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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.

Isopods are tiny animals that do not have backbones. There are over 10,000 species of isopods present worldwide. Isopods are generally small creatures. Their size varies between a couple of micrometers up to a half meter (we don't sell those ones unfortunately) Isopods have a wide distribution geographically. Isopods are present in almost all terrains of the world. It is possible to find isopods in distinctive places like oceans, mountains, deserts, etc. Isopods have recently gained popularity as low-maintenance pets. They are great as beginner-friendly pets. Their ability to adapt to even the harshest conditions and relatively smaller size make them excellent pets.  In addition to being sold alone, they are also available in mystery boxes. Many isopod sellers/breeders offer isopod mystery boxes for customers to purchase. While purchasing a mystery box, the customer is unaware of the isopods that will be inside the box. This creates a high anticipation and excitement in the buyers. A General Overview Scientific Name: Isopoda   Class: Malacostraca   Kingdom: Animalia   Phylum: Arthropoda Isopod Mystery Box The Isopod mystery box is a very popular product for hobbyists for a variety of reasons. An isopod mystery box is a random collection of various isopods. The content and the isopod species in a mystery box will be unknown to the buyer until they receive it.  At PostPods, the isopod mystery boxes we offer contain extra isopods worth upto 50% more than the original  mystery box purchaseprice. These mystery boxes enable the buyer to receive a surprise element and the added value for the money paid. Although the selection of isopods for the mystery box is random, we list all the isopods we have available on our website. So, you will only recieve isopods from our listed items online. Why A Mystery Box? Brands and businesses worldwide have been developing a particular interest in the concept of mystery boxes. The idea of sending random products from a business’s collection sounds very interesting. It also creates a significant sense of curiosity and novelty for the buyers.  The pleasant surprise that the buyers feel when opening the mystery box is sure to cause significant dopamine release. The pleasure felt will be even more remarkable when the surprise is regarding live creatures or animals. Through mystery boxes of isopods, PostPods attempts to do the same. The team expects to make it a pleasant surprise for the buyers on which isopod they receive.  Types of Isopods in the Isopod Mystery Box As mentioned before, an isopod mystery box from PostPods contains some of the most popular types of isopods. They are explained in detail below (but not restricted to these types). Cubaris Cubaris is a very popular genus of creatures that contains over 100 species. Cubaris isopods are incredibly popular as pets as they require pretty low maintenance. When compared to other isopods, the Cubaris isopods have a relatively longer lifespan. Their reproduction rates are pretty low.  Cubaris isopods are very easy to take care of. These isopods are in high demand and are a bit expensive, so they are a valuable addition to any mystery box. The incredibly popular pet isopod called Rubber Ducky comes under the Cubaris genus. Some of the other famous members of the Cubaris genus are as follows. Porcellio Porcellio isopods are a possible addition to the isopod mystery boxes. Porcellio genus isopods are in great demand in the pet isopod world. Isopods of the Porcellio genus are found around the globe. Many isopods in the genus can withstand almost all kinds of harsh conditions. As of now, about 200 species have been reported to be a part of the Porcellio genus. A good number of these species are suitable to rear as pets. The very popular pet isopod called Dairy Cow is a member of the Porcellio genus. The isopods in the Porcellio genus generate great curiosity among buyers for their unique defence mechanism of running in a maze-like pattern. Their polymorphic trait is also unique. Armadillidium Armadillidium is a highly sold pet isopod genus. The isopod members of this genus are all in wide demand worldwide. The characteristic feature of the Armadillidium genus isopods is their ability to roll into a ball as part of the defence. Armadillidium isopods are one of the most commonly available isopods. They are also sold in bulk numbers due to the ease of caring for them. There are about 189 species present in the Armadillidium genus. 

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.

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.

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.

Little Sea Isopods, also known as Cubaris murina, is often referred to as entry-level cubaris species. These species don't have any distinct colour or markings, but they are the best bioactive custodians of their genus. They are a natural fit for the terrariums and vivariums.   Little Sea Isopods: Synopsis Place of Origin: Indo-Pacific region, North America Scientific Name: Cubaris murina Lifespan: 1-4 years Difficulty level: Medium Temperature Range: 62℉-83℉ Size: 1 cm Rareness: Medium Humidity Range: 70% -80% Preferred Diet: fungi, bacteria, algae and other detritus Supplements in Addition: Cuttlebone, bat guano, calcium powder Little Sea Isopods: Abstract The Little Sea isopods adapt to various environments. These isopods are mainly found in the Pacific region, the Caribbean area, and North America. The scientific name "Cubaris murina" is derived from the Latin name "cube," which means "to lie," and "marina," representing a group of mollusks. This name is due to the fact that they are mistaken as little sea creatures and also because of their smooth, small bodies.  Little Sea Isopods: Characteristics These creatures are muted grey or purple in color with peach or orange spots at the rear end.  It has a smooth and small body and is often mistaken as a sea creature due to its appearance. These species are great clean-up crews in terrariums and vivariums. They have a moderate reproduction rate. These isopods are easy to care for and are great for beginners. They are found in multiple types of habitats. Due to this, they are widely sought after. They are the best entry-level species with a forgiving nature.  Little Sea Isopods: Morphs These species, which have either been cultured or found in the wild, are found in different patterns and colors.  Papaya: They are dull pink and are believed to be an albino version. These isopods are popular among enthusiasts. Glacier: It is an almost completely white variety. They have white eyes, legs, and antennae. Anemone: This isopod is a variety of speckled patterns of orange and grey. Florida Orange: The orange variety of the isopod discovered in the wild in Florida, hence the name. Little Sea Isopods: Food  Even Though the isopods are very small in size, their appetite is not very small. Feeding is essential to continue their life cycle. There are better methods than feeding them with random decaying material. The food supplied should be the perfect blend of various materials, ensuring that the isopods get all the required nutrients. The decaying organic matter should be placed in the corner of the container, forming the basis for their feeding. In addition to the organic matter, litters of leaf and decaying wood will help them maintain a healthy condition. Other than the naturally available materials, special supplements are designed to provide the perfect mix of required nutrients for the isopod. Supplying them with these designed foods can help them make healthy offspring. Little Sea Isopods: Breeding The two main components for them to breed in abundance are the perfect food with the right amount of nutrients and a comfortable environment. Both can be achieved by using naturally available materials and man-made settings. Reproducing healthy offspring relates to the size and the regular structure.  A study was conducted in 2009 on these species, and it was discovered that they can produce decent-sized broods quickly.  This makes them a reliable species for different kinds of terrariums. These species can proliferate in a culture where there is low density compared to a high-density culture. Little Sea Isopods: Natural Environment The environment provided by Mother Nature to the isopods is humid in nature. To adjust to the temperature and humidity, they have the ability to burrow themselves inside their living area, which helps them maintain their preferred living conditions. Due to this ability, they are seen in many parts of the world where there is a perfect blend of moist and humid environments. These isopods come out of their burrow whenever they feel the environmental conditions are safe for them. With a large appetite, they will hunt for their food any time of the day. Little Sea Isopods: Artificial Enclosure Setting It is always difficult to set up an artificially made environment that is 100% comfortable for the isopods. But with the advancements in technology, an environment that can mimic the natural environment can be set up, which can ensure a near-to-comfortable climate for the isopods. These artificial settings are achieved by using humidity controllers and temperature regulators. Based on the sensor feedback, the system adjusts the conditions itself, providing the isopods with a misty environment, almost matching their natural environment. Proper care of the system has to be ensured as a wrong sensor feedback may create a difference in temperature or humidity, resulting in an uncomfortable environment. This will affect the lifespan as well as the ability to reproduce. For an artificial setting, start with a shoebox-size plastic container.  They do not reproduce in a short period of time. Therefore, the same box can be used for a longer period of time. It is to be ensured that sufficient ventilation is provided in the artificially designed environment.  Little Sea Isopods: Habitat and Substrate Mix They generally adapt to all kinds of environments. However, their preferred environment is a moist one.  While setting up the artificial environment, it is best to provide a moisture-retaining element for the isopods to have comfortable living conditions.  Placing coconut coir inside their habitat can help mimic their natural environment, as it helps them to burrow inside. In addition, the bark of orchid trees and sphagnum moss are very good elements for locking the moisture inside the enclosure.  Earthworm casting is one of the main sources of nutrients, which will help them to produce healthy offspring. Little Sea Isopods: Basic Care Proper care must be provided to culture and maintain the Little Sea Isopods. It is crucial to clean the enclosure regularly. Not maintaining hygiene may attract unwanted pests and affect the isopod's health. While making provision for ventilation, it is to be ensured that mesh is provided to prevent these critters from escaping. Monitor the enclosure and make sure that the humidity and temperature are maintained. Provide supplements to meet their overall nutritional needs. Also, while placing the enclosure, keeping them in a dark place away from sunlight is essential.  

One of the most popular Japanese isopods, the magic potion isopods, originates from the Mediterranean region. These medium to large-sized species are arguably beginner-friendly and make a great fit for display setups. They are visually striking. They require low maintenance and upkeep. Thus, high-end magic potion isopods are one of the most unique and fascinating isopod species that can be kept as pets. A Glimpse Origin: Japan Scientific Name: Armadillidium vulgare Difficulty Level: Easy Size: Up to 1.6 Centimeters Rarity: Low/ Medium Temperature: 60℉ to80℉ Humidity: 10% to 60% Favourite Foods: Grasses, Lichen, Decaying Wood Magic Potion Isopods: An Overview Magic Potion isopods are well-known to be a great addition to the terrarium and vivarium setups. These Mediterranean natives are acclaimed by collectors and enthusiasts alike for their mesmerizing colors.They make an excellent choice for beginners. They have colors resembling the magical hues of a potent potion. They possess natural scavenging abilities. They help in breaking down the waste within an enclosure. Being Mediterranean natives, Magic potion isopods grow in moist environments where there is fresh water in excess. They need to be grown in groups as they are social creatures. They possess many features and behaviors. You can keep them in many different types of habitats, such as plastic enclosures, glass enclosures, vivariums, and terrariums. They are also known to consume their own molts. Magic potion isopods feed on many different types of foods. They can eat a variety of different foods such as fruits, vegetables, decaying matter, meat, protein, etc. You must provide a varied diet to these isopods to ensure they receive all the essential nutrients to survive. A balanced humidity level is necessary. You can regularly mist the enclosure to maintain a balanced humidity level. Magic Potion Isopods: Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Magic Potion isopods. You can use plastic enclosures, glass enclosures, vivariums, and terrarium habitats for housing Magic Potion isopods. Maintain the container’s temperature within 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There should be a balanced relative humidity between 10 to 60 percent inside the enclosure. You can use a substrate to regulate the moisture level for the isopods within the enclosure. Make sure it consists of nutritional content to ensure optimal health. Don’t keep the enclosure in direct light.   Select more arid setups to keep the isopods. A few holes on the sides of the enclosure can help get the air moving.   You can feed these isopods forest materials such as leaf litter, decaying wood, fish food supplements, calcium supplements, fruits, vegetables, small amounts of meat and protein, fungus, and other organic materials available in the environment.   Feeding Magic potion isopods are detrivores. They feed on food like decaying plant matter, vegetables, fruits, and small amounts of meat and protein. They also feed on decaying wood, leaf litter, etc.  Magic Potion Isopods are notoriously bold and active in comparison to other isopods. You can use supplements such as calcium and fish food to help maintain a balanced diet for them. One mistake that all Magic Potion Isopod owners should avoid is overfeeding. In moist environments, any leftover food can deteriorate rapidly and encourage mold growth. This can disturb the nutritional balance within the enclosure. This is why you should always feed these isopods with the right amount of food so that they can finish off in one feeding session. Magic Potion isopods crave food that is rich in calcium. However, you can always feed these omnivores with fruits, decaying plant matter, and vegetables. Magic Potion Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Magic Potion isopod is very small in size. It can grow up to 1.6 centimeters in length. These isopods have distinctive patterns on their back. Their bodies exhibit natural hues just like any magic potion usually would. These isopods easily curl themselves up into a tight ball in order to protect their underbellies, which are relatively soft. These isopods have the extraordinary ability to regenerate their lost limbs, similar to other crustaceans and isopods. These isopods are active and social animals. They can be commonly seen bonding and interacting with other isopods within the enclosure. These are fascinating and unique species. They help break down decaying and recycle organic matter, making them one of the best decomposers. These isopods have milky white bodies with dark and yellow coloured spots. They are purely white in the beginning. As the individuals mature, they develop multi-colored spots. They are hardy and a joy to keep. They are low-maintenance and need minimal upkeep. They make an exciting visual spectacle.   Magic Potion Isopods: Habitat Magic Potion isopods prefer drier environments, but you will need a balance of moist and dry environments for them to thrive. They need proper ventilation, so make sure that their enclosure has enough holes to ensure the air keeps moving. These isopods are more suitable for arid setups. However, many pet owners recommend you keep them in tropical terrariums to help them thrive. They can handle almost anything from dry to moist environments.  They make great bioactive cleaners. Their burrowing activities help to refresh and replenish the environment within the closure. They help to enrich the soil. They promote healthy plant growth.  Also, you can always set up their hydration station in the corner to ensure medium humidity within the enclosure. Magic Potion Isopods: Substrate Mix The substrate mix you select is important because it will help the isopods maintain their moisture levels.You can use coco coir and sphagnum moss as the base. Then, you can supplement earthworm and orchid bark castings for fertilizing nutrients. Given their detritivores nature, adding peat moss and a layer of leaf litter into the substrate mix will enable them to maintain moistness within the enclosure. Magic Potion Isopods feed on decomposing organic material. Make sure your substrate mix consists of something rich in nutritional value. A tropical terrarium substrate will serve as a great starting point for you.

The Moo Cow isopods are one of the morphs of Porcellio Scaber and are beginner friendly isopods for enthusiasts who are new to the hobby. The white body with black freckled spots on their exoskeleton often gets confused with Porcellio laevis Dairy Cow species. Due to adaptability to various environmental conditions, these species are widely available.  Moo Cow Isopods: A Glimpse ●      Scientific Name: Porcellio Scaber "Moo Cow" ●      Common name: Common Rough Woodlouse ●      Origin: Europe ●      Size: 1.8 cm ●      Temperature: 17℃- 26℃ ●      Rarity: Low ●      Humidity: 50% to 60% ●      Primary Diet: Rotten leaves, rotten hardwood, vegetable scrap ●      Supplements required: Calcium supplement or cuttlebone. Moo Cow Isopods: A Glimpse Moo Cow isopods are hardy and can tolerate extreme drought conditions. These creatures have much bolder white and black patches on their skin. These species, though they're similar to Porcellio laevis "Dairy Cow," these critters are more active and scurry around quickly. These species are native to Western and Central Europe, and they are now available worldwide due to their popularity. These species are conscious of the environment around their activity depending on the surroundings. Moo Cow Isopods: Characteristic Features and Traits ●      These species have an oval body with a hard white carapace with black patches. ●      Has a granular texture to their exoskeleton and compound eyes. ●      Has two large antennas along with a small inner pair that is used to sense their surroundings. ●      They are one of the morphs of Porcellio Scaber isopods. ●      The calcium-to-protein ratio is 12:1, which is high compared to other insects. ●      These species are active and quick breeders. They multiply quickly; therefore, you need a larger enclosure. ●      These species are tolerant to drought, but it is ideal to keep a third of the enclosure dry and the rest of the enclosure mildly wet. ●      Females can produce around 45 to 90 fertilized eggs and are kept in a fluid-filled sac for around 40-50 days. ●      These isopods can reproduce after three months of their birth and have a life expectancy of 2 years. ●      To protect their exoskeleton from extreme dryness, also known as desiccation, they seek moisture in their environment. ●      Detritivores in nature seek nutrition from decaying plants, fungi, and bacteria that aid the decaying process. ●      These species move quickly and slowly depending on the environment, i.e., they tend to move faster in dry environments and slower in humid areas. Moo Cow Isopods: Dietary Requirements These species primarily get nutrition by consuming detritus, i.e., dead, and rotting matter. These species in the wild feed on rotting organic matter, fungus, and bacteria that consume rotten leaves and other matter. In an enclosure, provide a mix of food like veggies, greens, etc. You can also include molting of invertebrates or reptiles, as well as fish and meat scraps for protein. Calcium is crucial for a stronger and healthier carapace; therefore, you can provide eggshells, limestone pieces, and cuttlebone. If not, adding calcium powder can be great as a substitute for the isopods. These species are voracious eaters, but it is important to provide only the necessary amount of food in the enclosure. To prevent fruit flies, molds, and gnats, providing food that they can consume in a single session is ideal. Porcellio Scaber Isopods: Morphs The Porcellio Scaber "Moo Cow" is one of the many morphs that are commonly available worldwide. Other morphs of these species include: ●      Porcellio Scaber "Orange": They have a distinguished orange color on their exoskeleton. ●      Porcellio "Lava" Isopod: These are cool-looking morphs that have orangish red blotches on the black exoskeleton. ●      Porcellio Scaber "Calico": Bright orange, yellow coloring with smaller, barely visible black freckles. ●      Porcellio Ghost Isopods: Deep lilac to light purple colored species. ●      Porcellio Scaber "Dalmatian": Similar to moo cow isopods, except its spots are smaller and less visible. ●      Orange Koi Isopod: Their bright white and orange color combination resembles the fish of a similar name. ●      Piebald Variant: A recessive gene that has a black and white color combination on its exoskeleton. Moo Cow Isopods: Basic Care ●      When providing an enclosure, make sure to set up a box which is larger than a typical shoebox sized enclosure. These species breed quickly once established and so it is ideal to provide a bigger enclosure. ●      If you like to show off your isopod collection with other enthusiasts, providing a glass enclosure with suitable ventilation will provide more visibility. You can admire their natural activities using such transparent enclosures. If not, a normal plastic container will work just fine. ●      These species love both tropical and temperate climate, therefore make sure to mimic that habitat into an artificial enclosure. ●      They prefer a well-ventilated enclosure and don't require a humid enclosure like other isopods. ●      If you are providing a self-made enclosure it is to ensure that you are making provision for cross ventilation by making enough holes in the enclosure. ●      For these clean up critters, provide substrate mix in the enclosure that has rotten leaves in the mix or provide a custom mix of coco peat, leaf litter, small amount of soil and moss to retain moisture. ●      Make sure to provide the substrate bedding for around 1-3 inches within the enclosure. ●      It has to be ensured that the substrate they keep inside the container should be damped up to about one third of the total portion. ●      While carrying out misting, the damp area and the wet area should be maintained separately. The areas should not be exchanged. ●      Moss is to be kept only in the damp areas to maintain the moisture content. These mosses are also a type of food for them thus serving dual purpose. ●      The enclosure should be periodically inspected and must ensure that the leaflets and other food items are present inside the container. ●      If the moisture content is higher, there can be increased mold growth, which is not good for your pets. To avoid this, you can add springtails, which prey on the mold and will help you to keep the area clean. ●      It is important to keep hiding areas inside the enclosure. Towards this you can coconut shell or bark of wood which will act as the perfect hiding space for them. You can also keep crates of eggs which also are equally good hide out areas for your pets.