PostPods
High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods (Armadillidium Gestroi)
from £15.00
£17.50
One of the most preferred isopods, the high yellow spotted giant isopods oalso knows as Armadillidium Gestroi Isopods Originate from the tropical region of France. These proportionatelysmall isopods are very popular as pets due to their unique appearance and behavior. Thus, good quality, high yellow spotted giant isopods are one of the most sought-after these days.
A Glimpse
Origin: France
Scientific Name: Armadillidium gestroi
Difficulty Level: Easy
Size: Up to 1.5 Centimeters
Rarity: Low/ Medium
Temperature: 68℉ to77℉
Humidity: 70% to 80%
Favorite Foods: Fish Carcasses, Shrimp
High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods: An Overview
These ispods are not very commonly found in comparison to other popular isotopes from the same origin. These European natives are renownedfor theirvibrant high yellow exoskeletons that exude a radiant glow. They have a distinctive yellow and cream color, scattered patches, and markings. They are suitable for novice keepers.
Being native to regions in the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods have an enclosure with high-humidity. They have a veryimpressive appearance.They make good pets because of their ease of care. You can use plastic and glass enclosures to house them.
Feeding these isopods is very convenient. These isopods can eat mostly anything from decaying plant and animal matter to vegetables and fungi. You will need to ensure a humid atmosphere to conveniently house them. Minimize exposure to severe weather conditions whenever possible.
Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods.
You can use either a glass vivarium or plastic containers for housingHigh Yellow Spotted Giant isopods.
Maintain the container’s temperature within 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is essential to ensure high humidity inside the enclosure.
You can minimize ventilation holes to prevent excessive humidity loss.
Don’tkeep the enclosure in direct light.
Position moss on an enclosure partly. Ensure the moss has enough moisture at all times.
Make use ofdecaying plant and animal matter as food for isopods.
You couldevenfeed them with vegetables, fungi, decaying food, worms, dead insects, leaf litter, lichens, and algae where this is available.
Feeding
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods are detritivores. They mostly consume decaying plant and animal matter only. They also feed on a variety of food items such as leaf litter, algae, etc.
They tend to be voracious eaters. Since they are ahighly active group, it's essential to provide them with adequate and nutritious supplements to ensure their optimal health.These isotope pet owners can use calcium, protein, vitamin E, and vitamin D supplements, etc.
One common mistake made by High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopod owners is overfeeding. This can be problematic due to the high humidity levels typically present within the enclosure.
In high humidity conditions, any leftover food can rapidly deteriorate. This can encourage mold growth. It can disrupt the balance within the enclosure. It can potentially result in various issues. Therefore, it's recommended to provide only an amount of food that High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods can consume in one feeding session.
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods crave fallen leaves, moss, dead wood, and lynches. They are always looking for food rich in calcium. This is why they often prefer eating different kinds of stones, dead insects, and more. However, you can always feed them with decaying plant matter.
Appearance and Behaviour
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopod is one relatively small isopod. It can grow to nearly 1.5 centimeters in length.
The isopod species’ name is inspired by its yellow color, scattered markings, and ability to curl into a ball.
These isopods have unique yellow and cream color. They have many markings and scattered patches along their lengths.
As these isopods exude a radiant glow, they make aesthetically appealing pets.
As they reach maturity, their color gradually darkens and becomes more like a brown hue.
Since they don't grow very large in size like the giant worms, these Isopods are well-suited for small pets.
These isotopesmake essential members of the bioactive food chain of a terrarium. They help in decomposition and disease control.
They are very easy to maintain and handle. They make attractive pets for children of young ages.
Habitat
Armadillidium Gestroi Isopods thrive in high humidity. This is why it is ideal to create a humid environment for them, minimizing any moisture loss whenever possible. Utilize a plastic container to store the High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods or add them to an enclosure with live terrarium plants.
Once these isopod familiarize with the conditions, then you can transfer it to a suitable enclosure. However, it is essential to keep the total of ventilation holes to a minimum. Excessive ventilation holes can lower the internal humidity, potentially causing unprecedented problems for the spotted giant isopods.
Elevated humidity in the closure can attract pests. Add springtails inside the enclosure. This will prevent pests from entering the enclosure. Springtails are also effective in managing mold.
High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods: Substrate Mix
Selecting the appropriate substrate mix is important for maintaining an ideal habitat for High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods. Since they grow in high humidity conditions, the mix should be advantageous for maintaining such an environment.
An optimal mix with excellent water retention properties is essential for preserving high humidity levels within a High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods enclosure. Given their detritivores nature, adding lichens and leaf litter into the substrate mix can be beneficial for them.
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods also enjoy living inside hiding spots as much as possible. Experts highly recommend that you add a thick leaf litter and lichens layer at the top of the mix. You can add things likecoconut coir, charcoal, calcium supplements, etc., in the mix to create a suitable environment for them
PostPods
Hoffmannseggii Orange Isopods (Porcellio)
from £35.00
Porcellio hoffmannseggi, or the Titan Isopods, are one of the most enormous terrestrial creatures. These are huge compared to other Porcellio genus creatures. These creatures live in dry and less humid environments. Their huge size and features make them unique from other isopods. Due to this, Porcellio Hoffmannseggii is widely sought after and appreciated among isopod enthusiasts.
Summary
Origin: Spain
Common Name: Titan Isopods
Maintenance: Medium
Temperature: 65℉ - 90℉
Size: 4 cm
Rarity: Low to Medium
Humidity: 30% to 50%
Diet: Fruit, vegetables, dried leaves, fish food
Supplements: Cuttlebone or calcium carbonate
Porcellio hoffmannseggii orange Isopods: Abstract
The Titan Isopods (Porcellio hoffmannseggi) are one of the largest terrestrial isopod species, admired for their impressive size and hardy nature. Known for their distinctive appearance and ability to thrive in drier environments, they are a favorite among isopod enthusiasts. These isopods are ideal for more advanced hobbyists due to their territorial behavior and specific care requirements. Their size and unique characteristics make them a standout addition to any bioactive enclosure
Porcellio Hoffmannseggii Isopods: Morphs
Though these hoffmannseggii isopods have regular grey exoskeletons, they can still produce offspring in different colours due to genetics. The types of isopods based on colour are:
Porcellio hoffmannseggii (Black):- The commonly known isopod colour.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii (Brown):- The chocolate morph is its light colouration.
Porcellio Hoffmannseggii (White):- The rarest colour among the above. They're completely white in colour.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Traits
They are one of the largest terrestrial isopods and grow to 4 cm.
They prefer dry and less humid conditions with a lot of ventilation.
These species are very territorial in nature and chase off other males.
They are detritivores in nature, and they prefer decaying hardwood over leaves.
They have a hard carapace, with a dark hue and white colour on the skirts.
Compared to other isopods, they are not beginner-friendly, as these species are not tolerant to extreme temperatures.
The young offspring form their own colony once they breed and produce their offspring.
They need a protein-rich and nutritious diet.
Nutrition
Titan isopods feed on almost all types of food. Primarily, they are detritivores and feed on dead organic matter. But when breeding in an enclosure, providing a balanced nutritional diet is crucial.
Unlike other isopods, these critters prefer rotten wood rather than leaves. Vegetables and greens can be included in their diet, along with their primary food. These isopods require a lot of protein and calcium in their diet, especially during mating season. 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 hoffmannseggiis. These isopods may look huge, but they consume little. Feeding should be limited to enough to finish in a single sitting, ensuring optimal nutrition without unnecessary excess.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Breeding and Offsprings
Male and female Porcellio Hoffmannseggii can be easily distinguished by the length of their tails, which are also known as uropods.
If the temperature and humidity of the enclosure are stable, they will produce quickly and easily with average brood size.
After the offspring are hatched, the mothers protect their offspring for the first two moltings.
When breeding these isopods, it is crucial to divide the colonies as they are territorial in nature.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Artificial Habitat Setting
Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods from the Mediterranean area prefer less moisture with good ventilation.
The common mistake made by owners of these isopods is providing a dry, moisture-free enclosure. Lack of moisture will make isopods perish; therefore, it is crucial to offer a steep moisture gradient in the enclosure.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods thrive in dry and humid environments. Maintaining the substrate with wet and dry areas allows them to regulate their hydration level.
For these isopods to get familiar with artificial enclosure, it is better to keep the Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods in a small container. Acclimatise to the atmospheric conditions before moving them into a well-ventilated plastic container. They need a big container and a lot of cross-ventilation in the enclosure.
Additionally, it provides a lot of options and substrates for these critters to burrow deep and hide. Provide the species with a wide range of materials such as dead wood, dried leaves, sphagnum moss, etc and hardwood pieces for the species to hide and form colonies.
These isopods don't tolerate high humidity and extreme temperatures. It is important to maintain a stable temperature of 70℉ and humidity of the enclosure around 30%.
Porcellio Hoffmannseggii Isopods: Substrate Mix
The moisture-retaining substrate mix for hoffmannseggii isopods should be deep. These animals live around the cliffside in Spain; hence, it is important to create an environment that mimics their natural habitat.
A 15L standard-sized large enclosure is needed. However, having a larger plastic enclosure with enough outlets for ventilation is always ideal. A combination of coco coir, hardwood leaves and sphagnum moss will form the base. The substrate mix has to be five centimetres in depth. Porcellio Hoffmannseggii are fond of burrowing, which makes it quite good for them.
Adding a few rotten hardwoods makes a perfect home for isopods with their babies inside. The elements, such as wooden bark and dried leaves, create a closer look to their natural environment. The wooden bark is preferred because it decays slowly over time, supplying continuous nutrition. This bark gives cover to the isopods, thereby enhancing the terrarium's appearance.
Apart from these basic components, adding a small patch of sphagnum moss will increase moisture retention and preserve the terrarium's microenvironment. This is very important for the Porcellio Hoffmannseggii isopods to get moisture.
Ventilation is needed to sustain a healthy balance within the enclosure. Holes are made for ventilation to avoid excess humidity in the enclosure. The substrate's humidity gradient should be set to ¼ area moist and the rest of its size dry.
Cuttlebone or calcium supplements are added to the substrate, and these creatures need a lot of protein.
A proper balance of these elements helps with the physical health and breeding of Porcellio hoffmannseggii. This captive environment makes the Titan Isopods flourish in this artificial one.
PostPods
Hoffmannseggii white antenna isopods (Porcellio)
from £20.00
Hoffmannseggii White Antenna Isopods are a stunning variant of the Titan Isopods, distinguished by their white antennae and vibrant exoskeleton. Like their counterparts, they are among the largest terrestrial isopods, thriving in drier, well-ventilated environments. This morph is highly sought after for its unique appearance and territorial nature. They feed on detritus like decaying wood and require calcium and protein-rich supplements for optimal health. These isopods need a controlled environment with a mix of moist and dry areas to thrive in captivity.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Summary
Origin: Spain
Common Name: Titan Isopods
Maintenance: Medium
Temperature: 65℉ - 90℉
Size: 4 cm
Rarity: Low to Medium
Humidity: 30% to 50%
Diet: Fruit, vegetables, dried leaves, fish food
Supplements: Cuttlebone or calcium carbonate
Porcellio hoffmannseggii White Anetenna Isopods: Abstract
Porcellio hoffmannseggii white atenna isopods are native to the Mediterranean regions of Spain. Even though they're from the Mediterranean area, these species prefer less moisture. These species have a regular colour, which is grey with white skirts. But there are various coloured morphs for this species.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Traits
They are one of the largest terrestrial isopods and grow to 4 cm.
They prefer dry and less humid conditions with a lot of ventilation.
These species are very territorial in nature and chase off other males.
They are detritivores in nature, and they prefer decaying hardwood over leaves.
They have a hard carapace, with a dark hue and white colour on the skirts.
Compared to other isopods, they are not beginner-friendly, as these species are not tolerant to extreme temperatures.
The young offspring form their own colony once they breed and produce their offspring.
They need a protein-rich and nutritious diet.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii White Antenna Isopods: Nutrition
Porcellio Hoffmannseggii isopods feed on almost all types of food. Primarily, they are detritivores and feed on dead organic matter. But when breeding in an enclosure, providing a balanced nutritional diet is crucial.
Unlike other isopods, these critters prefer rotten wood rather than leaves. Vegetables and greens can be included in their diet, along with their primary food. These isopods require a lot of protein and calcium in their diet, especially during mating season. 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. These isopods may look huge, but they consume little. Feeding should be limited to enough to finish in a single sitting, ensuring optimal nutrition without unnecessary excess.
Porcellio Hoffmannseggii White Anetenna Isopods: Breeding and Offsprings
Male and female Porcellio Hoffmannseggii can be easily distinguished by the length of their tails, which are also known as uropods.
If the temperature and humidity of the enclosure are stable, they will produce quickly and easily with average brood size.
After the offspring are hatched, the mothers protect their offspring for the first two moltings.
When breeding these isopods, it is crucial to divide the colonies as they are territorial in nature.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Artificial Habitat Setting
Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods from the Mediterranean area prefer less moisture with good ventilation.
The common mistake made by owners of these isopods is providing a dry, moisture-free enclosure. Lack of moisture will make isopods perish; therefore, it is crucial to offer a steep moisture gradient in the enclosure.
Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods thrive in dry and humid environments. Maintaining the substrate with wet and dry areas allows them to regulate their hydration level.
For these isopods to get familiar with artificial enclosure, it is better to keep the Porcellio hoffmannseggii white antenna isopods in a small container. Acclimatise to the atmospheric conditions before moving them into a well-ventilated plastic container. They need a big container and a lot of cross-ventilation in the enclosure.
Additionally, it provides a lot of options and substrates for these critters to burrow deep and hide. Provide the species with a wide range of materials such as dead wood, dried leaves, sphagnum moss, etc and hardwood pieces for the species to hide and form colonies.
These isopods don't tolerate high humidity and extreme temperatures. It is important to maintain a stable temperature of 70℉ and humidity of the enclosure around 30%.
Porcellio Hoffmannseggii Isopods: Substrate Mix
The moisture-retaining substrate mix for Isopods should be deep. These animals live around the cliffside in Spain; hence, it is important to create an environment that mimics their natural habitat.
A 15L standard-sized large enclosure is needed. However, having a larger plastic enclosure with enough outlets for ventilation is always ideal. A combination of coco coir, hardwood leaves and sphagnum moss will form the base. The substrate mix has to be five centimetres in depth. Porcellio Hoffmannseggii are fond of burrowing, which makes it quite good for them.
Adding a few rotten hardwoods makes a perfect home for isopods with their babies inside. The elements, such as wooden bark and dried leaves, create a closer look to their natural environment. The wooden bark is preferred because it decays slowly over time, supplying continuous nutrition. This bark gives cover to the isopods, thereby enhancing the terrarium's appearance.
Apart from these basic components, adding a small patch of sphagnum moss will increase moisture retention and preserve the terrarium's microenvironment. This is very important for the Porcellio Hoffmannseggii to get moisture.
Ventilation is needed to sustain a healthy balance within the enclosure. Holes are made for ventilation to avoid excess humidity in the enclosure. The substrate's humidity gradient should be set to ¼ area moist and the rest of its size dry.
Cuttlebone or calcium supplements are added to the substrate, and these creatures need a lot of protein.
A proper balance of these elements helps with the physical health and breeding of Porcellio hoffmannseggii white anetenna isopods. This captive environment makes the Titan Isopods flourish in this artificial one.
PostPods
Ignamba sp Nigeria Isopods
from £10.00
Explore the fascinating world of African terrestrial isopods with our rare Ignamba sp. Nigeria Isopods! These remarkable woodlice represent an exciting opportunity to keep one of the lesser-known genera from the diverse African continent, bringing a piece of Nigerian wildlife directly to your terrarium. As representatives of Africa's rich but understudied isopod fauna, these unique creatures offer experienced keepers the chance to work with truly uncommon species while contributing to our understanding of African terrestrial crustaceans. Perfect for dedicated collectors seeking something genuinely rare and geographically distinctive.
A Glimpse
Origin: Nigeria, West Africa
Scientific Name: Ignamba sp. "Nigeria"
Maintenance required: Medium to Advanced
Average Size: 1.0-1.8 cm (estimated)
Rarity: Very High
Lifespan: 1.5-2.5 years (estimated)
Temperature: 24℃-28℃ (75℉-82℉)
Ventilation: Moderate to High
Humidity: 70-85%
Favorite food: Leaf litter, tropical vegetation, organic matter
Supplements: Calcium sources, protein supplements
Ignamba sp. Nigeria: Introduction
These extraordinary isopods hail from the biodiverse landscapes of Nigeria, representing one of the many fascinating but poorly documented terrestrial crustacean species found across West Africa. The genus Ignamba is part of Africa's rich isopod fauna that remains largely unexplored by the scientific community, making these specimens particularly valuable for both hobbyists and researchers interested in African biodiversity.
Nigeria's varied ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to savannas, provide unique environmental pressures that have shaped the evolution of these remarkable creatures. Their presence in the hobby represents an exciting opportunity to study and appreciate African isopod diversity while potentially contributing to our understanding of this understudied genus through careful observation and breeding records.
Physical Traits and Characteristics
These medium-sized terrestrial isopods display characteristics typical of African woodland species, with robust, well-segmented bodies adapted to tropical conditions
Their coloration likely reflects their Nigerian origins, potentially featuring earth tones that provide camouflage in leaf litter and forest floor environments
As representatives of an African genus, they may display unique morphological features that distinguish them from more commonly kept European or Asian species
Their size places them in the medium range for terrestrial isopods, making them substantial enough for detailed observation while remaining manageable in terrarium settings
Body structure suggests adaptation to burrowing and surface foraging behaviors typical of tropical forest floor dwellers
Their African heritage may contribute to enhanced heat tolerance compared to temperate species
Segmentation and proportions reflect successful adaptation to Nigeria's diverse ecological niches
As with many African isopods, they likely possess efficient water retention mechanisms for surviving seasonal variations
Their terrestrial lifestyle indicates full adaptation to land-based living with appropriate respiratory and reproductive modifications
Diet
Ignamba sp. Nigeria isopods are presumed to be generalist detritivores with feeding habits adapted to Nigeria's rich tropical ecosystems. In their natural habitat, they likely encounter a diverse array of decomposing plant matter, from fallen rainforest leaves to grassland vegetation, depending on their specific regional distribution within Nigeria.
Provide a varied diet that reflects their tropical origins, including quality leaf litter from oak, beech, and tropical hardwood species. Supplement with fresh vegetables such as sweet potatoes, yams, plantain, and other foods that might be encountered in their native range. Their African origins suggest they may particularly appreciate calcium-rich foods and mineral supplements.
Given Nigeria's biodiversity, these isopods may have evolved to process a wide variety of organic matter. Offer protein sources like fish food flakes, dried shrimp, or specialized protein supplements to support healthy growth and reproduction. Include tropical fruits occasionally, as many African isopods have adapted to utilize seasonal fruit falls.
Monitor feeding carefully as these rare specimens require consistent nutrition to establish successfully in captivity. Their adaptation to tropical conditions suggests they may have higher metabolic rates than temperate species, potentially requiring more frequent feeding during their active periods.
Ignamba sp. Nigeria: Personality
As representatives of African isopod fauna, these remarkable creatures likely display behavioral adaptations reflecting their tropical heritage. Many African terrestrial isopods exhibit increased activity levels compared to their temperate cousins, potentially making them more engaging to observe once they acclimate to terrarium conditions.
Their behavior patterns may reflect the seasonal rhythms of Nigerian ecosystems, with periods of increased activity corresponding to wet and dry seasons. They may be more exploratory than some species, as adaptation to Nigeria's diverse habitats often favors behavioral flexibility and environmental exploration.
Being from an understudied genus, observing their behavior contributes valuable information to our understanding of African isopod ecology. They may display unique social behaviors, feeding preferences, or environmental responses that distinguish them from more commonly kept species.
Their rarity means they deserve patient, respectful care that allows their natural behaviors to emerge as they settle into captive conditions. Each behavioral observation contributes to our collective knowledge of this fascinating but poorly understood genus.
Breeding
Breeding Ignamba sp. Nigeria isopods represents an exciting opportunity to establish captive populations of this rare African species. As with many tropical isopods, they may require specific environmental triggers related to seasonal changes, humidity cycles, or temperature variations to initiate successful breeding.
Establishing breeding populations is particularly important given their rarity in the hobby. Success in breeding these isopods not only provides personal satisfaction but contributes to conservation of the genetic diversity of this understudied species in captivity.
Females likely follow typical isopod reproductive patterns, carrying eggs in a marsupium for several weeks before releasing juveniles. The exact breeding cycle may differ from more commonly known species, making careful observation and record-keeping valuable for future keepers.
Provide optimal conditions with stable high humidity, appropriate temperatures reflecting Nigerian climate patterns, and abundant calcium sources to support egg development and juvenile growth. Multiple breeding pairs increase the likelihood of establishing a self-sustaining colony.
Given their rarity, any successful breeding should be documented and shared with the isopod community to increase knowledge about this genus and potentially establish multiple breeding lines to ensure long-term availability.
Creating the Perfect Habitat
Ignamba sp. Nigeria isopods require carefully designed habitats that reflect their tropical African origins. Create a setup that mimics Nigerian woodland conditions with deep, moisture-retentive substrate composed of quality tropical soil mix, decomposed leaf matter, and organic components that maintain consistent humidity.
Temperature management is crucial - maintain warm conditions between 24-28℃ to reflect their tropical heritage while avoiding temperature fluctuations that might stress these rare specimens. Higher temperatures than typically used for European species may be necessary for optimal health and activity.
Humidity should remain consistently high (75-85%) while ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent stagnation. Create microclimates within the enclosure using sphagnum moss, cork bark, and leaf litter to provide varied humidity zones that allow the isopods to self-regulate their moisture needs.
Include hiding spots that reflect their natural environment - flat bark pieces, ceramic caves, and leaf litter create the security they need while allowing for natural foraging behaviors. Consider the aesthetic appeal of creating a Nigerian-inspired biotope with appropriate tropical decorations.
Lighting should be minimal as these are likely forest floor species adapted to low light conditions. Substrate depth should be substantial (5-7cm) to allow for natural burrowing behaviors while incorporating mineral-rich components to support their calcium requirements.
Given their rarity and value, monitor environmental conditions closely and maintain detailed records of successful setups to help establish best practices for keeping this remarkable and understudied African species.
PostPods
Iriomotensis 'Miyako' Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
from £20.00
Miyako isopods are also known as Japanese Red Edge, are another rare species of isopods found. These species are indigenous to the Miyako island of Japan. Due to its striking reddish orange colouration and characteristics makes them unique. Due to the rarity of these species, these are highly sought after by exotic pets who love to collect rare species.
Miyako Isopods: Summary
● Place of Origin: Miyako Island, Japan
● Scientific Term: Cubaris sp. "Miyako"
● Common Name: Miyako Island Isopod
● Maintenance level: Easy
● Temperature Range: 68℉-86℉
● Size: 1.3 cm
● Rareness: High
● Breeding Difficulty: medium
● Humidity Range: 60% -80%
● Preferred diet: decaying wood, leaf litter
● Supplements: Calcium powder, Limestone
Miyako Isopods: Abstract
These species are found in the limestone island of South Japan. They have a shiny body with bright reddish orange exoskeleton on the skirts and antenna and have a dark black body. For those who are unfamiliar to this species, they may misunderstand this as Cubaris sp. Red Edge. These species have characteristics similar to other cubaris species and require high humidity in their habitat.
Miyako Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics
● Indigenous to the Miyako island of Japan, thus the rarity of this species.
● They are fearless and don't roll as often as other roly polys.
● Has a smooth carapace with a striking reddish-orange color on the skirts and antennae.
● They are formally described as Cubaris Iriomotensis, but there is still debate on the classification of these species.
● It looks similar to the Cubaris Murina Red Edge and, therefore, may get confused if not familiar with the species.
● These species really enjoy burrowing and so require a thick substrate in their enclosure.
● Prefer decayed vegetation and wood as they are common in the habitat they are from
● They require higher calcium and protein compared to other isopods for better health and molting.
● Easy to maintain but slightly difficult to breed. Therefore, it requires care and attention.
Miyako Isopods: Diet Requirements
These species prefer decaying organic matter as a primary source of food. But it is essential to provide a balanced diet. These species, like many cubaris sp., require high calcium and protein in their diet. Therefore, it is important to feed them calcium supplements or cuttlebones in the enclosure to meet the calcium requirements. Fish pellets and meat scraps are the best sources of protein and have to be paired with calcium supplements.
Other foods for the isopods include pulverized grains, beans and mushrooms can be added into the enclosure. Make sure to provide small food portions in the beginning and observe their eating habits. Slowly increase the amount a bit and make sure not to overfeed them as it can attract pests.
Miyako Isopods: Basic Steps for Care
● A shoebox-size plastic container may be suitable for an enclosure for these tiny species. However, it is best to invest in a glass enclosure to appreciate its beauty, movements, and activity.
● Make sure the enclosure that you have opted for has ventilation provisions. If not, provide holes around the container.
● Make sure that the ventilation outlets are not too big, as these species require high moisture. Also, they tend to escape through the ventilation, so it is best to add mesh to the ventilation openings.
● It is essential to have a perfect balance between the moisture content and the provision for ventilation used in the container. This will help to provide a good environment for the isopods, and they will enjoy better living conditions.
● The container in which these species are kept should have a controlled lighting mechanism. They are not comfortable with high bright light and prefer dim lights.
● While feeding the isopods, it is very important to ensure that a mix of decayed leaves and bark is provided. It is also important to ensure that the dried leaves have no pesticide or chemical content. The presence of any kind of chemical compound can severely affect the life span of the species.
● Adding moss in the enclosure also acts as a hiding place for the isopods and something for these species to snack on. Make sure to add moss periodically to maintain the ecosystem and serve as food for these species.
● Adding a piece of cuttlebone can help the isopods achieve their calcium intake. Also, when preparing a substrate mix, add earthworm castings in it to provide protein in their diet.
● When taking care of the isopods, make sure not to pick them up or touch them often, as it may cause stress to these species. Make sure to make less contact with them unless it is for transferring them to different enclosures.
Miyako Isopods: Artificial Habitat
Cubaris sp. Miyako Isopods are native to the tropical forest of Miyako Island in Japan. These species are more commonly found in highly humid areas with less ventilation. Though these species are very easy to maintain, they can be a tad bit tricky to establish in any artificial container. Therefore, it is important to replicate their natural environment and their native habitat for culturing and for overall well being of the species.
In an enclosure, make sure to provide a suitable standard-sized 6 qt container as the frame for the artificial setting. DIY plastic boxes are cheap and effective for culturing, but if you want to watch and appreciate these species' colors and want to observe their activities, glass containers are the best option.
When placing the isopods inside the container, ensure there aren't many air ventilation outlets. Too many outlets may result in a decline in humidity within the enclosure, harming the isopod's overall health and well-being.
For the substrate make sure to include elements such as flake soil, sphagnum moss, leaf litter, and finally the isopod and springtail mix into the enclosure. Make sure to provide a thick bedding of 4 inches to 6 inches approx. as these species like to dig. When providing moisture make sure that it is done in such a way that it has both dry and wet areas.
Add rotten wooden bark inside for creating hiding space as well as for the aesthetic appeal. Add limestone pieces or cuttlebone for nutrition and to mimic their natural environment. Include elements like egg cartons and coconut halves as well for the isopods to explore and to bring out their natural habits like foraging.
The temperature for the enclosure should not be above or below the desired temperature. By following these guidelines, you can have healthy, thriving isopods in your enclosure to culture and admire them as pets.
PostPods
Isopod Mystery Box
from £25.00
Isopod Mystery Box: Curated Surprises for Every Hobbyist
Beautiful healthy isopods delivered to your door — with the excitement of not knowing exactly which species you’ll discover until you open the box.
PostPods mystery boxes contain carefully selected isopods from different species, chosen by experienced breeders to give you fantastic value while introducing you to these fascinating invertebrates. Whether you’re building your first bioactive terrarium or expanding an established collection, our mystery boxes deliver more pods for your money than buying individual species.
What Makes Our Mystery Boxes Special
Guaranteed fantastic value — retail worth exceeds what you spend
Beautiful healthy pods from 3-8 different species per box
Carefully wrapped with specialized packaging for live arrival
Mix of common and interesting isopods you might not find elsewhere
Fast delivery with live arrival guarantee
Perfect for Every Experience Level
New to isopods? Our boxes include beginner friendly pets that adapt to almost all terrains and accommodate basic care requirements. These low maintenance pets are excellent for those just starting their invertebrate journey.
Experienced collector? Request more challenging species in your order note. We stock rare morphs and interesting isopods that recently gained popularity among dedicated hobbyists.
What You Might Discover
Isopods present worldwide with wide distribution geographically — from deserts to mountains, these small creatures have adapted to even the harshest conditions. Your mystery box could include:
Dairy cow white pods with distinctive black and white patterns
Colorful morphs that add visual interest to any setup
Fast breeding species that establish colonies quickly
Unique varieties from distinctive places around the world
Size varies significantly between species — some remain relatively smaller while others can reach half a meter in specialized conditions. All our pods are generally small creatures perfect for terrarium life.
How Our Mystery Boxes Work
Each box contains one batch of carefully selected isopods, packed to survive the journey to your door. We accommodate special requests when possible — just leave a note about your preferences, existing collection, or intended use.
Delivery takes approximately two weeks depending on your location and our current stock levels. Every shipment includes care guidance to help your tiny animals thrive in their new environment.
Value That Makes Sense
Mystery boxes offer a great value way to build your collection without the significant amount you’d spend buying individual species. Instead of researching each variety separately, let our breeders surprise you with a mix that represents fantastic value.
Many hobbyists prefer mystery boxes because they:
Discover species they wouldn’t normally choose
Get more animals for less money
Experience the excitement of unboxing surprises
Build diverse colonies for breeding projects
The PostPods Difference
We understand that these are living animals, not just products. Each isopod is selected for health and vitality, ensuring you receive beautiful healthy isopods that will thrive and potentially breed in your care.
Our breeders have spent ages perfecting packaging methods that accommodate the needs of different species during transport. From moisture control to temperature management, every detail helps your pods arrive ready to explore their new habitat.
Ready to Start Your Collection?
Whether you’re setting up your first terrarium or adding to an established collection, PostPods mystery boxes deliver the excitement of discovery with the confidence of quality. These fantastic invertebrates will interact with their environment, help process organic matter, and potentially provide you with breeding stock for future projects.
Browse our mystery box selection and experience the surprise of not knowing which beautiful species will arrive at your door.
PostPods
Isopoda sp. Shiny gator Isopods
from £100.00
Keeping Shiny Gator Isopods as pets offers an exciting experience to those who prefer exotic creatures. An excellent addition to any isopod collection, Shiny Gator Isopods is popular because of their unique appearance and easy care requirements, which keepers prefer. Although small, Shiny Gator Isopods are not shy, making them a fascinating species. A gem of a species and full of character is Shiny Gator isopods.
Shiny Gator Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Thailand
Scientific Name: Isopoda sp
Difficulty: Easy
Rarity: Highly sought-after
Temperature: 21–26°C
Size: 3.8 mm to 6 mm
Humidity: Medium
Favorable Foods: Decaying wood, leaf litter, mango, carrots, limestone, cuttlefish bone, and fish food
An Overview
Native to Thailand, these small, dwarf creatures are Shiny Gator Isopods. Featuring a dark body, they have orange-red faces and rear ends, which make them look different from other isopod species. Adding to their uniqueness are raised nubs on their backs that look like spikes. Well, this is why these isopods are “Shiny Gator” because their bodies look like alligator skin.
Free-moving creatures, Shiny Gator Isopods have two pairs of dark-tipped antennae. The lower pair of antennae are feelers, while the upper pair are chemosensory structures.
Measuring up to 3.8 mm and 6 mm, temperatures between 21°C and 26°C are essential for these isopods to grow and thrive. As for humidity, medium level is what they prefer. The attractive exoskeleton is why these isopods add a striking aesthetic to terrariums and vivarium.
Shiny Gator Isopods: Basic Care
Following these tips helps you to take good care of your isopods.
Stable humidity and temperature levels are essential for your isopods to grow and reproduce.
The ideal temperature range is between 21°C and 26°C, so maintain the same for the well-being of your isopods.
Providing proper ventilation and a balanced diet helps enhance their overall health.
Create ample hiding spots using decaying wood and leaf litter, which mimics their natural habitat and provides them with shelter.
Monitor the enclosure regularly so you know everything is fine.
Shiny Gator Isopods: Feeding
A diverse diet is what Shiny Gator Isopods need to stay healthy. To ensure your isopods get proper nutrition, provide them with decaying wood and leaf litter, a staple in their diet. For vitamins, feeding mangoes and carrots is a good choice. Provide limestone and cuttlefish bone for calcium because it is good for their exoskeleton. A good protein source is fish food, as it enhances growth and reproduction. Providing all necessary nutrients leads to a thriving and active colony.
Shiny Gator Isopods: Appearance And Behaviour
The body color is dark, and the raised nubs on the back look like alligator skin.
The face and rear ends are orange or red, giving them a striking appearance.
Features two pairs of dark-tipped antennae, which they use for finding their way, monitoring moisture, and sensing chemicals.
Free-moving creatures are Shiny Gator Isopods but roll up when a threat is near.
Social creatures, Shiny Gator Isopods are not overly aggressive and coexist well in colonies.
Shiny Gator Isopods: Habitat
Creating the perfect habitat for Shiny Gator Isopods requires you to mimic their natural environment so they stay healthy and happy. A well-ventilated enclosure with a proper moisture gradient is essential for their well-being. Include a dry and slightly humid area in the habitat to cater to their needs. Create hiding spots with bark, moss, and leaf litter as it provides them shelter and security. Use moisture-retaining and well-draining materials in the substrate. This way, you can maintain the ideal conditions for your isopods.
Shiny Gator Isopods: Substrate Mix
Shiny Gator Isopods need a well-prepared substrate mix to stay healthy and live longer. The ideal substrate consists of coconut fiber, decaying wood, and leaf litter. These items help maintain the right humidity levels within the enclosure. For moisture retention, use sphagnum moss. Other necessary supplies include crushed limestone and cuttlefish bone, which is good for their shell development.
PostPods
Jelly Bean Isopods (A.Vulgare st.lucia)
from £12.00
St. Lucia isopods (AKA Jelly Bean Isopods) are popular pet isopods sold worldwide in huge numbers. They were initially found on Saint Lucia island. They are popularly known as jelly bean isopods due to the variety of colours they exhibit among themselves.
These isopods, even from the same colony, come in various colours. They are usually found in uncommon colours like dark burgundy, yellow, orange, etc. With a maximum length of about ¾ inches, they are perfect as pet isopods.
A Glimpse
Jelly beans are one of my favourite isopods, like the gestrois these are very confident isopods with great appetites, they are often seen ontop of the cork bark in the tub and unlike a lot of other isopods which wait until it's quiet or the lights go off before getting food you add to the tub, Jelly beans go for the food right away and eat it very quickly alos.
Origin: Saint Lucia Island
Scientific Name: Armadillidium Vulgare St. Lucia
Difficulty Level: Easy
Size: Up to ¾ inch
Rarity: Common
Temperature: 70°F to 80°F
Humidity: 70% to 80%
Favourite Foods: Organic matter
An Overview
Jelly Bean isopods are naturally found on Saint Lucia island. They are very suitable for pet rearing in small to medium enclosures. They are incredibly popular in the pet isopod world for their colour variation traits. It is generally observed that even the same colony these isopods exhibit a vast colour variation.
Many experiments have been conducted to isolate the colours found among these isopods. Researchers have mated jelly bean isopods of the same colour to produce a single-coloured isopod. But despite the same colour parents, the offspring tend to show their typical colour variation.
The colours of these isopods include orange, grey, yellow, burgundy, etc. The colour variation makes them the best addition to any vivarium. They grow up to ¾ inch and have a smooth segmented body.
Basic Care
Before proceeding to the details regarding the feeding, enclosure, substrate mix, etc., for Jelly Bean isopods, here are some pointers on how to provide primary care for these isopods.
Even though Jelly Bean isopods are small, they need a spacious enclosure to move around in.
It is advisable not to purchase a single Jelly Bean isopod alone. Jelly Bean isopods are highly social creatures. They need to have the presence of their fellow colony members to survive well.
Retaining moisture is essential for Jelly Bean isopods. So, getting some hiding spots for the isopod enclosure is advisable.
A critical thing to remember regarding Jelly Bean isopods is that they reproduce quickly. Unlike the other isopods, Jelly Bean isopods follow the ‘brood pouching’ method to protect the laid egg. Brood pouching is a unique reproductive strategy where the female creature tends to carry the laid eggs in a pouch until and unless they are ready to hatch. The pouch ensures the survival of the offspring by providing them protection.
Feeding
The diet of these isopods should contain protein-rich and calcium-rich foods. They need to get all their essential nutrients from the diet they follow. Leaf litter is the most common food for Jelly Bean isopods.
Jelly Bean isopods are generally detritivores. They love to consume organic matter. They are also quite fond of fruits, vegetables, etc.
The fruits that can be given to Jelly Bean isopods are as follows.
Apples
Berries
Bananas
Leafy greens
The vegetables suitable for Jelly Bean isopods are as follows.
Carrots
Zucchini
Cucumber
Following are some protein sources for Jelly Bean isopods.
Shrimp pellets
Fish food flakes
Crushed pet food
Following are some calcium sources for Jelly Bean isopods.
Cuttlebone powder
Calcium supplement
Appearance and Behaviour
Appearance
St Lucia isopods are relatively small and grow to only ¾ inches. They have a segmented body covered in a shiny exoskeleton. They come in many colours, including red, yellow, and orange.
Behavior
Jelly Bean isopods are social creatures. They can survive only when in groups. They interact with their colony members regularly. Usually, in colonies, there is a social hierarchy. There will always be dominant isopods in a colony that leads and controls the pack.
The dominant isopods exhibit stacking, which is placing oneself above another to display dominance.
Habitat
The right habitat is crucial for the survival of St Lucia isopods. As these isopods are originally from a humid environment, the enclosure must mimic the conditions of their natural habitat.
St Lucia isopods are colorful creatures. So, using a transparent case, container, or tank to make an enclosure is ideal. A transparent enclosure will make it visible to watch the activities of the isopods.
When deciding on the size of the enclosure, make sure that there is enough space for the isopods to move around freely. There should also be enough space for ventilation and air movement inside the enclosure.
The insides of the enclosure should be designed to retain maximum humidity. The first step is to fill the enclosure with a moisture-retaining substrate mix. There should also be enough hiding spots inside the enclosure.
Driftwood, bark, cork tubes, etc., can be placed on the enclosure's surface inside. These items act as activity courses for the isopods and also as hiding spots. A water dish with clean water is necessary inside the enclosure. The enclosure's surface should also be sprayed with water occasionally to keep it moist.
Gentle heat sources like lamps could be an excellent addition to Jelly Bean enclosures. St Lucia isopods needs gentle light. So, providing a gentle light source inside the enclosure will also be helpful.
Substrate Mix
A smooth and moist substrate mix is ideal for the survival of these isopods. The mix should be soft enough for the isopods to burrow into. It should also retain as much moisture as possible.
Some of the most suitable substrate options for Jelly Beans are as follows.
Coconut fiber
Sphagnum moss
Peat moss
Leaf litter
The substrate mix in the enclosure should provide maximum humidity. Leaf litter is an excellent option for maintaining humidity inside the enclosure and can also be used as a food source.
It is advisable to spray water into the substrate mix to maintain its moisture content. However, it is essential not to overwet the substrate. Extra moisture in the substrate can cause mold and bacteria to grow.
PostPods
JUMBO High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods (Armadillidium Gestroi)
from £12.50
£25.00
Everything you like about normal gestoris but over 20% bigger - meet the Jumbo Gestroi Isopods originate from the tropical region of France. Their origins in the warm, humid forests of this region provide them with a natural habitat rich in decaying wood and leaf litter, which is essential for their health and breeding. Compared to other isopod species, such as the popular White Shark or Rubber Ducky isopods, Jumbo Gestroi stand out for their impressive size and vibrant coloration. The neon yellow on them is brighter in appearance compared to the normal gestrois, and some individuals may display pale or white markings that add to their striking look.
High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: France
Scientific Name: Armadillidium gestroi
Difficulty Level: Easy
Size: Up to 1.8 Centimeters
Rarity: Low/ Medium
Temperature: 68℉ to77℉
Humidity: 70% to 80%
Favourite Foods: Fish Carcasses, Shrimp
Jumbo Gestroi Isopods: An Overview
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods are not very commonly found in comparison to other popular isotopes from the same origin. These European natives are renownedfor theirvibrant high yellow exoskeletons that exude a radiant glow. They have a distinctive yellow and cream color, scattered patches, and markings. They are suitable for novice keepers.
Being native to regions in the Mediterranean and Southern Europe, High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods have an enclosure with high-humidity. They have a veryimpressive appearance.They make good pets because of their ease of care. You can use plastic and glass enclosures to house them.
Feeding Jumbo Gestroi Isopods is very convenient. These isopods can eat mostly anything from decaying plant and animal matter to vegetables and fungi. You will need to ensure a humid atmosphere to conveniently house them. Minimize exposure to severe weather conditions whenever possible.
High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods: Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods.
You can use either a glass vivarium or plastic containers for housing for your Jumbo Gestroi Isopods.
Maintain the container’s temperature within 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is essential to ensure high humidity inside the enclosure.
You can minimize ventilation holes to prevent excessive humidity loss.
Don’t keep the enclosure in direct light.
Position moss on an enclosure partly. Ensure the moss has enough moisture at all times.
Make use of decaying plant and animal matter as food for isopods.
You could even feed them with vegetables, fungi, decaying food, worms, dead insects, leaf litter, lichens, and algae where this is available.
High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods: Feeding
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods are detritivores. They mostly consume decaying plant and animal matter only. They also feed on a variety of food items such as leaf litter, algae, etc.
They tend to be voracious eaters. Since they are ahighly active group, it's essential to provide them with adequate and nutritious supplements to ensure their optimal health.These isotope pet owners can use calcium, protein, vitamin E, and vitamin D supplements, etc.
One common mistake made by High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopod owners is overfeeding. This can be problematic due to the high humidity levels typically present within the enclosure.
In high humidity conditions, any leftover food can rapidly deteriorate. This can encourage mold growth. It can disrupt the balance within the enclosure. It can potentially result in various issues. Therefore, it's recommended to provide only an amount of food that Jumbo Gestroi Isopods can consume in one feeding session.
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods crave fallen leaves, moss, dead wood, and lynches. They are always looking for food rich in calcium. This is why they often prefer eating different kinds of stones, dead insects, and more. However, you can always feed them with decaying plant matter.
High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopod is one relatively small isopod. It can grow to nearly 1.5 centimeters in length.
The isopod species’ name is inspired by its yellow color, scattered markings, and ability to curl into a ball.
These isopods have unique yellow and cream color. They have many markings and scattered patches along their lengths.
As these isopods exude a radiant glow, they make aesthetically appealing pets.
As they reach maturity, their color gradually darkens and becomes more like a brown hue.
Since they don't grow very large in size like the giant worms, these Isopods are well-suited for small pets.
These isotopesmake essential members of the bioactive food chain of a terrarium. They help in decomposition and disease control.
They are very easy to maintain and handle. They make attractive pets for children of young ages.
Jumbo Gestroi Isopods: Habitat
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods thrive in high humidity. This is why it is ideal to create a humid environment for them, minimizing any moisture loss whenever possible. Utilize a plastic container to store the Jumbo Gestroi Isopods or add them to an enclosure with live terrarium plants.
Once these isopod familiarize with the conditions, then you can transfer it to a suitable enclosure. However, it is essential to keep the total of ventilation holes to a minimum. Excessive ventilation holes can lower the internal humidity, potentially causing unprecedented problems for the spotted giant isopods.
Elevated humidity in the closure can attract pests. Add springtails inside the enclosure. This will prevent pests from entering the enclosure. Springtails are also effective in managing mold.
Jumbo Gestroi Isopods: Substrate Mix
Selecting the appropriate substrate mix is important for maintaining an ideal habitat for High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods. Since they grow in high humidity conditions, the mix should be advantageous for maintaining such an environment.
An optimal mix with excellent water retention properties is essential for preserving high humidity levels within a High Yellow Spotted Giant Isopods enclosure. Given their detritivores nature, adding lichens and leaf litter into the substrate mix can be beneficial for them.
High Yellow Spotted Giant isopods also enjoy living inside hiding spots as much as possible. Experts highly recommend that you add a thick leaf litter and lichens layer at the top of the mix. You can add things likecoconut coir, charcoal, calcium supplements, etc., in the mix to create a suitable environment for them
PostPods
Jupiter Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
from £50.00
Jupiter Isopods (Cubaris sp.) are a captivating addition to any terrarium, known for their unique black and yellow exoskeleton that resembles the planet Jupiter. Native to the limestone caves of Southeast Asia, these small, low-maintenance isopods thrive in humid environments and are ideal for beginners. With their calm nature and slow breeding habits, they make a striking and manageable choice for isopod enthusiasts, perfect for both display and care.
A Glimpse
● Origin: Thailand
● Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Jupiter Isopods"
● Maintenance required: low
● Average Size: 2 cm
● Rarity: medium
● Lifespan: 2-3 years
● Temperature: 64℉-79℉
● Ventilation: Low
● Humidity: 60-80%
● Favorite food: Carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes
● Supplements: Crushed limestone, Cuttlefish bone
Jupiter Isopods: Introduction
These roly polys, like other cubaris isopods, are found in limestone caves of Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. These have a very calm temperament and is a great beginner-friendly isopods. They are active during early morning and nighttime, so you can watch these critters move around exploring the terrarium during that time. They may be similar to the lemon blue isopods, but these species have a black color on the exoskeleton and not blue.
Jupiter Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics
● These small roly polys are one of the morphs of Cubaris sp. isopods. Their color resembles the planet Jupiter, hence the name.
● Have small oval bodies that are segmented and have antennae. They have colorful legs in the front area, which makes them unique.
● They have yellow outlines with black segmented exoskeletons. The colours of these species are due to the acidic nature of the soil in their native land.
● The wax layer on their exoskeleton helps with hydration, and they molt when the isopods mature and grow.
● Absolutely delightful and low-maintenance pets which are easy to take care of.
● These species are egg-breeding type isopods and are slow breeders.
● These pets are kid-friendly and beginner-friendly.
● These species are striking and visually appealing, thus making a great addition to your terrarium and vivarium.
Diet
Like many isopods, these species' primary food sources are rotten leaves, plants, algae, and wooden bark. When culturing them in a terrarium or vivarium, make sure to provide a balanced diet of vegetables, meat, and calcium sources. If not, these creatures are prone to soft shell disease, which may affect molting and eventually perish.
Therefore, make sure to provide various types of vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots and even vegetable scraps. These species are not picky eaters and will eat almost everything that is given to them.
For protein you can include earthworm castings, fish scrap, meat scrap into their diet. Adding crushed limestone, eggshells or cuttlebone in their enclosure can improve their calcium intake and will strengthen their exoskeleton. Adin commercial isopod food mix can also help achieve the necessary nutrition for these tiny critters.
Make sure to provide portions that can be completed in a single session. Observe and provide food according to the size of the culture.
Jupiter Isopods: Personality
These species in general have a mild and non-aggressive nature. But when there are other creatures present, then they tend to be a little skittish. They tend to hide when they sense other creatures are present. They don't like to be picked up or touched unless necessary and they roll up and freeze when they feel threatened.
Though these creatures love to explore the environment and continue with their natural behaviors like foraging. They are not the best tankmates with other isopods or any other species and tend to attack if kept in a small enclosure. Therefore, it is crucial that there is space in the enclosure.
These species take their time to be friendly with their human parents. With trust and patience and also by feeding them their favorite food, these species can become friendly with humans.
Jupiter Isopods: Breeding
● Jupiter isopods can lay eggs without any male isopods, i.e., they are parthenogenetic in nature. This phenomenon is quite common among the isopods.
● They are seasonal breeders and have a slow reproduction rate compared to other species.
● The procedure begins when the female produces an egg capsule. After that, she would usually lay the egg capsule in a damp, moist place.
● The number of eggs in each capsule can range from one to twenty-one, depending on the species. It takes the baby isopods 6-7 weeks after hatching to mature into adults.
● Once they hatch, they become independent and explore and forage food on their own.
● The nymphs will molt around four times in their early lives. The Jupiter Isopods enter the reproductive cycle after reaching adulthood, and they can begin to procreate in around three weeks.
Jupiter Isopods: Tips to Make an Artificial Habitat
The Jupiter isopods prefer tropical climates with rich soil substrate and humidity. Providing a rich substrate mix that contains organic matter will help provide them with a more natural atmosphere for the enclosure. When choosing the enclosure, make sure that there is enough size for these species to breed and produce offspring. Therefore, it is crucial to get a 19-litre capacity plastic container as a starter for the enclosure. You can also opt for a bigger plastic enclosure of 38 litres.
Drill small ventilation outlets on the container and make sure that they are small. These species thrive in a humid environment thus small outlets help prevent excess humidity. Temperature within the enclosure should be maintained the same as specified in the description as constant change in temperature may cause stress to these species.
Add the substrate mix into the enclosure to make sure that there is enough thickness. A thickness of 2.5 inches is ideal for these species to dig and hide. Add sphagnum moss on one side of the enclosure. Make sure that they cover ⅓ of the container and mist the area with water. Leave the rest of the substrate dry, giving them the option to choose their environment.
When adding the substrate mix, make sure to mix dried leaves into it. Sprinkle some more on top of the substrate as well. Adding egg crates and rotten bark or coconut shells can act as hiding spots for the isopod colonies. Adding these hiding spots helps to differentiate each brood and colony and it reduces competition and dominance among other colonies.
PostPods
Klugii Pudding Isopods (Armadillidium)
from £10.00
Originally from Montenegro, Klugii Pudding Isopods are increasingly becoming popular as a cleanup crew member. The beginner-friendly Armadillidium isopods have a distinctive appearance that can generate curiosity in the minds of their potential pet owners. Their pudding-like appearance and bioactive potential make them a great fit for terrariums. These small-sized species can thrive in terrariums with low humidity. They are highly sought-after isopods in comparison to other isopods. These beautifully patterned species can make a valuable addition to an isopod enthusiast’s collection. These exotic and low-maintenance isopods can be bred as pets by newbies.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Montenegro
Scientific Name: Armadillidium Kluggi
Difficulty Level: Low
Rarity: High
Temperature: 70 to 90℉
Size: 2.1cm
Humidity: 40% to 50%
Favorite Foods: Plant matter, mushrooms, pulverized grains
An Overview
Kluggi Pudding Isopods are also famously renowned by the name Armadillidium Kluggi. This easy-to-care for isopods can be raised by beginners and enthusiasts alike. These Montenegro-based isopods have been categorized by their bioactive potential. They are kid-friendly isopods. They thrive in low humid environments.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods appear deadly due to their white and yellow spots on a dark brown body. They look venomous, but they make safe pets. The notable thing about them is that they display no red markings, unlike Meteraninan Black Widow (Spider).
The small-sized Kluggi Pudding Isopods can be perfectly combined with springtails. This bioactive combination can keep the environment inside a terrarium clean. Kluggi Pudding Isopods loves eating magnolia pods as well as leaves.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods should be fed a balanced recipe of proteins and plant matter. They need a semi-arid and temperate environment to grow.
Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to Kluggi Pudding Isopods.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods need a reasonably ventilated enclosure to grow.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods are relatively easy to handle. They can be taken care of even by first-time isopod owners.
These isopods shouldn’t be kept with predators because they can be eaten by invertebrates and reptiles.
These isopods cannot survive in wet environments. They enjoy occasional misting and warm temperatures.
Feeding Kluggi Pudding Isopods
Kluggi Pudding Isopods feed on leaf powder, cuttlebone, and carrots. Some other common foods that Kluggi Pudding Isopods prefer to eat include potatoes and squash. You can feed a balanced combination of plant matter and proteins to them. You can always feed them decaying hardwood.
Appearance And Behavior
Kluggi Pudding Isopods do not have red spots like the Meteraninan Black Widow spider, but it does resemble it due to the white and yellow spots on its dark brown body.
The female Kluggi Pudding Isopods have a white cavity between their legs that develops when they reach adulthood.
Female Kluggi Pudding Isopods are larger in size than male Kluggi Pudding Isopods.
The male Kluggi Pudding Isopods do not have white cavities like the female Kluggi Pudding Isopods.
The behaviour of Kluggi Pudding Isopods is non-docile. They are also not aggressive.
Habitat
Kluggi Pudding Isopods prefer dry, temperate, and less humid environments. You can use a reasonably-sized plastic terrarium to house them. The Kluggi Pudding Isopods are established quickly in a semi-arid vivarium or terrarium. These isopods have issues living in an extremely wet environment.
Substrate Mix
The substrate mix of Kluggi Pudding Isopods includes wet sphagnum moss, leaf litter, and bark. Keep the middle of the substrate moist. You can keep the opposite side of the substrate mix dry by adding only leaf litter on that side of the substrate. This substrate mix will give Kluggi Pudding Isopods essential space to osmoregulate.
PostPods
Latte Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
from £55.00
Latte Isopods (Cubaris sp.) Product Description
Indulge in the creamy elegance of our stunning Latte Isopods! These exquisite Cubaris specimens showcase the perfect blend of warm, café-inspired tones that have made them one of the most coveted varieties in the hobby. With their distinctive smooth coloration reminiscent of a perfectly crafted latte and their iconic "ducky" facial features, these remarkable creatures bring both sophistication and charm to any bioactive setup. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking something truly special and rare.
Latte Isopods: A Glimpse
• Origin: Thailand (Southeast Asia)• Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Latte"• Difficulty Level: Medium to Advanced• Size: Up to 2 centimeters• Rarity: Very Rare• Temperature: 75°F to 85°F• Humidity: 75% to 85%• Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, organic vegetables, specialized isopod food, protein supplements
An Overview
Originally discovered in the limestone caves and tropical forests of Thailand, Cubaris sp. "Latte" represents one of the most aesthetically striking and sought-after varieties in the modern isopod hobby. These extraordinary creatures have earned their coffee-inspired name through their beautiful cream and tan coloration that perfectly mimics the layered appearance of a expertly crafted latte.
What sets Latte isopods apart is their exceptional beauty combined with the classic Cubaris charm. They display the beloved "ducky face" that has made Cubaris species so popular, featuring their distinctive rounded snouts and endearing facial structure. Their smooth, polished exoskeleton showcases gorgeous gradients of creamy whites, warm tans, and subtle brown markings that create an almost porcelain-like appearance.
These premium isopods are known for their calm, gentle temperament and fascinating behavior patterns. Unlike some of their more reclusive cousins, Latte isopods often venture out during the day, making them excellent display animals. Their slow, deliberate movements and tendency to congregate in small groups create captivating viewing opportunities for dedicated enthusiasts.
Habitat Requirements
Substrate Mix: • 30% high-quality coco coir • 25% sphagnum moss (for superior moisture retention) • 20% fine orchid bark • 15% composted leaf litter (oak or maple preferred) • 10% limestone chips or Cubaris cave stone
Create distinct moisture zones within the enclosure, with approximately two-thirds maintaining high humidity and one-third slightly drier. Latte isopods are particularly sensitive to substrate quality and require excellent drainage combined with consistent moisture retention.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup: • Minimum 6-quart container for starter colonies (3-5 individuals) • Secure, well-ventilated lid with multiple air holes for gas exchange • Deep substrate layer (4-5 inches) to accommodate burrowing behavior • Cork bark tubes, limestone caves, and natural hiding spots • Thick layer of quality leaf litter throughout • Multiple moss patches for microclimate creation • Shallow water feature or misting station
Environmental Conditions: • Maintain temperature between 75°F to 85°F (consistency is crucial) • Keep humidity between 75% to 85% (higher than most isopods) • Provide natural day/night lighting cycle • Ensure excellent ventilation to prevent stagnation • Monitor conditions daily for optimal stability
These advanced-care isopods require dedicated attention to environmental parameters. They're particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and require more stable conditions than beginner species. Their limestone cave origins make them especially appreciative of calcium-rich environments.
Feeding
Primary Diet: • Premium quality leaf litter (their absolute staple food) • Fresh organic vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, butternut squash) • Ripe, soft fruits (avoid citrus completely) • High-quality specialized Cubaris food • White rotting wood pieces (essential for gut health)
Critical Supplements: • Calcium sources (cuttlebone, limestone, cave stone) • Regular protein offerings (fish flakes, freeze-dried shrimp) • Trace minerals and vitamins through varied diet • Occasional treats (moss, lichen, specialized protein mixes)
Feeding Schedule: Feed small amounts 2-3 times per week, removing any uneaten fresh foods within 24 hours to prevent mold. Latte isopods are particularly sensitive to poor food quality and benefit from premium, organic food sources. Always ensure multiple food types are available simultaneously.
Breeding Information
Cubaris sp. "Latte" are notoriously challenging breeders in captivity, which contributes significantly to their rarity and high value. Successful breeding requires exceptional attention to environmental stability and colony health.
Breeding Requirements: • Absolutely stable temperature (78-80°F ideal) • Consistent high humidity (80-85%) • Mature, well-established colony (6+ months minimum) • Abundant high-quality calcium sources • Stress-free environment with minimal disturbance • Rich, varied diet with regular protein supplementation • Proper ventilation to prevent harmful gas buildup
Females carry eggs in their marsupium for 6-8 weeks, producing small broods of 8-15 mancae when conditions are perfect. Young isopods require 6-8 months to reach maturity, making colony establishment a long-term commitment. Success with breeding often takes multiple attempts and considerable patience.
Special Considerations
Due to their extreme rarity and demanding care requirements, Latte isopods represent a significant investment and challenge. They're best suited for experienced keepers who have successfully maintained other Cubaris species and understand the nuances of premium isopod care.
Essential Success Factors: • Previous experience with Cubaris species highly recommended • Daily monitoring of environmental conditions • Premium substrate and food sources only • Patient approach to colony establishment • Backup heating and humidity systems advisable
Perfect for: • Advanced bioactive vivarium projects • Serious Cubaris collectors and breeders • Display setups where beauty is paramount • Enthusiasts seeking ultimate challenges • Educational demonstrations of rare species
Investment Consideration: These remarkable isopods represent both a significant financial investment and a long-term care commitment. Their slow reproduction rate and specific care requirements mean that establishing a thriving colony requires patience, dedication, and expertise. However, for those willing to provide the necessary care, Latte isopods offer an unparalleled combination of beauty, rarity, and satisfaction.
Whether you're an experienced Cubaris enthusiast looking to add something truly special to your collection or a dedicated hobbyist ready to tackle the ultimate isopod challenge, our captive-bred Latte isopods represent the pinnacle of the hobby. These Thai treasures bring café-inspired elegance and exceptional rarity to the most discerning collections, showcasing the incredible diversity and beauty that makes Cubaris species the crown jewels of the isopod world!
PostPods
Lava Isopods (Porcellio Scaber)
from £12.50
Lava isopods are scientifically named as Porcellio scaber are native to Europe. People often find them fascinating and often keep them as pets. These creatures are easy to take care and can easily adapt to any environment, which make them unique too.
Scaber lava isopods are very common in places like Portugal and Spain, and because they require low maintenance, it has become a popular choice as pets.
Scaber Lava Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Europe
Scientific Name: Porcellio Scaber
Difficulty Level: Easy
Size: Up to 1.7 Centimetre
Rarity: Low/Medium
Temperature: 70° F to 84° F
Humidity: 70% to 80%
Favorite Foods: Mushrooms, Carrots, Leafy Greens, Decaying wood
An Overview
These Isopods are native to Europe, but unlike other isopods they are not rare. They are tiny, hard-bodied creatures and are characterized by their unique patterns of red, black, and orange color combinations.
Most people fall for their gorgeous exoskeleton looks similar to the pattern made by flowing lava on the ground.
These little critters thrive in a damp atmosphere, and building a humid habit for them is essential. It is easy to make a low to moderate-humidity enclosure by misting their environment regularly.
Porcellio Scaber is not much of a picky eater and they enjoy a simple diet consisting of leafy greens, potatoes, and carrots. Sometimes, even a slice of apple or other fruits makes them happy.
Scaber Lava Isopods: Basic Care
Lava isopods need right temperature, housing, food, and humidity conditions to thrive and stay healthy. These basic tips shared below will help to care for your lava isopods:
You must give them a diet rich in leafy matter and calcium supplementation.
Make sure to get a terrarium or paludarium with a cover to contain humidity and heat for your isopods to live comfortably.
The sub-moist vivarium type is the most appropriate enclosure for lava isopods as it provides the ideal humidity level and temperature range.
The ideal pH for tank water is between 0.6 and 8.0, with the hardness level below 15 GH.
The correct temperature range for lava isopods is 70° F to 84° F.
For substrate mix, you must use a mix of coco coir and peat moss.
Make sure the terrarium has proper lighting as it is important for their life cycle.
You must keep a watch on their behavior to ensure they are active and healthy.
Make hiding spots using leaves or bark inside the terrarium for them to seek cover and feel safe.
Feeding
Feeding the right food Scaber Lava Isopods is important for their health. The best way to keep these tiny creatures healthy and active is by feeding them the right food.
Because they are not picky eaters, Scaber Lava eats a variety of things like fruits like pears and apples, vegetables like spinach and carrots, mushrooms, and decaying plant matter. These tiny scavengers happily snack on these organic goodies and absorb nutrients needed for their growth and well-being.
If their diet lacks protein then these little guys turn into scary monsters as they start feeding on each other to supplement protein deficiency. Make sure to feed protein 2x every week by providing supplements like frozen dried veggies, mushrooms, and organic veggie scraps.
Scaber Lava Isopods: Appearance And Behaviour
Lava isopods are tiny, armored bugs with a tough exoskeleton providing protection.
They are only 1-2 cm long and easy to manage in a small space like a terrarium.
Their exoskeletons come in different colors like red, orange, or a combination of the two colors with black.
They scuttle around with their 14 tiny legs, and antennae on top of the head to feel and sense their environment.
They thrive in low to moderate-humid conditions and exhibit excellent survival skills.
They use their strong legs to find hiding spots under rocks and leaves on rough terrains.
Lava isopods are nocturnal, and that’s why they remain active in the night. During the day, they remain hidden to avoid the heat.
Scaber Lava Isopods: Habitat
Scaber lava isopods are mostly found in humid and dark environments because they prefer to live that way. They prefer low to moderate humidity but are very tolerant of high-humid conditions.
These little bugs thrive in leaf litter, decaying wood, and soil with high humidity when left in the wild. Their way of living is crucial for the ecosystem because they break down organic matter.
At home, a suitable environment for lava isopods is a terrarium with a cover to maintain moisture and temperature levels. A substrate mix of peat moss and fiber is ideal because that’s the closest setup to their natural habitat.
An easy way to keep the substrate mix from getting dry is by spraying water regularly. The enclosure must be damp, not waterlogged. You must also add a few good hiding spots like pieces of leaf litter or bark. Bearded dragon enclosures are a great choice for lava isopods.
Scaber Lava Isopods: Substrate Mix
Creating a suitable substrate mix for saber lava isopods is essential for their health and well-being. Since they love to live in humid places, it is important to build a setup that is supportive of their needs.
For the base, you must use peat moss or coconut fiber as they are very good at absorbing moisture and providing a comfortable environment. To create natural hiding spots, add bark or leaf litter. It makes them feel secure and the set-up looks more natural.
These tiny creatures love to burrow, and therefore adding sphagnum moss or coconut coir is a great idea. It serves as cozy underground hideouts for these bugs to hide themselves if feel threatened.
Make sure the enclosure is always moist and humid. To maintain the dampness, you can use a spray bottle to mist water regularly. A good way to enrich the substrate is by adding pieces of decaying wood and plant matter which are great sources of nutrition for the scaber lava isopods.
PostPods
Lemon Blue Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
from £90.00
One of the most popular Thailand natives, the lemon blue isopods are medium-sized isopods. These exotic Cubaris species are beginner-friendly isopods that will make a great fit for medium-humid enclosure setups. The visually striking Lemon Blue isopods are yellowish blue in colour. They require minimal maintenance and medium upkeep. They are the most adorable Cubaris species out there. These basic isopod setup residents are quite in demand right now. These interesting but very mischievous isopods can make the most amusing pets.
Lemon Blue Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Thailand, China
Scientific Name: Cubaris sp “Lemon Blue”
Difficulty: Medium
Rarity: High
Temperature: 70 to 85℉
Size: 2 cm
Humidity: 60 to 80%
Favourable Foods: Cuttlebone, fish food, decaying leaves
An Overview
Lemon Blue isopods are well-known to be tropical and temperate environment thrivers. These Thailand natives are acclaimed by isopod collectors for their color variation that perfectly resonates with their name. The Lemon Blue isopods make a suitable fit for beginners. These isopods have a hard exterior and that’s why they are not an ideal option as a feeder isopod.
Lemon Blue isopods have a yellow body and blue inner pereons. They possess a bicolour appearance of shiny blue and yellow that resembles candy. They can be added to an isopod setup with foods like Astaxanthin and carotene. Their back shines in the light and flashes blue colour. They can suffer from discolouration over periods, but foods like Astaxanthin and carotene will help them restore their rich yellow colour.
Lemon Blue isopods are a Thai species that grow well in moist environments with temperatures between 70 to 85℉. These semi-social species can thrive in groups and possess social behaviours. Lemon Blue isopods are not strongly social. These Cubaris sp isopods can tolerate living alone. They tend to become active and visible inside a terrarium setup as their population grows.
The yellowish-blue isopods are known to consume sweet potato and butternut quash. The colouration of the Lemon Blue isopods becomes a deeper yellow-blue when they are consistently fed carrots and cucumbers. They can eat a variety of different foods, including bee pollen and calcium powder supplements. You must provide a varied diet to the Lemon Blue isopods to ensure their colour does not really change and improves with age.
Lemon Blue Isopods: Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Lemon Blue isopods.
Use a large bioactive terrarium setup with enough space to house the Lemon Blue isopods.
Keep the humidity of the container within 60 to 80 per cent.
Avoid keeping the enclosure in direct light.
Maintain the shiny yellowish blue appearance of Lemon Blue isopods by feeding them butternut squash and sweet potato.
Inconsistent feeding habits can make the Lemon Blue isopods lose their coloration. Feed them carrots and cuttlebone to deepen their coloration.
The Lemon Blue isopods are medium-sized isopods that need a minimal level of care.
These Cubaris sp isopods are active species and also semi-social isopods.
The Lemon Blue isopods won’t mind living alone because of their semi-social behaviour.
The Cubaris sp “Lemon Isopods” are fascinating species that can sometimes need little more maintenance but not always.
Lemon Blue Isopods: Feeding
Lemon Blue isopods are detrivores. They feed on food like decaying organic matter, including decaying wood, leaf litter, and fish food. They also feed on rotten hardwoods and oyster shells. They primarily eat calcium supplements like cuttlebone. You can give them foods with carotene and Astaxanthin to enrich their colour. They love eating red parrot fish a lot.
Lemon Blue isopods are Asian isopods that absolutely adore eating carrots. You can maintain the balanced diet of these Cubaris sp isopods by giving them birch and black walnuts. You can also feed them gammarus shrimp and fish flakes. You can feed these extremely handy isopods limestone and dried fruit bites.
Lemon Blue isopods crave food like lichen and insect jelly. You can always feed them sweet fruits and spirulina. You can also give these Cubaris sp isopods banana and mango. The Lemon Blue isopods also never hesitate to take a bite of bat guano (excrement of bats).
Lemon Blue Isopods: Appearance And Behavior
Lemon Blue isopods are yellow-coloured Cubaris sp species that can lose their colour over time. This is why it is essential for collectors to feed them foods rich in Astaxanthin and carotene.
These Cubaris sp isopods are slow breeders, unlike other Cubaris sp species out there.
The Lemon Blue isopods are bold pets that are non-aggressive in nature.
These Cubaris sp “Lemon Blue” isopods may hide around other creatures.
Terrarium setups that have a moist environment are best suited for the Lemon Blue isopods.
These little creatures can grow well in temperate and moist environments.
They are bicoloured isopods that sometimes look like eye candy.
Lemon Blue isopods are bold colored species that will take from three to four months to make their stable breeding colony.
The colouration of the Lemon Blue isopods deepens with their age.
Lemon Blue Isopods: Habitat
Lemon Blue isopods prefer humid and tropical regions, such as China and Thailand. They need properly ventilated terrarium setups where they keep moving freely. They can handle moist environments pretty comfortably.
They are woodland natives that will thrive well in natural habitats. You can use a plastic container or a glass terrarium with a secure lid to house the Lemon Blue isopods. You can maintain humidity levels inside the Lemon Blue Isopods’ enclosure to boost their overall health.
Lemon Blue Isopods: Substrate Mix
The substrate mix of the Lemon Blue isopods can include sphagnum moss and coconut fibre to retain the terrarium’s moisture level. You can use a reptile fogger or dechlorinated water to mist the terrarium setup regularly.
You can add decaying organic matter to meet these Cubaris sp isopod’s nutritional requirements. Isopod collectors can add decaying wood and leaf litter accompanied with calcium-rich supplements.
Create hiding spots using cork bark inside the enclosure to mimic their natural habitat. A low-wattage lamp can be beneficial for maintaining a desired temperature inside the terrarium setup.
We notice that the colours of Lemon blues is greatly improved with a died containing regular carrot, butternut quash and sweet potato.
Combined with the right supplements, these isopods showcase an extraordinary blend of bright lemon and blue, unmatched by any other isopods.
We find these not as forgiving as some other isopods so not something for a beginner as they also require a little more maintenance, but once you have this right they are very easy to maintain.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Temp: 70F-80F
Humidity: 70% - 80%
Size: Upto 2cm
Origin: Thailand
Rarity: Very High
Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, Carrot, Cucumber, fish food
Supplements: Cuttlebone (or calcium powder), bat guano, bee pollen
Comments: Lemon Blue Isopods when we first got them we were not too excited when we saw them but after settling in the colours really changed and seem to also improve with age.
These seem a little slower than the Ambers to breed even though we started with the same care and setup for each as they are both Cubaris sp.
PostPods
Leopard Bee Isopods (Fillipinodillo sp)
from £150.00
Leopard Bee Isopods represent one of the most visually captivating species emerging from the biodiverse Philippines, combining eye-catching spotted patterns with the robust character typical of the remarkable Filippinodillo genus. These medium-sized tropical beauties have earned their common name through distinctive leopard-like markings accented with bee-inspired yellow tones, creating a stunning appearance that elevates any collection beyond ordinary species.
Species Overview
Place of Origin: PhilippinesGenus: FilippinodilloSpecies: Filippinodillo sp. "Leopard Bee"
Key Care Requirements
Maintenance Effort: Medium to AdvancedIdeal Temperature Range: 72°F-80°F (22°C-27°C)Reproduction Rate: ModerateVentilation: Medium to HighGeneral Size: 15-20mmRarity Level: HighHumidity Range: 70%-80%Preferred Diet: Hardwood, tropical leaf litter, protein supplementsEssential Supplements: Limestone chunks, cuttlefish bone, calcium powder
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
In the lush tropical forests of the Philippines, Leopard Bee Isopods inhabit the moisture-rich microhabitats beneath decomposing hardwood logs and thick accumulations of leaf litter. These island environments provide the perfect combination of high humidity, stable warm temperatures, and abundant organic matter that these remarkable creatures require to thrive.
Like other members of the Filippinodillo genus, Leopard Bee Isopods display confident, exploratory behaviour compared to more secretive species. They actively forage through substrate layers and navigate complex terrains with purpose, making them engaging subjects for observation. Their conglobation ability—rolling into a protective ball when startled—provides both defensive capability and entertainment value for dedicated keepers.
These isopods serve essential roles as ecosystem engineers in their native habitats, breaking down substantial amounts of organic matter and returning vital nutrients to the forest floor. Understanding these natural behaviours helps recreate appropriate conditions in captivity, ensuring successful bioactive vivarium setups that mirror their wild environments.
Physical Characteristics
Leopard Bee Isopods showcase the impressive size and robust build characteristic of Philippine Filippinodillo species. Their medium to large bodies typically reach 15-20mm in length, providing substantial presence without the space demands of truly giant varieties.
Their most distinctive feature remains the striking spotted pattern that gives them their leopard designation. Rich brown to chocolate base coloration provides canvas for irregular creamy-yellow spots distributed across their armoured segments, creating natural camouflage that becomes stunning ornamentation in captivity. The bee-inspired yellow tones add warmth to their appearance, distinguishing them from other spotted isopod varieties.
The heavily calcified exoskeleton displays characteristic thickness associated with conglobating species, requiring significant calcium intake to maintain. Their segmented bodies show clear demarcation between pereon segments, creating visual interest as they move through their environment.
Diet and Nutrition
As specialized detritivores adapted to nutrient-rich Philippine forests, Leopard Bee Isopods require diverse feeding programmes that reflect their tropical origins. Their natural diet consists primarily of decomposing hardwoods—particularly tropical varieties—along with the thick leaf litter layers characteristic of Southeast Asian forests.
Provide a foundation of quality hardwood pieces including oak, beech, and any available tropical woods. Cork bark serves dual purposes as both hiding structure and supplemental food source, making it invaluable in their setups.
Calcium supplementation proves absolutely critical for maintaining their impressive exoskeletons. Provide limestone chunks, cuttlefish bone pieces, and crushed oyster shell throughout the substrate.
Protein requirements remain moderate but important for colony health. Offer high-quality fish flakes, dried shrimp, or specialized isopod protein foods 2-3 times weekly.
Creating the Perfect Enclosure
Successfully housing Leopard Bee Isopods requires replicating the warm, humid conditions of Philippine tropical forests. Start with well-ventilated containers of at least 6-8 quart capacity for starter cultures.
Substrate depth should reach 6-8cm minimum to accommodate their burrowing behaviours. Create a base layer using quality organic topsoil mixed with decomposed hardwood matter. Avoid products containing fertilizers, pesticides, or coconut-based materials.
Layer substantial amounts of hardwood leaf litter over the base substrate, creating the thick accumulations these isopods encounter in nature. Add cork bark pieces, hardwood chunks, and limestone rocks throughout to create complex environments.
Temperature and Humidity Management
Maintain enclosures between 72-80°F (22-27°C), with 74-78°F representing the ideal range. Temperature stability proves more important than achieving specific numbers—avoid dramatic fluctuations that stress colonies.
Humidity management requires careful attention with these tropical species. Maintain 70-80% relative humidity through regular misting with dechlorinated water. Create moisture gradients by keeping one enclosure section slightly drier.
Breeding and Colony Development
Leopard Bee Isopods reproduce at moderate rates once established. Females typically produce broods of 10-20 offspring after 6-8 week gestation periods in their marsupial pouches.
Sexual maturity arrives at approximately 4-6 months under optimal conditions. Creating breeding-conducive environments requires maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels, providing abundant high-quality foods, and minimizing disturbances.
Care Difficulty and Considerations
Leopard Bee Isopods fall firmly into the medium to advanced difficulty category, making them inappropriate for absolute beginners. Their tropical requirements demand attention to environmental parameters that more forgiving temperate species tolerate. However, experienced keepers familiar with tropical isopod care fundamentals find them rewarding subjects.
Those new to isopod keeping should gain experience with hardy species before attempting Leopard Bee Isopods. Understanding fundamental care principles with forgiving varieties builds skills necessary for success with these demanding tropical beauties.
Why Choose Leopard Bee Isopods?
These remarkable Philippine natives represent outstanding additions for intermediate to advanced collectors seeking distinctive species that command attention. Their leopard-and-bee inspired patterning creates visual interest surpassing most common varieties.
Whether expanding existing isopod collections or seeking centerpiece species for tropical display setups, Leopard Bee Isopods deliver exceptional value through their combination of beauty, behaviour, and breeding potential.
Shipping Information
Isopods are posted Monday to Thursday using Royal Mail's next day by 1pm servicePlus 20% overcount sent with every order24/7 live chat available - We are always here and happy to chat! (subject to sleeping)
PostPods
Lilac And Yellow springtails Ceratophysella Sp
from £25.00
The Lilac and Yellow Springtails (Ceratophysella sp.) are rare and vibrant cleanup crew members perfect for bioactive enclosures. Known for their striking lilac-purple hue, they thrive in moist environments and help maintain terrarium health by breaking down decaying organic matter. Native to Thailand, these springtails are easy to care for and adapt well to a variety of humid setups, making them an excellent choice for pairing with isopods or amphibians. Their quick reproduction and low-maintenance nature make them ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.
Lilac And Yellow Springtails: Summary
● Native Place: Thailand
● Scientific Name: Ceratophysella sp. “Lilac”
● Maintenance level: Easy
● Temperature Range: 69℉-80℉
● Size: 2 mm
● Rareness: High
● Breeding Difficulty: easy
● Humidity Range: Damp to semi-dry
● Diet: Fish flakes, boiled rice, mushrooms
● Substitute food: Powdered Springtail Diet
● Supplements: Calcium powder, Limestone
Lilac Springtails: Introduction
Lilac springtails are tiny creatures that are native to Thailand. These creatures feed on leaves and are mostly found in damp areas. These small species play an important role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
They consume dead and decaying plants that lie on the ground and then break them down into essential nutrients and give them back to the soil. They can be found in a wide range of places, from small gardens to large forests. They prefer to stay in an area that is moist in nature and where there are a lot of leaves and other stuff that are available to consume and hide inside. Due to these characteristics, they are also paired with isopods and reptile enclosures.
Characteristics
● Has a distinctive purple shade on their body. Due to this striking color, they are a great addition to vivariums, terrariums, and dart frog enclosures.
● The color varies depending on the color and the incidence of light of the substrate They show a light lilac shade, under certain light conditions.
● The color of this springtail may vary depending on the diet and the age of these species.
● In their natural habitat, these are found in damp soil and under rotting wood.
● They help the ecosystem by feeding on detritus and aerating the soil.
● These species, though they are smaller in size, adapt well in moist and semi-arid environments.
● These springtails can jump to different heights with the help of the jumping fork in their bodies. This characteristic distinguishes them from other species.
● These species reproduce pretty quickly and can be paired with isopods and other creatures.
Food Habits
● The best way to provide the right feed to your lilac and yellow springtails is to include organic matter, just like what is available in the natural habitat.
● They primarily feed on dead and decaying organic matter. But when culturing in an enclosure, it is important to feed them a wide variety of food. This helps to achieve balanced nutrition for these creatures.
● Apart from adding veggies and fruits, include fish flakes, mushrooms, pure brewer yeast, and boiled rice to their diet.
● The powdered Springtail Diet can also be used as a substitute for the springtails to achieve complete nutrition.
● You can sprinkle the food onto the substrate, evenly covering all the areas inside the container. While feeding, it must be monitored carefully to ensure you are not overfeeding them. If you are placing extra food in the container, then it can attract pests as well as small insects, disturbing their ecosystem.
● The feeding behavior has to be closely monitored, and the uneaten food must be removed from the container daily to avoid infestation by pests and insects. This will also keep the environment clean.
Lilac And Yellow Springtails: Basic Care
Providing care to these species is not that difficult when compared to other isopods. The basic thing is to setup an environment which can mimic its original habitat by adopting certain techniques.
If you are using a container to keep your springtails, then you have to ensure that the container has a good-securing lid to prevent the movement of your pets out of the container. The holes made for ventilation should be small to prevent the escape through the holes. You can also add a wire mesh to cover the ventilation outlets as they can help prevent these species from jailbreaking.
You can fill the container with leaves and other substances like coconut coir, which can retain moisture inside. This will provide a comfortable environment for the springtails. While spraying the water into the substance placed inside the container, it is to ensure that it does not create water logging inside the container.
Inside the container, you can create spots for hiding by using naturally available materials like bark and leaves. These hiding places will make them feel comfortable as they will use them to hide inside the container.
You have to ensure that the container with your pets should be placed away from direct sunlight, as this will heat up the container. You can place the container in a cool place and should monitor the conditions inside the container.
You can place a lot of decaying leaves and scraps of vegetables in the container on which your pets will feed.
Lilac Springtails: Enclosure Setup
Lilac And Yellow Springtails are native to the wet and humid regions of Thailand. Though these species survive well in moist and semi arid soil conditions, they tend to prefer a high humid and moist environment. Due to this they can be paired well with humid loving isopods, dart frog enclosures and certain reptile enclosures.
To replicate their natural environment, a plastic or glass enclosure is used. These species reproduce quickly and do very well on a calcium-clay substrate or in soil. Therefore, make sure to get a substrate mix that has soil or calcium clay mixed in the enclosure. If not available, you can create a DIY mix of soil, organic mulches, leaf litter, bark, and decaying wood for your Bioactive setup. You can add charcoal to the substrate as an optional element.
To maintain high humidity, add sphagnum moss to the enclosure. It is also used as a snack for these species, so you have to add it periodically.
When misting, ensure that the enclosure has the necessary moisture to avoid water logging. Also, maintain the ideal temperature for these species to thrive in the setting. In the end, add calcium supplements and fish pellets to the enclosure for nourishment.