Lichen Sticks are dried twigs covered in natural lichen, sold as both food and décor for isopod enclosures. Lichen forms a natural part of many isopods' diets in the wild—particularly for species originating from forest and cave environments where lichen grows on rocks, bark, and branches. For some species, notably Ardentiella (formerly Merulanella), lichen isn't just appreciated but may be necessary for long-term health.
What You Get
Dried sticks with natural lichen growth attached. These serve dual purposes: the lichen itself is edible and nutritious, while the sticks add texture, climbing surfaces, and visual interest to enclosures.
Why Lichen Matters
Lichen is a composite organism—a symbiosis between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. This unusual biology gives it a nutritional profile different from typical plant matter, and many isopod species actively seek it out.
Species that benefit most:
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Ardentiella (ex-Merulanella): These species genuinely need lichen in their diet. Some sources indicate they may decline or die without access to it. If you keep Ardentiella, lichen isn't optional.
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Cubaris species: Many Cubaris appreciate lichen as part of a varied diet, particularly cave-dwelling species accustomed to grazing on lichen-covered limestone.
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Most other isopods: Will graze on lichen when available. It adds dietary variety even for species that don't strictly require it.
Lichen provides nutrients that aren't readily available from leaf litter and decaying wood alone. It's part of replicating the varied diet isopods would encounter in natural habitats.
How to Use
Placement: Simply place lichen sticks in the enclosure. They work well propped against cork bark, laid across the substrate surface, or positioned where isopods can easily access them.
As food: Isopods will graze on the lichen over time. You'll notice the lichen gradually disappearing as they consume it. Replace when depleted.
As décor: The sticks themselves add natural texture and climbing opportunities. Even after the lichen is consumed, the bare sticks remain useful as hardscape elements.
Moisture: Lichen sticks can be placed in either moist or drier areas of the enclosure. In humid conditions, some lichen species may even continue growing slowly, though don't count on this.
Safety Notes
These are prepared for isopod use. Wild-collected lichen can carry risks—pesticide exposure, pollutants, or species that contain compounds harmful to isopods (some lichens produce usnic acid, which can be toxic). Pre-prepared lichen sticks from reputable suppliers avoid these concerns.
If you collect your own lichen, research the species, collect from unpolluted areas away from roads and agriculture, and consider freezing or drying thoroughly before use to eliminate any hitchhikers.
Who Needs These
Priority purchase for:
- Ardentiella keepers (borderline necessary)
- Cubaris keepers wanting to provide optimal nutrition
- Anyone keeping species from limestone cave or forest bark environments
Nice to have for:
- General isopod collections as dietary enrichment
- Bioactive setups where you want to encourage natural grazing behaviour
- Display enclosures where the natural aesthetic is valued
Less critical for:
- Hardy European species like Porcellio scaber or Armadillidium vulgare, which thrive on simpler diets
- Keepers focused purely on breeding volume rather than dietary variety
Value Assessment
At £6.99, lichen sticks are a relatively inexpensive way to add dietary variety and natural décor. For Ardentiella keepers, they're a necessary ongoing expense. For others, they're a useful enrichment item that most isopods will appreciate. The sticks last a while as isopods graze gradually rather than devouring them immediately.
