PostPods (187)

Interestingly, the deeper you go into the isopod world, the more variety you find, and some are rare, like Bumblebee isopods. As one of the sought-after species, they are preferred by many mainly because of their appearance, which mimics an actual bumblebee. The bold yellow and black markings on their body create a striking look that makes you want them even more. But since, it is a rare species, getting your hands on them is a bigger struggle than you think. Bumblebee Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Thailand Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. Bumblebee Difficulty: Medium Rarity: Rare Temperature: 18-26° Size: Up to 8-10 mm Humidity: 70-80% Favorable Foods: Decaying organic matter, leaf litter, wood, fruits, and fish flakes.  An Overview Originating from Thailand, Bumblebee isopods are among the Cubaris geniuses. Still, unlike other species in the category, they cannot be found in abundance, which is why they have a high monetary value. With a tendency of growing up to 8 to 10 mm, they prefer high-humid ambiance to reach their potential and lead a healthy life.  What's special about them is the appearance that gives them a bee-like appearance but without wings. However, you should own them only if you are experienced and can meet the requirements necessary. Bumblebee Isopods: Basic Care With some proven tips, you can give your isopods a healthy life and good shape:  Despite the fact that they grow in terrariums, they do need proper regulation of fresh air along with good ventilation.  Another important requirement for their growth highly relies in high humidity, and that is why you must properly mist the enclosure at regular intervals. For that reason, misting the enclosure regularly and using a substrate mix to retain moisture well is important.  Above anything, a stable temperature is crucial, so make sure it doesn't fluctuate much; otherwise, it may create issues for your isopods. Bumblebee Isopods: Feeding Like others, Bumblebee isopods are no different and feed on decaying organic matter in abundance in the wild. But in captivity, you must give them a balanced diet containing plenty of leaf litter, rotting wood, and dried moss for their good health. As for supplementation, you can add vegetables, cuttlebone, fish flakes, and protein sources, but do not overfeed them as they cause molting issues. Bumblebee Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour It is easy to recognize them because of their distinctive yellow and black bands on their body, characteristics you don't see in other isopods. The bold patterns on their bodies serve as a natural defense mechanism, mimicking a Bumblebee and keeping predators away. They are highly active at night but not so much during the daytime, and they stay hidden under leaf litter. They also like to move in groups while foraging. Bumblebee Isopods: Habitat Bumblebee isopods make places with tropical climates their home and live under rocks, decaying logs, and leaf litter so nobody can bother or attack them. You need to mimic the same when keeping them in captivity with plenty of hiding spots, perfect air flow, and moisture-retaining materials.  Bumblebee Isopods: Substrate Mix You may have a thought of experimenting with substrate mix to feed your bumblebee isopods, and then you will end up putting their overall health on stake. This is why you create a proper substrate mix containing coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, decayed wood, leaf litter, sand, and crushed eggshells or cuttlebone to fulfill their calcium requirement.

A highly sought-after species, Cubaris Platinum Isopods are popular for their metallic appearance and unique behaviour. Also known as Platinum-Metallica Ducky Isopods, these little creatures are medium in size and native to Thailand. Their most attractive feature is the silvery sheen, which gives their name. Isopod’s health and happiness rely majorly on the environment you offer them. Try giving them high-humidity enclosures and warm temperatures, which are their natural habitat.  Cubaris Platinum Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Thailand Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. Platinum Difficulty: Advanced Rarity: Ultra Rare Temperature: 23 to 26 degrees Celsius Size: 1 cm to 1.5 cm Humidity: High Favourable Foods: Leaf litter, fresh vegetables and fruits, and protein-rich foods An Overview Known for their striking metallic exoskeleton, Cubaris Platinum Isopods are exotic pets. These isopods range from a pale silver to a bright platinum hue, unlike any other isopod species. Ideal for any isopod collection, Cubaris Platinum isopods grow up to 1.5 cm in length and have a domed-shaped body. This gives them extra protection in their natural environment, so they escape threats better. When it comes to Cubaris Platinum isopods, they need a high-humidity setup and consistent warmth to thrive. As a keeper, maintaining stable terrarium conditions is essential. Caring for these isopods is bit challenging, but the effort is worthwhile because of their fascinating appearance and behaviour. These are rare species because they breed slowly, making them fascinating creatures to possess as pets. But under optimal conditions, increasing their number is possible.  Cubaris Platinum Isopods: Basic Care Caring for Cubaris Platinum Isopods is not difficult and requires the minimum effort only if you do it the right way. A set of tips are shared below: A high humidity environment, around 70-80% is preferred and make sure the terrarium is well-sealed to lock the moisture in.  T 23-26℃. This is essential for the optimal health and activity of your isopods. Using cork bark, leaf litter, and moss, create hiding spots so your isopods feel safe. A nutrient-rich substrate is what your isopods need to be healthy. Ensure the substrate contains decayed wood, leaf litter, cuttlebone and eggshells, which are important for their growth. Cubaris Platinum Isopods: Feeding Feeding Cubaris Platinum Isopods doesn’t require much effort. Their diet mainly consists of decaying organic matter like leaves and wood, which you can easily find. A good idea is to include various dried vegetables like carrots and zucchini. These items give them additional nutrition. But for calcium supplementation, cuttlebone or eggshells are a must as they make their exoskeleton strong. Cubaris Platinum Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Cubaris Platinum isopods have a metallic platinum exoskeleton, which is their distinctive feature.  Their nature is shy in general, and they prefer to hide during the day and come out during the night. Cubaris Platinum isopods are slow breeders, but their unique appearance makes the effort worth it. They need high-humidity conditions and consistent care without which they cannot flourish. These isopods have a dome-like body shape and size is medium. Cubaris Platinum Isopods: Habitat Cubaris Platinum Isopods are native to Thailand and need a humid tropical environment. Keeping them as pets requires replicating a similar climate in captivity so they can grow and reproduce without difficulties for which creating moisture-retaining substrate is essential. Along with it, adequate ventilation is also important as it helps prevent mould growth. Cubaris Platinum Isopods: Substrate Mix Keeping Cubaris Platinum Isopods needs a substrate mix containing decayed wood pieces and leaf litter playing a huge role in their sustenance and growth. Coconut coir and calcium-rich supplements like oyster shells or cuttlebone are also good for their exoskeleton health. Also, avoid using chemically treated substrates or additives because they may harm the isopods.

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.

Porcellio Ornatus are widely sought after for its bright colours and patterns. These species are relatively on the larger side and are widely appreciated among exotic pet communities. They are active species, and it is great to watch them crawl in glass enclosures.  Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Key Points Origin: Spain Size: 2.5 cm Difficulty level: Intermediate Breeding rate: Moderate Temperature: 68℉-79℉ Rarity: low to medium Humidity: slightly humid Favorite food: dead leaves, fish food flakes, fruits and vegetables Supplements: oyster shell, cuttlefish bone Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Introduction There are many artificially cultivated morphs; however, natural morph species are rare. One such species is the Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow species. These species are originally native to Spain and were redistributed to various parts of the world through an exchange process by pet lovers. Like other isopods that originated in Spain, these species also love climatic conditions with moderate humidity. They prefer a drier air content in their living environment.  Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Physical Features and Characteristics These species have grey exoskeletons with high yellow coloration. They are active and don't shy away from light.  They tend to crawl around on various surfaces and underneath barks as well.  These species are slow-moving and are extroverted in nature. Due to their large size and active nature, they need a good nutritious diet.  They are slightly difficult to maintain. They prefer dry, arid landscapes, similar to other isopods that are native to Spain. They are not tolerant of extreme temperatures.  These species need less moisture and high ventilation. Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Feeding The Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow isopods are active in nature. They are constantly crawling and exploring the surroundings. Due to its highly active nature, they have a voracious appetite. These species are not difficult to be fed and they pretty much eat anything.  Being an active and large species, these require calcium and protein-rich food. When culturing these species in an enclosure, it is crucial to provide a balanced diet of fruits, vegetable cuttings, meat pieces, and also molting of other invertebrates.  Cuttlewood, crushed eggshells, or oyster shell pieces can be added as a substitute. This helps in the overall health of the isopods and for breeding healthy offspring.  Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Morphs There are various morphs that have been formed naturally in the wild due to genetic selection. Also, there are moths that have been designed and cultivated by the breeders. Regardless of the origin of the morphs, there are three types that are commonly found, and they are as follows: Porcellio Ornatus Nord: These isopods have grey shells with white spotting and skirts. Porcellio Ornatus Yellow dot or South: Has predominantly dark grey carapace with yellow dots on the end part of the body. Porcellio Ornatus Chocolate High Yellow: These isopods are similar to the high yellow variant with a chocolate brown color shell instead of grey Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Breeding These bright yellow species are found to be reproducing at a moderate rate. With proper maintenance and care, sub-adults will begin to breed before reaching full size. For this, the isopods should be fed with a proper diet that is rich in protein and calcium. By providing them with a proper diet, these species breed very quickly. They also produce healthy broods that range in size from medium to large. Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Natural Habitat For these species, extreme cold or hot conditions can affect their health and can be lethal.  These species, therefore, prefer a comfortable temperature range as per the specifications.  They generally tend to set up their living spaces where the conditions are slightly humid.  They move between the humid areas and dry areas as per their requirement and comfort.  They hide and form colonies by themselves naturally underneath leaves and wooden bark available in the wild. Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Artificial Habitat While setting up true artificial enclosures for them there are multiple things to remember to ensure that they are having a enjoying environment. Temperature conditions should be optimal i.e not too hot or not too cold. Therefore it is crucial to maintain the temperature around 20℃ to 26℃. The humidity level should not exceed as it can affect the reproducing capacity of the species. Therefore, when setting the enclosure, it is important to leave ¼ th of the enclosure as a wet area and leave the rest dry. Mist on the wet side of the enclosure produces a moisture gradient. To help keep the enclosure's humidity levels stable, keep moss on the wet side. When necessary, these species will move between arid and wet environments.  A proper flow of air is to be ensured within the enclosure. Opt for enclosures with ventilation outlets or provide openings in plastic containers if making the enclosure using DIY. When providing ventilation, cover the openings with mesh to prevent these creatures from escaping. Natural materials can be used to create artificial hiding places. Egg cartons, lotus pods, coconut halves, and cork bark are a few examples. These are all great places for isopods to climb and hide. By adding numerous hides, you may accommodate both juveniles and adults in your enclosure, which also gives the isopods a more varied habitat. Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Substrate Mix for the Isopods The substrate mix of these critters should be in a way that it imitates their natural environment. Therefore it is important to use the right type of substrate for these species.  The substrate mix for P. Ornatus High Yellow should either consist of coconut coir and peat moss or use premix Bug Bedding and Super Substrate mix. Both can help provide a solid foundation for the enclosure.  When adding the substrate, provide thick bedding of 3-4 inches, as these species like to dig. Add water to the bedding till they are moist. It is important to ensure that the mixture is not drenched in water but just wet enough.  A lot of leaf litter should be added to the enclosure. Before placing them inside the enclosure, make sure they are clean. To provide these species with calcium, scatter egg shells, cuttlebone, or powdered calcium within the enclosure. Provide different kinds of mosses (sheet and pillow types) for climbing and hiding places in addition to nibbles. Add a variety of textured enclosure decor. This helps to provide a more inviting and realistic environment for the isopods. These include rotten wooden bark, coconut shells, and egg cartons. 

Experience the awe-inspiring presence of our magnificent Giant Banahoa Isopods! These extraordinary Philippine natives represent one of the most impressive terrestrial isopods available in the hobby, combining substantial size with breathtaking beauty that commands attention in any collection. With their almost armoured appearance featuring intricate rusty-bronze patterns and robust build, these remarkable Fillipinodillo specimens showcase the incredible diversity that the tropical Philippines has to offer. Perfect for serious collectors and experienced keepers who appreciate both size and striking visual appeal in their isopod displays. A Glimpse Origin: Banahoa region, Philippines Scientific Name: Fillipinodillo sp. "Giant Banahoa" Maintenance required: Medium to Advanced Average Size: 2.0-2.5 cm Rarity: Very High Lifespan: 2-3 years Temperature: 24℃-28℃ (75℉-82℉) Ventilation: Moderate Humidity: 75-85% Favorite food: Decaying hardwood, leaf litter, organic matter Supplements: Cuttlebone, calcium powder, protein sources Giant Banahoa Isopods: Introduction These spectacular isopods originate from the biodiverse Banahoa region of the Philippines, where the unique tropical mountain ecosystem has given rise to some of the most impressive terrestrial isopods found anywhere in Southeast Asia. The Philippines' reputation for extraordinary endemic species is perfectly exemplified by these remarkable creatures, which represent the pinnacle of size and beauty in the Fillipinodillo genus. Their imposing presence and distinctive armoured appearance make them true showstoppers that captivate everyone who encounters them. The intricate rusty-bronze patterning across their substantial exoskeleton creates a visual masterpiece that seems almost prehistoric, earning them a well-deserved reputation as one of the most sought-after species among serious collectors worldwide, rivaling even popular varieties like Cubaris species in desirability. Physical Traits and Characteristics These impressive isopods showcase the classic Fillipinodillo body plan scaled up to truly giant proportions, reaching an extraordinary 2.0-2.5cm in length Their most striking feature is the intricate rusty-bronze coloration that creates complex patterns across their heavily armoured exoskeleton The robust, almost tank-like build gives them an imposing presence that immediately distinguishes them from smaller isopod species Their substantial size and thick exoskeleton create an almost prehistoric appearance that captivates observers The segmented body displays beautiful contrast between darker and lighter areas, creating natural geometric patterns Their impressive antennae and well-developed compound eyes reflect their adaptation to the complex forest floor environments of the Philippines The substantial legs and robust build indicate their terrestrial lifestyle and ability to navigate through dense leaf litter and decomposing wood Their large size makes every detail of their anatomy easily observable, from their intricate mouthparts to their distinctive segmentation The overall appearance suggests a creature perfectly adapted to the rich, humid forest floors of tropical Philippine mountains Individual specimens may show subtle variations in patterning, making each isopod unique while maintaining the distinctive Giant Banahoa characteristics Diet Giant Banahoa Isopods are enthusiastic decomposers with appetites to match their impressive size. In their native Philippine mountain forests, they encounter a rich diversity of tropical hardwoods, exotic leaf litter, and the abundant organic matter typical of these biodiverse ecosystems. Provide a varied diet that reflects their tropical origins, including quality hardwood pieces (oak, beech, and tropical woods work particularly well), diverse leaf litter, and cork bark for sustained nutrition. Their substantial size means they can process larger food items than smaller species like Porcellio laevis, making feeding both easier and more rewarding to observe. Supplement their diet with fresh vegetables such as sweet potatoes, squash, and tropical fruits occasionally. Their robust metabolism requires regular calcium supplementation through cuttlebone, crushed limestone, or specialized calcium powders to support their impressive exoskeleton development and molting processes. Protein sources are important for maintaining their substantial size and supporting reproduction. Offer fish food flakes, dried shrimp, or specialized high-protein isopod foods regularly. Their impressive appetite means they can quickly process significant amounts of organic waste, making them excellent bioactive cleanup crews despite their rarity. Due to their size and value, monitor feeding carefully to ensure all individuals receive adequate nutrition without creating competition that might stress these valuable specimens. Giant Banahoa Isopods: Personality These magnificent isopods display a confident, robust personality that matches their impressive physical presence. Their substantial size gives them a bold demeanor, and they're often more visible during daylight hours than many smaller, more secretive species, making them excellent display animals. Their Philippine forest origins have instilled in them a curious, exploratory nature. They'll readily investigate new additions to their environment and aren't easily startled, allowing for excellent observation opportunities. This confidence makes them engaging terrarium inhabitants that reward patient observation with fascinating behaviors. Despite their imposing size, they're generally peaceful creatures that coexist well with other large isopod species. Their substantial build means they're not easily intimidated, but they're not aggressive toward smaller tank mates either, making them suitable for mixed species setups with appropriate companions like other Philippine isopods or similarly-sized species. Their impressive size and striking appearance make every sighting special, and their robust nature means they're tolerant of brief observation periods, allowing enthusiasts to fully appreciate their remarkable characteristics and behaviors. Breeding Giant Banahao Isopods are moderate breeders that require optimal conditions to successfully reproduce in captivity. Their impressive size means breeding females can carry substantial broods, but their tropical origins require consistent environmental conditions to trigger successful reproduction, similar to other tropical species like Cubaris but with even more specific requirements due to their rarity. Females reach sexual maturity at approximately 6-8 months and carry eggs for 6-8 weeks before releasing juveniles. Broods typically contain 15-30 offspring, with the exact number depending on the female's size and condition. The juveniles emerge as perfect miniatures of their impressive parents and grow steadily with proper care. For successful breeding, maintain stable tropical conditions with high humidity (80-85%), consistent temperatures around 25-27℃, and abundant calcium sources to support the development of their substantial exoskeletons. The impressive size of adults means they require more space and resources than smaller species. Given their rarity and value, successful breeding represents a significant achievement in the hobby. Establishing breeding populations helps ensure the long-term availability of these spectacular isopods while providing the satisfaction of working with truly exceptional creatures. Their substantial size and impressive appearance make breeding colonies particularly rewarding, as watching multiple generations of these magnificent isopods develop creates a truly spectacular display. Creating the Perfect Habitat Giant Banahoa Isopods require spacious, well-designed habitats that accommodate their impressive size while replicating the rich tropical conditions of their Philippine mountain origins. Use deep substrate (6-8cm minimum) composed of quality tropical soil mix, decomposed hardwood matter, and organic components that maintain the high humidity these giants require. Consider pairing with springtails to help maintain optimal substrate conditions. Their substantial size means they need appropriately scaled hiding spots and environmental features. Provide large pieces of cork bark, substantial hardwood chunks, and ceramic caves that can accommodate their impressive bulk while offering the security they need. Temperature management is crucial for these tropical giants. Maintain stable conditions between 24-28℃ with minimal fluctuations that might stress these valuable specimens. Their Philippine origins mean they thrive in consistently warm conditions that would be excessive for temperate species like Porcellio varieties. Humidity should remain consistently high (75-85%) while ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent stagnation. Their large size and substantial waste production means good airflow is essential, but balance this with their need for tropical humidity levels. Include substantial calcium sources throughout the substrate - crushed limestone, cuttlebone pieces, and oyster shell provide ongoing supplementation to support their impressive exoskeleton development. The visual impact of these magnificent creatures is enhanced by creating a Philippine-inspired biotope with tropical decorations that complement their striking appearance. Consider the spectacular display potential when designing their habitat - these impressive isopods deserve setups that showcase their remarkable size and beauty while providing the optimal conditions they need to thrive and potentially reproduce in captivity. For additional guidance on isopod care, explore our comprehensive care articles and setup guides.

Giant Mandarin Isopods - Cubaris sp. 'Giant Mandarin' Meet the impressive larger cousin of the beloved Mandarin isopod! These striking orange beauties from Thailand command attention with their substantial size and distinctive red eyes. Giant Mandarins represent one of the most visually spectacular Cubaris species available, combining the gorgeous tangerine coloration of their smaller relatives with an impressive adult size that makes them truly stand out in any bioactive setup. A Glimpse • Origin: Thailand (Captive Bred) • Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. 'Giant Mandarin' • Difficulty Level: Moderate - Intermediate Friendly • Adult Size: Up to 17mm (0.67 inches) • Rarity: High • Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) • Humidity: 60% to 80% with moisture gradient • Favorite Foods: Fruits, vegetables, fish food, decaying wood, leaf litter • Supplements: High-protein diet twice weekly, calcium sources Overview Giant Mandarin isopods are a spectacular larger species that truly lives up to their name - reaching approximately three times the size of regular Cubaris murina 'Mandarin' isopods. These chunky, beautiful crustaceans showcase the classic mandarin orange coloration that gives them their citrus-inspired name, enhanced by their distinctive red eyes that create an absolutely stunning appearance. Originally isolated from Thailand, they're believed to be related to Cubaris sp. Giant Marina, sharing similar size characteristics but with their own unique orange pigmentation. Their impressive adult size of 17mm makes them one of the more substantial Cubaris species in the hobby, perfect for keepers who want maximum visual impact from their isopod colonies. Basic Care Giant Mandarins require more attention to environmental conditions than beginner species, making them ideal for intermediate keepers ready to step up their isopod game. They thrive in consistently warm temperatures between 72-82°F, with stability being more important than hitting exact numbers. Humidity should remain between 60-80%, with essential moisture gradients throughout their enclosure - never uniformly wet conditions. These semi-fossorial isopods appreciate deeper substrates for their natural burrowing behaviors, though they also spend considerable time foraging through leaf litter and under cork bark pieces. Good ventilation prevents stagnation while maintaining their preferred humid microclimate, and they're particularly sensitive to sudden environmental changes during molting periods. Feeding Calcium • Cuttlefish bone pieces (essential for their larger size) • Limestone granules mixed into substrate • Oyster shell pieces • Calcium powder occasionally dusted on foods Protein (Essential - Feed Twice Weekly) • High-quality fish flakes or pellets • Dried minnows or river shrimp • Freeze-dried bloodworms • Reptile shed skin when available • Specialized isopod protein mixes Primary Diet • Sweet fruits (their absolute favorite - apples, oranges, mango) • Fresh vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, squash, zucchini) • White rotten wood pieces • Hardwood leaf litter (oak, birch, maple) • Forest moss and lichens Appearance and Behaviour Giant Mandarins are absolutely breathtaking with their vibrant tangerine-orange coloration that intensifies with age and proper nutrition. Their most striking feature is their bright red eyes, which create a beautiful contrast against their warm orange bodies. Adults reach an impressive 17mm, making them substantially larger than most Cubaris species and easy to observe. They exhibit typical Cubaris "duck face" characteristics with their rounded heads and can roll into perfect balls when threatened. These isopods are surprisingly active during both day and night, though they become most animated during evening hours. They're naturally social creatures that often aggregate in favored hiding spots, and their foraging behavior resembles tiny pigs rooting through substrate layers. When disturbed, they either conglobate or exhibit rapid escape responses, quickly scuttling to safety. Habitat A minimum 12-quart container works for starter colonies, but Giant Mandarins truly thrive in larger 25+ quart setups or 10+ gallon terrariums that accommodate their size and active nature. Substrate depth should be 3-4 inches minimum to support their burrowing instincts, with distinct moisture zones created throughout. Approximately one-third of the enclosure should remain consistently moist using sphagnum moss patches, while the remainder stays moderately humid but not wet. Cork bark pieces, wooden hides, and thick leaf litter coverage provide essential shelter and foraging opportunities. These isopods are excellent climbers, so secure ventilation at the container top is crucial. Temperature gradients aren't necessary, but consistent warmth throughout their habitat supports healthy molting and breeding behaviors. Substrate Mix Create optimal conditions with this specialized mixture: Base Layer (60%): • Premium organic topsoil (pesticide-free) • Deciduous forest humus for moisture retention • Small amount of peat moss for pH buffering Organic Amendments (25%): • White rotten wood pieces (15% - critical nutrition source) • Aged hardwood leaf mold • Small pieces of cork bark Mineral Supplements (15%): • Limestone granules (10% - essential calcium) • Oyster shell pieces for ongoing calcium supplementation • Optional: Fine sand for drainage in deeper areas Moisture Management: Maintain substrate that's consistently moist but never waterlogged in the designated wet zones. The moist sections should use quality sphagnum moss that you mist 2-3 times weekly, creating humidity pockets without oversaturating the entire environment. Monitor moisture levels carefully as Giant Mandarins are sensitive to both desiccation and overly wet conditions. The substrate should feel like a wrung-out sponge in wet areas. Special Considerations: Giant Mandarins have higher nutritional demands than smaller species, so ensure your substrate includes ample white rotten wood and leaf litter that breaks down slowly. They're particularly fond of sweet decomposing matter, so occasionally adding small pieces of overripe fruit to specific areas can encourage natural foraging behaviors while supplementing their diet.

An exotic hobby of keeping isopods as pets has become a common one in recent times, and you will find plenty sharing the same passion. But, it is challenging to choose the right isopod for your captivity. If you are looking for a difficult species, choose Succinctus Black Rib Isopods. These isopods are attractive to look at and also available easily. Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Spain Scientific Name: Porcellio Succinctus "Black Ribs" Difficulty: Challenging Rarity: Not rare Size: Up to 2.8 cm Temperature: 15°C to 26°C Humidity: Low-medium Favourable Foods: Rotting wood, forest debris, fruits, vegetables, fish food, and cuttlebone. An Overview Succinctus Black Rib Isopods are native to Spain. They are a captivating species that many keepers and enthusiasts prefer. What makes these isopods popular is their appearance. You can easily recognize them because of their unique white skirts and black ribbons on their body. Unlike other isopods, Succinctus Black Rib Isopods cannot tolerate high humidity. They prefer low to medium moisture levels that is essential for their survival. Succinctus Black Rib Isopods are bigger than many other isopod species, and their size grows up to 2.8 cm long and thrives better in moderate temperatures. You must take up the responsibility for a pet to give them a better life and start by giving them the same environment as their habitat.  Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Basic Care Here are some basic care tips you should follow: You should add moist corners in the terrarium because it is essential for your isopods' health. Do not skip on keeping ample airflow and ventilation when preparing the terrarium.   Mimicking their natural surroundings maybe a task, but take extra efforts and add moss, leaf litter, and pieces of decaying white wood so it mimics their natural surroundings.   For their better growth, the ideal temperature range is between 15 and 26°C. Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Feeding Succinctus Black Rib Isopods are detritivores. They feed on various organic materials, including fruits, vegetables, greens, forest moss, lichen, decaying leaves, and rotting white. You should provide these things for their development. Cuttlefish bone, limestone, or oyster seashells are a great source of calcium.  Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour Succinctus Black Rib Isopods reach up to 2.8 cm in length.  The isopods are best known for their features, like long antennae and uropods, contributing to their impressive appearance.  They are secretive and mostly active at night and early morning.  You should keep them from direct sunlight as they are heat-sensitive. Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Habitat Succinctus Black Rib Isopods require a habitat that closely resembles their natural environment. Create multiple moist corners using moss, decaying white wood, and leaf litter so your isopods can live comfortably. This will also maintain the right humidity level, which is essential for their development. The setup should be dry but have good airflow. This way, you can prevent excessive moisture buildup inside the terrarium. Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Substrate Mix Your isopods need a suitable substrate mix. Use organic compost, vermicast, sphagnum moss, crushed leaf litter, rotting wood, and calcium sources. This will help you prepare the perfect substrate mix for your little pets. This will provide the necessary nutrients and environment for your isopods to thrive and reproduce.