding. The maximum they grow upto 1.8 cm if growing in the favourable conditions.  The reason of Trachelipus rotzeburgi getting popular species amongst hobbyists is because of its friendly nature and minimum care requirements. The features slightly rough and bumpy texture and the colors varies varies from dark grey to brown helping them hide better in their surroundings and not be noticeable.  Despite being a native of Europe, Trachelipus rotzeburgi can adapt well to different climates and living conditions, making them a better choice than other isopods that cannot. An interesting aspect of their behavior is their active nature. Trachelipus rotzeburgi are livelier than other isopods, which is why they are fun to watch in a terrarium where they live in a community. Trachelipus Rotzeburgi Isopods: Basic Care Caring for Trachelipus rotzeburgi isopods is simple if you know what they need and how they live. We have provided some basic care tips to help beginners get started. Since they are found in Central Europe, they prefer cold temperatures between 17 °C and 25 °C, so you have to maintain the terrarium accordingly. Like in the wild, Trachelipus rotzeburgi isopods need a moist but not soaking wet environment with lots of hiding spots as they do in the wild. Using a mix of soil, leaf litter, and pieces of bark, you can create a similar setup for your isopods to live happy and healthy. They prefer high levels of humidity; around 70-80% is good to go, along with good ventilation so mold cannot grow within the enclosure. Trachelipus rotzeburgi isopods are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, so drastic fluctuations within the terrarium are not allowed, as this slows down their activity. Crowd the enclosure with both dry and wet areas so your isopods are comfortable and can easily choose a spot according to their mood and preference. A composition of dechlorinated water to mist the enclosure is a good idea because it makes the environment healthy and proper for your isopods to live. Feeding A fun part of owning Trachelipus rotzeburgi isopods is feeding because you will likely have a great time preparing your diet, which consists mainly of dead plant material.  When feeding them, learn about their preference first. To fill their tummy, feed them litter like dried oak, maple, or other safe leaves. Their love their veggies like carrots, zucchini, and cucumbers because it is good for their health and balance the diet. Risking on their protein source is not good on their health and you must include foods like fish flakes or dried shrimp also plays a role in their overall health in a negative way and can come in between their growth of exoskeleton and become weak. As for calcium, you can give cuttlebone as it strengthens their shells, helping them live longer.  Trachelipus Rotzeburgi Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour Trachelipus Rotzeburgi isopods have a rugged, earthy look. They have an oval-shaped body and a bumpy texture that covers their entire exoskeleton, that acts like a shield and help them to hide in natural surrounding from predators.  As far as coloration is concerned, they come in dark grey, brown, or black tones, which help them easily, hide in dirt, leaves, and bark. The faint strips or lighter patches on their backs allow them to camouflage better. Trachelipus rotzeburgi isopods are more active than other species in behavior, so you will often see them moving around, foraging for food, or hiding under objects.  They are social creatures and live in groups, where they interact and thrive together if the environment is favorable. Trachelipus Rotzeburgi Isopods: Habitat To give them their preferred habitat, ensure to create areas with greenery because they love the areas with greenery like forest gardens and damp fields. The rate of their survival grows when the ground is moist and high-humidity spaces that protect them from predators and plenty of food, so they can nibble anytime they like and not feel starved. Ensure the enclosure has good ventilation and lots of hiding places because they need it to hide and rest. Substrate Mix You cannot take the substrate mix lightly because it is an essential part of their environment in captivity, and without it, they cannot be happy and healthy. A substrate that can hold moisture for a long time without mistaking the enclosure too often is the perfect choice. Create a mixture of organic topsoil, coconut fiber, and a layer of leaf litter while ensuring that they are free of pesticides and fertilizers. With additional elements like rotting wood provide a food source and extra hiding spots for your isopods to use whenever they need them. The final touch to create the complete habitat is by adding a bit of sand to improve drainage and ensure the terrarium is not overly moist.

Compared to other isopods, Ardentiella tricolour isopods are rarely sighted. They require warmer temperatures and stable environments for their survival. They make a brilliant display species. Tricolour Isopods: A Glimpse ·       Origin: Vietnam ·       Scientific Name: Merulanella sp. ·       Difficulty Level: Medium ·       Size: 13MM to 0.55 IN. ·       Rarity: Low/ Medium ·       Temperature: 20⁰C to 26⁰C ·       Humidity: 60-70% ·       Favourite Foods: Fruits, Vegetables Tricolour Isopods: An Overview Merulanella Tricolour Isopods are a species of terrestrial isopods. They are commonly called pill bugs or woodlice. As the name suggests, they have a very peculiar colouration. They are highly distinct from other species of isopods. They mostly have a tricolour pattern, which includes shades of yellow, black and red. A hard exoskeleton covers their oval-shaped body. They are gifted two pairs of antennae. They have seven pairs of legs. Their natural habitat is found to be around tropical and subtropical regions. Their distribution is thus minimal. They are most likely found in the tropical areas. This limitation in their distribution makes them a less-encountered species of isopods. To feed tricolour isopods, the best options are a mix of vegetables, fruits, and decaying leaves. Fish flakes and commercial isopod food can be provided as supplement feeds. They rely on moist environments for their survival. Tricolour Isopods: Basic Care The following instructions can be helpful in providing the best care for Tricolour isopods. ·       Provide a suitable habitat- Combining organic materials like sphagnum moss, leaf litter and coconut fibre can create a moist substrate ideal for their habitat. ·       Maintaining dampness-Excessive moisture should be avoided as it is harmful for tricolour isopods. ·       Hiding spots- This provides more naturality to the enclosure. They behave more naturally when they feel secure. ·       Temperature- An ideal temperature of 20-26 degree should be maintained. ·       Humidity- Humidity levels should be between 60-70%. ·       Diet- A balanced diet plant matter, invertibrates and fungi should be fed to the isopods to ensure their survival. ·       Specialized diets available in the market can be used to feed them. ·       Monitor the conditions regularly using thermometer and hygrometer. ·       Since they can climb glass and plastic, their enclosures should not have openings near the lids and doors. Tricolour Isopods: Feeding Tricolour isopods are mainly identified as detritivores. They consume organic decaying matter. They can also feed on fruits, vegetables, leaf litter, rotting wood, etc. They are crucial in breaking down dead plant material, contributing to nutrient recycling. To ensure their survival, providing them with an optimal environment is crucial. Leaf litter can be considered an easy source of food. Leaves from different trees can be collected and fed to them in their enclosures. One of the main things to notice while feeding isopods is that the leaves should be pesticide-free. Other organic materials like fruits and vegetables are also considered ideal sources of energy for these isopods. Any food given has to be finely chopped or grated for easy consumption by isopods. Tricolour isopods prefer protein rich foods as well. Crushed dog or cat food, shrimp pellets and fish are highly recommended for the welfare of the isopods. Excess consumption should be avoided in any case. If it happens, it might lead to specific health issues among them. Whatever food the isopods consume, leftovers should be removed immediately. Mold can develop in leftover food, which can cause health issues among the tricolour isopods. Tricolour Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour ·       Tricolour isopods grow up to 0.55 Inches in length. ·       The species' major color combinations are red, yellow and black. ·       They make for a great display. ·       They are found in groups of five to six. ·       They require more warmer temperatures when compared to other isopod species. ·       If kept under optimal conditions, they are adorable as pets. ·       Once a colony is established for them, they live for a considerable period. ·       Tricolour isopods are considered as prolific breeders. A single female produces a large number of females. ·       Monitoring the reproductive patterns of these isopods is vital, as they are considered vulnerable in their reproductive phase. Tricolour Isopods: Habitat Providing an ideal habitat for tricolour isopods is fundamental for their survival. As pets, they make for a great display. An optimal environment has to be maintained in their enclosures to maintain their beautiful features and colour-patterns in their body. Tricolour isopods survive in the ideal temperature of 20-27⁰C (70-78⁰F). Any temperature above or below this temperature can mess with their metabolism. Regular monitoring of temperature is required to maintain the optimal levels of temperature. The use of a thermometer is preferred for this. It is highly advised to use a heat map or heat lamp to regulate the levels. People who make enclosures for tricolour isopods should also consider the required humidity levels. The ideal humidity level for the species is between 70-80%. A humidifier should be used to mist the enclosure daily. At the same time, excess moisture should be avoided. If the enclosure is moisturized excessively, mold growth might occur, which is harmful for the tricolour isopods. Along with a humidifier, a hygrometer should also be used to maintain the optimal humidity range. Tricolour isopods are omnivorous creatures. They feed on a variety of organic matter, including decayed fruits and vegetables, shrimp pellets, fish, etc. They are known for their ability to crawl on both glass and plastic. Hence, the tiny gaps that might appear between doors and glasses should be sealed. Tricolour Isopods: Substrate Mix A substrate is an ideal substance that aids the growth of an organism. It can help provide or maintain the optimal environment for your pet creatures. In the case of tricolour isopods, using the correct substrate mixture is crucial. The mixture should be provided accordingly since these isopods are mainly found in tropical climatic conditions. Tricolour isopods require a substrate that retains moisture. Leaf litter is seen as the most ideal form of substrate for this purpose. Leaves can be easily collected from a variety of trees to provide the ideal shelter for tricolour isopods. However, these leaves should be free of pesticides or chemicals. Additionally, sphagnum moss and coconut fiber can be utilized for their survival. In their ideal condition, hiding spots are also necessary. This substrate mixture of coconut fibre, leaf litter, and sphagnum moss offers natural hiding spots for the isopods. This creates a homely feeling for the isopods, who feel that they are in their natural habitats. Too much dampening of the substrate mix is not advisable in any enclosures. Care should be taken when using substrate mix, as it could cause waterlogging. Such scenarios should be avoided at all costs to ensure the survival of tricolour isopods.