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Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods
from £10.00
Like most other Armadillo Officinalis species, the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods prefer a moist environment to thrive. They are commonly gifted isopods to isopod collection enthusiasts because of their interesting and companionable nature. These strikingly beautiful brown-coloured isopods originate from Eastern Spain. These brown pill bugs are exotic and most fascinating Armadillo species, amongst others. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods make valuable and beloved pets. This hissing isopod can make a likeable addition to your terrarium setup. The elegant and good-natured isopods can be a little challenging to raise for beginners, but not impossible.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Spain, Mediterranean Basin, Greece
Scientific Name: Armadillo Officinalis Duméril
Difficulty: Medium
Rarity: Low
Temperature: 65 to 75℉
Size: 2 cm
Humidity: 60 to 75%
Favourable Foods: Crushed eggshells, cuttlefish
An Overview
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are Spanish natives that can be delightful to raise. These brown-coloured Armadillo isopods with orange spots are calm species that are large in size. These affable isopods need a medium level of maintenance and care.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods grow large really fast. They are rolly polly isopods that turn themselves into a ball when threatened. These Armadillo isopods rub their legs on their exoskeleton and end up producing a hissing sound. This is why the Armadillo Officinalis Brown are called the hissing isopods.
The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are also Mediterranean Basin natives. They will thrive in enclosures that have one-third wet part and the rest normal. The best thing about the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods is that they are friendly-natured.
The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are even Greek isopods. These humming isopods can make a splendid addition to your isopod collection. They will thrive in a moist terrarium setup. These isopods grow well in a humid environment.
These Spanish isopods are not at all rare species. They are highly socialising isopods that need a spacious environment to move around. Isopod collectors can shop for a terrarium with 5 litre capacity to store the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods. These exemplary isopods will not reproduce in a terrarium setup that is not spacious.
Isopod collectors can add white rotten wood and lime to their substrate mix. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods’ substrate mix can also include a soil and leaf litter mixture.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods is a brown-coloured morph that will thrive in a substrate mix, which includes pieces of bark and mosses. All the new collectors can take extra care of waterlogging within the terrarium. They can feed them cuttlefish and crushed eggshells to help Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods grow their shells faster.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Armadillo
Officinalis Brown isopods.
Use a bioactive setup of 5 litre capacity to house the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods.
Keep the temperature within 65 to 75℉.
Avoid keeping the enclosure in direct light.
Maintain 60 to 75% humidity levels because the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods thrive in medium to high humidity environments.
Regularly spray the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods terrarium setup to maintain adequate humidity levels.
These fairly large isopods are easy-to-breed pets.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods will only reproduce in spacious terrarium setups.
Keep the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods moist always.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Feeding
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods is a charming isopod that benefits from eating crushed eggshells, limestone, and cuttlefish. These isopods are fond of eating white rotten wood.
Feed the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods leftover animal products, especially bones. They can be fed foliage in their substrate mix. The brown isopods also consume flowers and fruits.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods even feed on dead wood and leaf litter. Give the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods feeding foliage and white rotting wood to help them thrive.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are nocturnal species that readily consume fish food and greens. You will also see them eating the moulting of invertebrates inside the terrarium setup.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Appearance And Behavior
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are medium-sized isopods. These brown isopods can grow as large as 2 cm.
The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods have orange spots on a brown body. Their brownish colour makes them a more attractive option over the Armadillo Red Brick isopods.
These isopods curl themselves up in a ball and make a hissing sound.
These Armadillo isopods will only reproduce in a spacious terrarium setup.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are active and social species. They can be seen thriving in groups within a terrarium setup.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods count amongst the longest-living isopods and can live up to 9 years.
These crepuscular isopods love hiding themselves during the daytime.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Habitat
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are medium sized isopods that thrive in mediumly humid environments. These isopods take 9 months to turn from a juvenile into an adult.
The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are convenient to breed. They can have up to 300 young woodlice litters per year. They can survive only in tanks where humidity is maintained religiously.
The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are readily found on the western Black Sea coast. Enthusiasts can even look for the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods across the Mediterranean Sea. Many people love giving the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods to their loved ones.
Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Substrate Mix
The substrate mix of the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods can consist of sphagnum moss and leaf litter. The presence of sphagnum moss, as well as leaf litter within a substrate mix, can help retain the moist environment within a terrarium setup.
You can even add white rotten wood and pieces of bark at the base of the terrarium setup. You can also add lime inside the substrate mix to help the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods produce their shells faster.
The substrate mix of Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods can include feeding foliage. This ingredient is essential and includes things such as fallen leaves and decaying organic matter.
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Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods
from £6.00
Unlike most other European isopods, the Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods originate in Spain. These fascinating isopods are becoming very popular for their deep orange colouration. These Red Brick Isopods make great pets for kids. They are the most in-demand Armadillo isopods right now. These brick-red coloured isopods thrive in bioactive terrarium setups with large amounts of moisture. These low-maintenance European isopods make beginner-friendly pets. The colour of the Red Brick Isopods deepens into adulthood.
Red Brick Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Spain
Scientific Name: Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods
Difficulty: Low
Rarity: Low
Temperature: 40 to 90℉
Size: 2 cm
Humidity: Low to Medium
Favourable Foods:
An Overview
Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods are Spanish natives that take birth in deep yellow color. These fascinating isopods’ colour deepens and turns into a brick-red colour as they step into adulthood.
Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods have quite a large size. They are decent isopods that will thrive in a decent bioactive terrarium setup. They are low-maintenance pets.
These Red Brick isopods need moderate ventilation and a calcium source to grow. The best thing about these isopods is that they enjoy living in a setup with a large amount of moisture. These hissing isopods love rubbing their legs in a circular motion.
Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods can produce a rattling sound when they curl up inside their shelves. This comparatively large Armadillo isopod grows well in semi-arid environments.
Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods are easy to keep. These adorn-worthy species enjoy eating lots of soft-bodied plants. They have issues moulting in environments with high humidity.
Red Brick Isopods: Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods.
Use a large bioactive setup with plenty of space to house Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods.
Keep the temperature of the container within 40 to 90℉.
Maintain low to medium humidity levels because Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods do not thrive in high-humidity environments.
Avoid keeping the enclosure under direct light.
Red Brick Isopods: Feeding
Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopod is an awesome starter isopod that benefits from consuming calcium sources like eggshells, cuttlebones, and limestone. They are fond of eating shells, bones, and other leftover animal products. They also consume soft bodied plants. Calcium powder also makes an ideal source of food for the Red Brick isopods.
Red Brick Isopods: Appearance And Behavior
Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods is the hissing isopod. They produce a rattling sound when they roll their legs in a circular motion inside their shells.
These isopods are deep yellow colored when they are born. Their colors turn in brick red when they enter adulthood.
The Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopod can be seen moving hurriedly inside the bioactive setup in search of a hide or cover.
These low maintenance isopods are chunky rolly polly isopods that make small noise as a part of their defence mechanism.
Red Brick Isopods: Habitat
Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods prefer arid as well as tropical environments. You can use a bioactive terrarium or vivarium setup to store the Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods. They require moderate ventilation inside the enclosure. Setups with high humidity can make the Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods struggle during molting.
Red Brick Isopods: Substrate Mix
The substrate for Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods should include lime and white rotten wood. The substrate mix can also include a dynamic mixture of soil and leaves. These delicate click-hissing isopods will thrive in a substrate arrangement that includes cork, moss, and leaf litter.
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Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods
from £22.50
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods is considered to be one of the most popular isopods from the armadillo branch of isopods. Their optimal conditions are dry regions. They are identified as originating from Greece. They are mainly considered an attractive group of species with intense patterns across their bodies. This makes them the perfect choice for terrariums, making them a fully attractive species.
Key Points
Origin: Greece
Scientific Name: Armadillo Tuberculatus
Difficulty Level: Easy
Size: 1.5 CM.
Rarity: Medium
Temperature: 22-28˚C
Humidity Level: Medium
Preferred Foods: Leaf litter, carrot, white rotten wood, moss, cuttlebone
An Overview
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are famous for their attractive design across their body. They are understood to thrive in moist environments and conditions. They have a bluish outer covering that makes them one of the most attractive species of isopods among collectors. Their exoskeletons are identified as hard. Tuberculatus isopods cannot reproduce quickly when introduced into a terrarium. They are believed to occupy two-thirds of the whole space, making them an 'invasive' species.
The bluish colour of young Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods may not be that evident. They are also believed to have thorny spikes in their exoskeleton. When these isopods achieve full growth, these spikes turn into bumps on their exoskeleton. Their colouring also improves as they become fully grown adults. Their exoskeletons, like those of other isopods, are believed to be strong and offer protection from external dangers.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are free to consume a variety of food items. Leaf litter is considered their favorite food source. They can also consume moss, white hardwood, etc. In terrariums, they can be fed many types of vegetables in their dried form. Carrots, leafy vegetables, etc., are ideally preferred for their full growth. Additionally, fish food, cuttlebone, etc., can be provided as protein supplements.
Basic Care
The following instructions must be followed to provide the best care for Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods.
As they are mainly found in moist regions, Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods would prefer moderate humidity in the new atmosphere they are brought into.
Retaining moisture is a tricky part of the development of these isopods. The right moisture levels can effectively ensure their survival.
Preferably, two-thirds of the container should have moisture to maintain the required level of environment.
These isopods are considered one of the most attractive species to have in a vivarium or enclosure.
They are relatively slow breeders when compared to other Armadillidium species of isopods.
The ventilation level for the enclosure for Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods should be medium.
In their natural environments, many objects are preferred by these species to hide in. Artificial hiding spots in the enclosures can provide a more natural feel for the enclosure.
Their diet includes- Leaf litter, white hardwood, dried vegetables, fish food, cuttlebone, etc.
Normal room temperature of 22-28˚C is enough for these species to survive and reproduce.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Feeding
Like many other species of isopods, Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are also considered detritivores. Such species are graced with the luxury of being able to feed on various food items. The main food particles consumed by Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods include- leaf litter, white hardwood, dried vegetables, fish food, etc.
As they are naturally found in moist environments, decaying wood and large amounts of leaves are an easy source of food for them. Dried scraps of vegetables from a functional kitchen can provide these isopods with the necessary balance they seek within the artificial enclosures. Dry items are preferred as they have very little chance of developing mold growth within the enclosures. The collector's efforts could be in vain in the presence of molds.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods highly prefer foods having immense amounts of protein and calcium. The daily feeding practice of these isopods should include all food items rich in minerals for optimal growth. Keeping them close to the kitchen can allow the collector to utilize the options provided under dried vegetables. They can continue to grow efficiently with additional supplements like fish food, cuttlebone, etc.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour
Just like any other species, Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods also have hard exoskeletons.
As a medium range species of isopods, fully grown adult tuberculatus isopods have a bluish exoskeleton, with light white patches. .
They are mostly found in blue colour alone.
They only grow up to 1.5 CM long.
Their origin is from Greece.
Like many other species of isopods, these isopods also prefer the idea of burrowing.
Tuberculatus isopods are mostly found in moist environments. They require two third of the vivarium to be moisture filled for their survival.
They are recognized as a slow breeder species.
The breeding pattern followed is relatively slow when compared to other isopods.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Habitat
Armadillo Tuberculatus isopods require an ideal habitat to have the best growth. It is very much fundamental for their survival as a species of isopods. They are considered as an advanced range of isopods that can be used in the vivarium only after their proper establishment. The display that they offer through their body and hard exoskeleton make them a highly preferred choice among collectors. Maintaining an optimal condition in the vivarium can be manageable for collectors.
This particular type of isopods can survive within the temperature range of 22-28⁰C. Temperature levels form an integral aspect of the maintenance of these isopods as they affect their metabolism levels to a great extent. Some experts suggest the use of thermometers to regularly check the level of humidity and maintain the ideal environment. Tuberculatus isopods are relatively easier to manage in room temperatures.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are identified as slow breeders. Unlike other isopods, they do not breed swiftly. But they have an invasive nature once they are settled into the vivarium or enclosures.
Tuberculatus isopods are tiny within their own particular species of isopods. Their maximum growth range is identified as less than 1.5 CM. Maintaining the required moisture levels is highly advocated for this species of isopod, as they are originally found in moist regions.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Substrate Mix
Various types of nutrients and other materials are made use of to create an ideal substrate mixture. Providing a suitable substrate can elevate the growth of any kind of isopods. For giving the susbstrate, both natural and artificial materials can be utilized. For Armadillo Tuberculatus isopods, the ideal substrate mixture can be made relatively easily.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods mostly require a moist environment for their survival. Leaf litter and white rotten wood are considered easily collectible for this purpose. Decayed leaves and wood are good sources of protein for these isopods. Leaves should most probably be collected from regions that are pesticide-free. Any small amount of chemicals can instantly kill these isopods.
Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are not considered as climbers. The original environment they are found in has a lot of natural spots for them to burrow. The aim of any collector should be to recreate this environment with enough nutrient mixture to provide the right environment for their growth. The majority of the enclosure should have a moist region perfect for their survival. Even though they are slow breeders, they can reproduce in large numbers once they feel safe in their environment.
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Bolivari Lemonade Isopods (Porcellio)
from £35.00
Like most other Porcellio species, the Bolivari Lemonade Isopods prefer a less moist environment in comparison to other isopods. These fascinating isopods originate in eastern Spain. They are becoming very popular for their unique lemon and yellow hues; thus, quality Bolivari Lemonade Isopods are some of the most in-demand large species right now. These isopods make exotic pets. They breed readily in a basic isopod setup. They make a good option for beginners as well as seasoned terrarium enthusiasts. They are mostly found in caves with arid environments.
A Glimpse
Origin: Eastern Spain
Scientific Name: Porcellio bolivari "Lemonade"
Difficulty Level: Medium
Size: 3cm
Rarity: High
Temperature: 70°F to 80℉
Humidity: 50% to 70%
Favorite Foods: Lichens, Banana Leaf, Dead Wood, Cuttlebone
An Overview
Bolivari Lemonade Isopods are quite rare in the uK hobby still at this time. These isopods are well-known to be a great addition to terrarium setups. They are low-maintenance pets that thrive in a less moist environment.
These natives to Spain are characterized by their completely yellow color variation, flat and broad bodies. They have a lemonade-like colouration with strong yellow highlights.
The best thing about the these Isopods is that they decompose organic matter. They can be a perfect addition for maintenance of bioactive terrariums.
They cannot tolerate stale and musty air. They should only be added to terrariums with generous ventilation areas.
These isopods feed on many different types of food, such as feeding foliage, dead wood, cuttlebone, pollen, beetle jelly, etc. They can make a captivating breed for your collection.
Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to Bolivari Lemonade Isopods.
Use forest moss and feeding foliage as a ground substrate for your Bolivari Lemonade Isopods.
You can use a terrarium for housing Bolivari Lemonade Isopods.
Keep the temperature of the container within 70°F to 80℉.
Add curved cork bark works into the terrarium to give Bolivari Lemonade Isopods something to cling to.
Humidity should be no more than 50 to 70%.
Avoid keeping the enclosure under direct sunlight.
Bolivari Lemonade Isopods: Feeding
Bolivari Lemonade Isopods are primarily detrivores. These isopods love to consume decaying wood and calcium sources such as limestone and cuttlefish bone. They are fond of forest materials such as leaf litter. They also consume cocoa leaves, Indian almond leaves, and dandelion flowers. They even feed on vegetables, salads, lichens, and banana leaves.
Appearance And Behavior
They are large and with elongated uropods.
Their unique appearance looks similar to large trilobites. They can make a unique highlight of your terrarium setup.
These isopods come in remarkable combinations of colors and even patterns.
These isopods prefer the humid mossy corner of a terrarium for recurring molting process.
They can maintain a balanced ecosystem within a terrarium by their contribution to soil health and the nutrient cycle.
Habitat
Bolivari Lemonade Isopods prefer a less moist environment, but you will have to maintain proper ventilation for them to thrive. These classic large Spanish isopods require plenty of airflow. They are extraordinary creatures that can add a touch of natural beauty to any terrarium. These skeleton-like isopods will slowly die off in a humid environment.
Substrate Mix
You can add forest hummus and flake soil to the ground substrate mix. You can use a natural substrate that includes lime granulate, dead wood, shell grit, feeding foliage, and forest moss. The ground substrate for Bolivari Lemonade Isopods can also include Sphagnum moss and natural moss.
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Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods (Porcellio)
from £30.00
Many people prefer roly polies or pill bugs as pets. They believe keeping these little creatures is easier than owning a big animal, but the truth might shock you, and you find the case otherwise. Species like Bolivari yellow ghost isopods are rare and challenging to handle, particularly if you are a beginner. From basic care to maintenance, you must do everything to keep your isopods happy and healthy.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Alicante (Spain)
Scientific Name: Porcellio Bolivari
Difficulty: Medium
Rarity: High
Temperature: 18–25°C
Size: Up to 3 cm
Humidity: Low-medium
Favorable Foods: Leaf litter, vegetables, rotting wood, springtails, Antarctic krill, pure spirulina, and agate sticks.
An Overview
Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods are fascinating creatures. Their yellow highlights and lemonade-like coloration make them stand out from other isopod species. Because of their striking appearance, they are so popular among keepers.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods were mainly found in Alicante, Spain. Unlike some other isopods, they cannot tolerate high humidity. To ensure their thriving and growth, maintain the moisture level between low to medium. The same temperature also boasts their reproduction.
Another important factor which can’t be missed is to manage the temperature somewhere between 18°C and 25°, playing a crucial role in their overall development and survival rate.
To keep Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods as pets, you must mimic their natural habitat in your terrarium. With a broad, flat body and a vivid yellow stripe running along their back, they look nothing less than stunning. If kept and fed well, they can also grow up to 3 cm in length.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods thrive in arid regions. You can keep them healthy only if you replicate these conditions in captivity.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Basic Care
There are a few basic tips you should keep in mind when caring for Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods.
A well-ventilated terrarium ensures the best environment for them to grow and thrive better.
These particular species of isopods cannot tolerate stale or musty air, which makes it essential to maintain proper airflow within the terrarium.
They are better maintained with a low or medium humidity level.
Keep it between 18°C and 25°C when it comes to give them the ideal temperature
You should also keep them under direct sunlight as it may cause overheating.
Add curved cork bark in the terrarium so your isopods can cling to them.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Feeding
Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods mainly feed on decaying organic matter. Their diet includes rotting wood, leaf litter, vegetables, salads, lichens, and banana leaves. However, you can also add specialized foods like springtails, pure spirulina, Antarctic krill, and agate sticks, which are good for their health and development. For protein, gammarus shrimp is good. For calcium sources, you can use cuttlebone or limestone.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour
Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods are bigger than other isopods. It can grow up to 3 cm in length.
These isopods have a unique appearance mainly because of their striking yellow highlights.
They contribute to soil health and the nutrient cycle inside the terrarium.
Compared to daytime, Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods are more active at night, a common behavioral trait.
They have a flat, broad body that curves into a ball when threatened.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Habitat
Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods live in dry environments that have calcium-rich soils. So, you will need a similar setup in captivity as well. You can replicate their natural habitat by maintaining proper ventilation inside the terrarium. Also, use a well-balanced substrate mix that is essential for their growth.
Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Substrate Mix
Never underestimate the role of a good substrate in maintaining healthy isopods. A mix of forest humus and flake soil serves as a strong base. But you can also add granulate, dead wood, shell grit, feeding foliage, and forest moss to provide essential nutrients and support the natural behavior of your isopods. Also, maintain 2-3 inches of substrate depth so your isopods can dig and explore comfortably.
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Bumblebee Isopods (Cubaris)
from £70.00
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.
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Camouflage Isopods (Troglodillo Rotondatus)
from £100.00
Isopods could be a good option if you plan to keep exotic pets. One prominent one is Trogrodillo Camouflage isopods, which have been growing in popularity recently, mainly because of their camouflage abilities. Plus, they are low-maintenance; so many exotic pet enthusiasts choose them over other isopod species.
These tiny invertebrates make an interesting addition to any terrarium or bioactive setup. But before you bring them home, there are some things you should know.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: China
Scientific Name: Trogrodillo Camouflagius
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Size: Up to 1.5 cm
Rarity: Rare
Temperature: 20-26°C
Humidity: 60-80%
Favourite Food: Rotting leaves, wood, and dead plant material.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods: An Overview
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods are part of a larger isopod family that includes various other species. These isopods are good for the environment because they break down organic material in ecosystems.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods are admired for their camouflage abilities, which allow them to blend into their environment easily. In other words, they can mimic their surroundings to become nearly invisible and protect themselves from predators.
Besides their beauty and survival tactics, these isopods play a vital role in bioactive terrariums. They help break down waste and dead plant material and clean the terrarium. Since you don't have to maintain the setup regularly, you can keep them with other pets like house reptiles or amphibians.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods: Basic Care
Unlike other isopods, Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods require few care and maintenance requirements. Just follow the following steps, and you'll be good to go.
Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity inside the terrarium is key to keeping these isopods healthy. Since they are highly sensitive to their environment, you should monitor the conditions in the enclosure regularly using a thermometer and hygrometer.
It is important to ensure the temperature inside the enclosure remains between 20-26°C. The humidity level should be between 60 and 80%.
You can keep these isopods in a well-ventilated plastic or glass container. Just check that the container has enough space for them to move around in.
You should add a lid with small holes to prevent them from escaping and maintain the airflow.
To create a humidity gradient, you must keep one side of the enclosure moist. By doing so, you can regulate the moisture intake of the isopods as needed.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods are light-sensitive and prefer to live in darker environments. Therefore, you don't have to add UV lighting to their enclosure.
You should use the right substrate mix for their well-being. The substrate should also be damp, not soaked.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods: Feeding
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods are natural detritivores for those unversed, which means they feed on decomposing organic matter. To keep your isopods happy and healthy, you must provide them with a balanced diet of different foods.
One of their favourite foods is rotting plant material, which is easily found in their natural habitat. So, please provide them with enough dead leaves and decomposing wood.
You can supplement their diet with small quantities of vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, or squash. You should also remove leftover food from their enclosure to avoid mould growth.
It is important to provide these isopods with a good source of protein, like fish flakes or freeze-dried shrimp, at least once a week. As for calcium supplements, you can give them cuttlebones or eggshells, as they help grow their exoskeletons.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods: Appearance And Behaviour
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods are small, oval-shaped creatures with segmented, armor-like exoskeletons.
These isopods are available in various colours, including light brown and dark grey.
Due to their camouflage abilities, they can easily blend into their surroundings effectively. Some species may even have mottled patterns that mimic the appearance of tree bark or leaf litter.
These isopods are shy and docile by nature. Maybe this is why they are more active at night than during the day. They also prefer to live in dimly lit or dark environments.
A unique feature of these isopods is that they can roll into a ball when threatened. This behaviour is known as conglobation, and it is used as a defence mechanism.
Although Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods are solitary creatures, they prefer to live in small groups.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods: Habitat
Talking about Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods' habitat, they tend to live on forest floors where they can easily hide under leaf litter, logs, and other decaying materials. In the wild, they usually live in warm and moist areas. This is why it is important to recreate these conditions in captivity.
When setting up a terrarium for these isopods, you should provide plenty of hiding places, such as pieces of cork bark, rocks, and leafy debris. These allow them to burrow and hide whenever they feel threatened, and they also provide them with a place to rest and sleep.
You can add live plants to the terrarium to maintain humidity levels. This will also help you provide additional organic matter for the isopods so they can consume it for days. However, it would help if you were careful when selecting plants for your isopods. It would help if you chose plants found in high-humidity environments that can withstand being nibbled on.
Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods: Substrate Mix
One important aspect of Trogrodillo Camouflage Isopods is the substrate mix. If you are determined to keep these creatures as pets, make sure to provide them with a well-balanced substrate.
Coconut coir is an organic material that helps retain moisture, making it the perfect base for your isopods. You can also add sphagnum moss to create a more natural environment and maintain the humidity level.
It is important to include plenty of decaying leaves so your isopods have a place to hide. When hungry, they can also feed on the decaying leaves. Some enthusiasts also add charcoal to the enclosure, as it helps improve air circulation and prevents bacterial buildup.
It is a good idea to add crushed cuttlebones or powdered eggshells to your tiny pets' diets so that they can enjoy some extra calcium for their exoskeleton development.
Last, you should maintain the substrate mix by keeping it moist. However, it would help if you didn't overdo it, as it can create problems for the isopods.
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Cappuccino Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
from £55.00
Unlike most other European isopods, the Cubaris Cappuccino isopods originate in Southeast Asia. These fascinating isopods are becoming very popular for their unique coloration; thus, quality Cappuccino isopods are some of the most in-demand Cubaris species right now.
Cappuccino isopods make great pets and cleaners. They live in high-humidity environments. Theymake low-maintenance pets. Theyhave a whole world of behaviors and interactions.
A Glimpse
Origin: Thailand
Scientific Name: Cubaris
Difficulty Level: Medium
Size: Up to 2.5 Centimeters
Rarity: High
Temperature: 75 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
Humidity: 70 Percent to 80 Percent
Favorite Foods: Leaf Litter, Wood
An Overview
Cubaris Cappuccino isopods are rare isopods when compared to others. These Southeast Asian isopods have characterized by their unique colors and rounded bodies.They have light brown to tan bodies. They are kid-friendly and low-maintenance pets.
As Cappuccino isopods come from the humid region of Southeast Asia, they will thrive in a high-humidity enclosure. The best thing about these isopods is that they possess great cleaning abilities. They can be a perfect addition to any vivarium.
They are closely related to the pill bug. This comparatively small isopod has a unique coloration pattern that will remind you of a cup of cappuccino. They are unique and fascinating invertebrate species.
Cappuccino isopods are easy to keep. They make the best clean-up crew member in any enclosure. They do not need any kind of special care.
These isopods are quite resilient to changes in humidity and temperature. They are generally found in moist environments. They were first accidentally introduced to the pet trade by Thai farmers. They are gentle.
Cappuccino isopods are docile creatures. You don’t have to be frightened by them.
These isopods help in nutrient recycling within an enclosure. They are nocturnal. They feed at night. They love feeding on decomposing matter and leaf litter.
Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Cappuccino isopods.
Use peat moss or coconut fiber as substrate materials for your cappuccino isopod.
Keep the temperature of the container within 68°F and 77°F.
Maintain the humidity levels between 70% to 80%.
Avoid keeping the enclosure under direct light.
Feeding
Cappuccino isopods are primarily detritivores. These isopods love to consume fish flakes, leaf litter, wood chips, etc.
Cappuccino isopods can feed on both decaying animals and plants. They are fond of rotten logs. They also consume animal droppings of insects.
These isopods consume decomposing foods and vegetables.They feed on live mosses and cuttlebone as well. Cuttlebone is rich in calcium and minerals. It makes a budget-friendly alternative of calcium carbonate. It is about 85 percent calcium. It is an ideal way of increasing your isopod’s calcium levels.
Cappuccino isopods need proper nutrition. Good nutrition will help these isopods thrive in varied environments and settings. It will help them self-regulate and reproduce well. It helps them breed faster and promote a healthy population. It is really worthy supplementing their diets with nutritious food whenever possible.
Owners can supplement Cappuccino isopods’ diet with dog food and fish flakes. Their diet should also include as many fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich food as possible. You can feed them food whenever their food source runs out. However, avoid overfeeding them in any case. Also, make sure the food items do not have any remaining pesticide residue.
Cappuccino isopods need calcium to ensure proper development. You can use calcium supplements like calcium carbonate powder to their substrate. You can even use decaying organic matter such as wood debris, leaf litter, etc.
Cappuccino Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour
Cappuccino isopods create burrows to feel secure.This is why their substrate mix should be deep enough to promote this behavior.
These isopods mainly grow in humid conditions. Keep a temperature between 20-25°C to help them thrive.
These isopods are active creatures during night. You need tokeep them safely in terrarium that is designed specifically for this behavior.
These isopods are very low-maintenance. You won’t have to spend a lot of time taking care of them.
Cappuccino Isopods: Habitat
Cappuccino isopods prefer humid environments with plenty of hiding places. You can use a quality plastic container to store the Cubaris Cappuccino isopods. Make sure there are not many air holes as it can drop the humidity levels inside the enclosure.
It is observed that cappuccino isopods are good burrowers. The natural habitat of Cappuccino isopods is composed of leaf litter and damp soil.
These isopods tend to enjoy living in moist areas. They prefer environments that are the perfect choice for their scavenging activities.
Cappuccino isopods like a highly humid enclosure with fair ventilation and a moderate temperature. A vivarium or terrarium setup with many inlets and outlets makes the right breeding choice for these isopods.
Their enclosure should be partly dry and partly wet. This will allow them to self-regulate. The enclosure should also have a sufficient amount of limestones as it makes a rich source of calcium. Calcium is very beneficial for these beautiful creatures.
Cappuccino Isopods: Substrate Mix
The substrate for Cubaris Cappuccino isopods should be a dynamic mix of milled sphagnum peat moss, long-fiber sphagnum moss, fine tree fern fiber, willow oak leaf litter, and orchid bark. The mix should be well-moistened. Don’t make it excessively wet. This might drown the isopods. You can also use a spray bottle to mist the substrate every few days to retain moisture within the enclosure.
Cubaris Cappuccino Isopods require moist substrate to survive and reproduce. Make sure you add a layer of sphagnum moss to help them maintain healthy isopod colonies.
Choosing the best substrate mix is important to maintain proper habitat of Cappuccino isopods. The humidity-loving creatures need a substrate mix with good water retention capabilities. As detritivores, they need leaf litter and live moss in order to thrive.
While arranging the substrate mix, make sure you add a good level of depth. This is an important step as Cappuccino isopods like to dig extremely deep for moisture control.
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Caramel Cream Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
from £50.00
Caramel Cream Isopods are small-sized are small-sized species native to Thailand. Naturally occurring in the tropical Asian region, the Caramel Cream Isopods need high temperatures to thrive. They have a unique creamy and caramel colour, perfect for any terrarium setup. The capsule-shaped Caramel Cream Isopods have calm behaviour and are easy to care for beginners. The Caramel Cream Isopods have a less aggressive nature compared to other isopods. These Cubaris sp isopods will pose no danger to other animals in a terrarium setup.
A Glimpse
Origin: Thailand
Scientific Name: Cubaris sp.
Difficulty: Low
Rarity: Very rare
Temperature: 22 to 28℃
Size: 2 to 3 cm
Humidity: 60 to 80%
Favourable Foods: Crushed Eggs Shells, Dry Leaves
An Overview
Caramel Cream Isopods make interesting and beloved pets because they are very rare to find. These Caramel Cream Isopods are Thailand species characterized by their white and striped appearance. The Caramel Cream Isopods have a capsule-like body shape with a segmented armor.
These tropical Asian origin natives have a somewhat calm and active nature. These elegant Caramel Cream Isopods are initially transparent and acquire their characteristic colouration over time. These easy-to-keep Cubaris sp isopods are small-sized species that can grow from 2 to 3 cm in size.
Being a mediumly humid environment thrivers, the Caramel Cream Isopods need a terrarium setup with medium humidity level. As the original climate of the Caramel Cream Isopods is tropical, they can grow in humid and warm environments at the same time.
The Caramel Cream Isopods make ideal pets because of their contribution towards the cleanliness of the terrarium’s ecosystem. Feeding the Caramel Cream Isopods is not difficult either. These isopods’ main food source is crushed eggshells and calcium-rich foods.
Caramel Cream Isopods are peaceful species. They can coexist with other species in the terrarium setup without any conflicts. These stunning isopods pose no danger to plants inside the terrarium.
Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to Caramel Cream Isopods.
You can use an enclosure setup with a medium humidity level to house the Caramel Cream Isopods.
It is essential to ensure the Caramel Cream Isopods get calcium-rich foods in the form of crushed egg shells.
Don’t keep the enclosure in direct light.
Make use of a substrate mix with decaying organic matter and plant debris to meet the needs of Caramel Cream Isopods.
Feeding Caramel Cream Isopods
Caramel Cream Isopods are relatively easy Cubaris species when it comes to feeding. The Caramel Cream Isopods can feed on decaying organic matter such as dry leaves and wood. They are fond of plant debris. These Cubaris isopods consume coconut fiber. They also consume leaf litter as found in the natural environment.
Appearance And Behaviour
Caramel Cream Isopods thrive in medium to high-level humidity conditions.
These Cubaris sp isopods can be suitable choice for beginners because they are easy to keep and also easy to breed.
Caramel Cream Isopods are small-sized cute little isopods with capsule-like appearance.
These creamy white coloured isopods resemble milk chocolate in appearance.
You can make them stay alongside other species because they are peaceful isopods that will not cause conflicts.
Habitat
The Caramel Cream Isopods is a species recognized for its milky-white color and calm nature. The Caramel Cream Isopods can live beside other species and plants in the terrarium in harmony. They are born alive unlike species that hatch from eggs.
Substrate Mix
The Caramel Cream Isopods will need a substrate mix with coconut fibre mix and leaf litter to retain moisture within the terrarium setup. Isopod collectors can add natural supplements like decaying organic matter and plant debris for their growth. They can even add non-chlorinated water in a small dish within the setup.
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Chocolate Zebra Isopods (Armadillidium Maculatum)
from £10.00
Zebra Isopods (Armadillidium maculatum) are the most commonly sought-after isopods. For most people, zebras are the first isopod they purchase as an aspiring hobbyist and breeder. They have a striking colour and can be line-bred/isolated to produce better stripes on them.
Zebra Isopods: Insight
Place of Origin: France
Scientific Name: Armadillidium maculatum
Environment: Semi-arid
Ideal Temperature: 75℉-80℉
Breeding Difficulty: Intermediate
General Size: 1.8 cm
Rareness: Low
Humidity Range: 70%-80%
Diet: soft-boiled plants, fish food, moss
Supplements: calcium powder
Zebra Isopods: Abstract
These are some of the isopods that pet lovers keep for aesthetics, more than just a cleanup tool in terrariums and vivariums. They have striking black and white stripes on their exoskeleton, which helps to ward off predators in the wild.
Though they are from the family of common pill bugs, their distinctive features stood out. These beautiful species are native to the arid regions of the Mediterranean and Southern France.
Zebra Isopods: Special Characteristics
They have distinct black and white stripes, which resemble the pattern of zebras.
They have smooth, domed, and tough exteriors.
These roly polys grow up to 1.8 cm.
Their antennae are shorter compared to other isopod species.
These species prefer moderate to high ventilation.
They are from the deciduous forests of the Mediterranean and French regions.
When threatened, these isopods roll into a ball.
Resilient and easy to maintain.
They are active and not too shy once they establish and settle in.
These isopods make the best choice for beginners.
They are widely popular isopods and are budget-friendly.
Zebra Isopods: Morphs
Zebra Isopods are commonly seen in black and white stripes. However, there are various morphs developed by breeders. Some of them are:-
Yellow Zebra Isopods: They have yellow and black stripes.
Chocolate Zebra Isopods: Has white stripes with a dark brown base colour.
Dalmatian Zebra Isopods: Also known as high white isopods. They have a predominantly white color with black spots.
Spotted Zebra Isopods: They have white spots instead of stripes.
Zebra Isopods: Artificial Enclosure
There are several factors to consider for an ideal enclosure of Zebra Isopods. These isopods require a large container to accommodate their needs. Though the size may vary depending on the colony, it is always better to opt for bigger enclosure boxes for them to breed and thrive.
It is essential to provide ventilation to the enclosure for good airflow and humidity maintenance. Choosing a container with ventilation outlets covered with mesh will be suitable for the Zebra Isopods. For those who prefer DIY, drilling holes in the container's sides will also help provide the necessary ventilation.
These holes should be strategically placed to facilitate cross-ventilation while minimizing escape risk. While zebra isopods may not possess exceptional climbing abilities, covering any ventilation openings with a fine mesh is still advisable to prevent them from escaping. This precautionary measure ensures the safety of the isopods within their enclosure.
Zebra Isopods: Substrate
The right substrate mix helps to provide an optimal environment for the isopods. A classic choice for substrate mix is the ABG Mix, which offers the perfect base for the isopod setting.
In addition to the mix, the coir of coconut works as an excellent material to retain moisture. This will help make the same environment as their original environment. Coconut coir and sphagnum moss are very loose materials, which will help them burrow inside as they do in their natural environment.
Leaf litter is the primary food source and provides hiding spaces for isopods. They contribute to the nutrient cycle within the enclosure of the isopods.
The discharge from the earthworms is a rich source of organic matter, and it contains microorganisms. It provides valuable nutrients for the isopods. This addition promotes soil fertility and helps sustain a thriving ecosystem within the enclosure.
Zebra Isopods prefer arid temperatures with less humidity. While maintaining overall high humidity, providing a drier section within the habitat allows the isopods to choose their preferred microclimate. When misting, make sure to mist on a small area, leaving the rest of the container dry.
Zebra Isopods: Tips to Care
Zebra isopods require a less humid environment but not a dry and deserted environment. Therefore, it is essential to provide the necessary moisture for hydration.
Provide a lot of hiding spots within the enclosure for the isopods to form their colonies. Adding wooden bark, dried leaves, and stones to the enclosure helps to mimic their natural environment and acts as hiding spots.
It is important to maintain the temperature range of the enclosure. Extreme temperature fluctuations can be stressful for the isopods.
Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the enclosure clean. Make sure to remove excess uneaten food, molting, and any mold to keep a healthy environment.
An overcrowded isopod enclosure may lead to competition for resources. Therefore, it is important to maintain the number in an enclosure. If the isopod population is increasing, relocate to a bigger enclosure or provide a separate enclosure for the new colonies.
Zebra Isopods: Temperature and Humidity
Zebra Isopods prefer a slightly warm temperature of 75℉ to 80℉. It is crucial to maintain the temperature. During winter, it is ideal to provide heating mats to the enclosure to maintain the optimal temperature.
It can be difficult to maintain a balance between humidity levels, particularly when ventilation and a dry region are required inside the enclosure. Excessively high humidity levels should be avoided, even if some moisture is required, especially to support the isopods' hydration and maintain a healthy substrate.
Zebra Isopods: Food and Diet
Feeding them with the right food and having a perfect mix of supplements will help make them remain healthy. It also ensures that they are reproducing healthy offspring.
The container in which they are kept should be supplied with a large amount of decaying organic materials, which will help them get the necessary nutrients. In addition, litters of leaf or bark of the wood can also be fed as part of the feeding cycle. Other supplements include:-
Flakes of Fish Food: It is an easy supplement and contains high amounts of protein.
Pieces of Vegetables: A portion of the vegetable or the remains from vegetable cutting in small amounts can be supplied. It has to be ensured that it should not be supplied in large quantities.
Food specially made for the Isopods: Specially designed food always has the best mix of nutrients, which will make them remain healthy and give a longer life span.
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Citrus Panda King Isopods (Cubaris sp.)
from £35.00
A brightly coloured morph of the Cubaris Sp. Panda King, these Citrus Panda Kings share all the advantages of a Panda King. A suitable species for people new to keeping slightly harder isopods, or even a beginner who is confident in keeping terrariums at the correct humidity. The appealing features of a Cubaris sp. Large enough to be visible, but small enough to thrive in a small enclosure, and relatively unfussy in terms of food.
• Origin: Vietnam
• Scientific Name: Cubaris Sp ‘Panda King’
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Size: 10 to 18mm
• Rarity: Low/medium
• Temperature: 22°C to 28°C
• Humidity: 60% to 75%
• Diet: Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables
The original populations of Panda Kings came from the limestone caves of Vietnam. Eventually, a red/orange morph appeared, where the black sections of the Panda King were replaced with a red/orange colour. From that, a further morph was isolated in these fully citrus-coloured isopods. However, they have a white margin to their rear segments that can be larger in some individuals.
The citrus panda king morph has occurred in several species of isopod, in some species it is known as variegated. Interestingly it seems that there may be other morphs that can be bred by crossing these to other colours, but the information on the exact genes isn’t clear.
Needing slightly higher humidity levels than others, and enjoying burrowing, it's crucial to provide a healthy layer of substrate, cork bark and wood as places to hide, and potentially the enclosure might need regular misting.
They require some extra calcium in their diet, and some variety, as with most species leaf litter can provide the bulk of their diet, but add in a variety of fruits and veg, as well as some good quality fish food.
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Clown 'Montenegro' Isopods (Armadillidium Klugii)
from £10.00
Clown isopods are bright and colourful and stand out among other isopods. Due to its appearance, it resembles the outfit of a clown, thus the name. They are also referred to as Montenegro isopods. Their unique characters and environmental needs make them different from others. These isopods are attractive and are widely sought after among enthusiasts.
Highlights
Scientific Name: Armadillidium Klugii
Origin: Montenegro, Europe
Difficulty: Low to medium
Rarity: Low
Temperature : 64℉ to 82℉
Size: 1.8 cm
Humidity: Medium (50%)
Food: Soft plants, moss
Supplement: Cuttlebone
Clown Isopods: An Overview
Clown isopods are named for their characteristic spotted colours in varieties of yellow and white. Their distinct appearance helps to deter predators in the wild. Interestingly, these species' temperaments don't match their appearance as they are shy in nature. They are originally from Montenegro, the southern part of Europe.
The Clown isopods are available in different varieties depending on the region. The Clown Isopods Montenegro has red skirts with dark bodies and coloured polka dots.
Clown Isopods: Characteristic Features
These isopods are from the Balkan region of Southern Europe.
These species grow around half an inch to less than 2 cm.
Hard carapace with a dark colour body with red edges and yellow and creamy white spots.
These species are nocturnal and feed on dead organisms, aiding in the decomposition process.
Their striking colouration helps them defend themselves from predators, as it is thought to be due to mimicry of a spider that is native to their natural habitat.
These species are active during the night and forage for food in the dark.
They prefer shelter in damp, covered areas like leaf litter, rotting wood and burrows.
They are social and live in clusters to regulate temperature and microenvironment for optimal survival conditions and to ward off predators.
These isopods roll up in a ball when threatened.
Due to their unique characteristics and temperament, they are widely appreciated in the community of exotic pets.
They are both hard and easy to maintain.
Food Requirement
Clown Isopods feed on the standard isopod diet, which consists of decomposing leaves and softwoods. They eat almost all kitchen vegetable scraps. These species also enjoy snacking on moss and soft plants from time to time. It is crucial to feed the necessary quantity of food and keep them supplied.
They have a hard exoskeleton. Thus, they need protein and calcium in their food. Incorporating dried shrimp and fish food adds calcium and protein to their diet. Occasional supplementary feeding is also beneficial for health, maintaining the state of an individual. The best supplements to give birds as an additional source are Cuttlebone or powdered calcium supplements.
Clown Isopods: Habitat
Moderate humidity in the enclosure is good for clown isopods. These isopods are slow at first in a new enclosure. Thus, when introducing them into a terrarium or vivarium it is required to culture them separately in order to increase their number and breed well under these conditions. The best container size for medium-sized isopods would be a shoe box sized.
For proper ventilation, these enclosures must have a means of letting out air or provide it by drilling holes around the box. The ventilations should be netted to avoid jail breaking.
Clown Isopods: Humidity and Temperature
An ideal temperature for Clown Isopods should be a room temperature of 70℉ to 85℉.
When starting out a new culture, it will be better to keep the temperature on the higher side of the given temperature range.
Isopods require a minimum humidity level to breathe.
Humidity should be around 50% above for these species to survive.
It is important to monitor their behaviour in terms of temperature and humidity to find if the given environment is suitable for them or not.
Clown Isopods: Substrate
The living conditions of these isopods are preferably a combination of a dry and wet area carefully divided between each other. The wet or humid area is to be placed in the corner, and the other areas may be kept dry. The ratio between damp and dry has to be in such a way that it is ⅓ wet area and the rest ⅔ dry area.
An environment made for them, with increased humidity, is not preferable for these types of isopods. In some artificial setup environments, it is a common practice to set up mist-making devices that make the environment highly humid. This type of environment with a high percentage of humidity is not all comfortable for the isopods. It requires very little water poured along the sides of the wet side.
The other advantage with these isopods is that, these isopods act as cleaning organisms in a comparatively drier environment. It isn't easy to achieve this division of dry and wet areas in a single area. However, by using some special kind of mix, this condition can be achieved, making it comfortable for your pets.
Substrate mixes for Clown isopods are different from other types. The substrate mix should consist of standard base ingredients like coco fibre, sphagnum moss, sand, and boiled leaf substrate. When providing the substrate, the wet area of the substrate should consist of a moisture-retaining ABG mix.
When providing the substrate base, it is important to provide suitable depth for the isopods to hide and burrow. Adding decomposing leaves and softwood mimics their natural homeland and provides a constant source of food and hiding.
These isopods can be paired with species like garden snakes that live in similar environments and temperatures, making it a great bioactive setup. Add wooden pieces and barks for the isopod colonies to hide and add to the aesthetics of the enclosure.
These species require protein in their substrate mix, therefore, supplements like calcium powder or cuttlebone are added into the mix to maintain isopod health.
In conclusion, it is important to use the right amount of substrate, humidity and temperature for these isopods to live and thrive. Therefore, it is crucial to follow these methods so that they can breed, multiply and live happily in the environment.
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Crystal Pineapple Isopods (Cristarmadillidium Muricatum)
from £17.50
£25.00
Crystal Pineapple Isopods or Cristarmadillidium muricatum are one of the rarest and unique species. These isopods are little in size and have yellow to orange spikes on the exoskeleton. Due to its appearance, they have captured the attention of a lot of exotic pet enthusiasts.
Crystal Pineapple Isopods: Insight
Scientific Name: Cristarmadillidium muricatum
Other Common Name: European Spiny Isopod
Origin: Spain
Size: 8 mm
Difficulty level: Medium
Breeding rate: Normal
Temperature: 64℉ to 75℉
Rarity: High
Humidity: 50% to 70% (Dry arid environment)
Favorite food: decaying leaves, rotting white wood, molting of invertebrates and reptiles
Supplements: cuttlefish bone, limestone
Crystal Pineapple Isopods: Introduction
The Crystal Pineapple Isopods are native to the Mediterranean region of Spain. These species are quite shy and prefer to hide under leaves and cork bark. They are active during nighttime and early mornings.
Their striking features and colour is what makes them unique from other species. They are rare and are a tad bit difficult to take care of. Due to its tiny appearance, it needs to be handled with care.
Crystal Pineapple Isopods: Characteristics and Traits
Has a spiky exoskeleton that resembles a pineapple.
They grow up to 0.8 cm in length. They are one of the smallest isopods.
They are nocturnal; therefore, they are active during the night and early mornings.
The isopods roll into a ball when they sense danger.
They have a light yellow to washed-out orange color, which is different from other bright-colored isopods.
They are hard and easy to breed on decayed leaves and rotting wood.
Like other Spanish species, these prefer dry and arid environments.
When maintained at the desired temperature and humidity, it enables breeding and producing large broods.
These species require plenty of air circulation in their enclosure to mimic the environment.
Crystal Pineapple Isopods: Diet
As detritivores, these roly polys consume pretty much everything. But in captivity, providing various types of food is important. It helps to maintain the health of the isopods. Suitable foods include leaves, rotten wooden bark of oak, and white wood, which will help provide nutrition as well as a habitat for the creatures.
Vegetable scraps and vegetables like carrots and cucumbers help to provide necessary nutrition. It is crucial to add protein twice a week in their diet, therefore fish food, molting of other reptiles and invertebrates and dried shrimp is added for protein. Substitutes like cuttlebone and limestone provide a rich source of calcium which is necessary for this species. It is crucial to avoid feeding food that has no salt in it and wooden bark and leaves have no pesticide.
Crystal Pineapple Isopods: Basic Care and Maintenance
To maintain the thriving population, it is crucial to provide basic care for the isopods. People who are pets to these creatures require timely care and attention.
Check and make sure the temperature of the enclosure is maintained regularly. It is important to make sure that the temperature falls within their ideal range.
Though these creatures prefer a dry atmosphere, it doesn't mean a desert-like atmosphere. Providing moisture on parts that have sphagnum moss helps to retain and provide necessary hydration. Make sure to maintain the humidity at the ideal humidity level for the isopods to thrive.
To maintain a healthy environment, it is important to clean the enclosure and remove any remaining food bits within the substrate.
Make sure to occasionally add supplements like oyster shells and cuttlebone for better nutrition.
Monitor the size of the brood and make sure to provide another enclosure if the species are overpopulated. This helps to prevent overcrowding and competition among species for food and other resources.
Maintain the enclosure free of fruit flies, molds, gnats, and other harmful parasites that may affect the population.
Providing timely supplements into the enclosure for the species to have a healthy exoskeleton.
Crystal Pineapple Isopods: Natural Habitat
These crustaceans are native to the Mediterranean region of Spain. Their natural habitat is dry and arid, with less moisture and plenty of ventilation. These critters do require water but in very small quantities. Though these isopods are quite versatile, it is important to mimic their natural habitat. This helps to provide an optimal environment for the breeding and health of the isopods.
Crystal Pineapple Isopods: Artificial Setting
Creating a suitable environment in an artificial setting is important. It helps to maintain optimal health and bring out their natural character for hobbyists to admire and observe.
The isopods have to be kept in a shoebox-size enclosure. The temperature must be maintained around 18℃ to 24℃, which is ideal for the critters to breed and for optimal health. Since they are from an arid region, the setting should mirror their natural habitat.
Even though these isopods prefer arid, they still need hydration. Therefore, adding sphagnum moss helps retain moisture in the artificial setting.
These species prefer plenty of airflow in the enclosure. When setting up an artificial setting, it is important to invest in an enclosure with ventilation. The ventilation needs to be small or covered with mesh to prevent these creatures from escaping. If opting for a DIY method, make sure to drill small holes around the enclosure above the substrate to maintain the microclimate of the artificial setting.
Premium substrate mixes for isopods are available in stores, which helps provide a perfect mix of elements. These elements include:
Flake soil
Organic potting soil
Oyster seashell
Sphagnum moss
Adding the substrate mix provides a perfect base for the artificial setting. Make sure to provide a thick bed of around 3 inches to provide ample space for the creatures to hide and dig.
When adding the substrate, opt for an isopod substrate mix, which provides a complete base for the enclosure. Add leaves on the substrate along with limestone rocks to the substrate. For hydration, add sphagnum moss to the side of the box instead of covering the whole enclosure. Make sure to provide wooden bark as well to provide hiding space and mimic the natural environment.
Since these species are shy in nature, therefore cork bark flat helps to provide hiding space for the isopod brood. Adding dried leaves and limestone also acts as a hiding space as well as provide necessary nourishment for the isopods.
By taking these steps, one can create a perfect environment for the Crystal Pineapple Isopods to reproduce and thrive well.
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Cubaris Daxin Tricolor Isopods
from £130.00
Highly sought-after and rare species are Daxin Tricolor Isopods. Native to China, Daxin Tricolor Isopods belong to the Cubaris sp species, which is preferred by many hobbyists and isopod enthusiasts. Known for their unique appearance, the tricolor pattern on the body is what makes Daxin Tricolor Isopods special. It is because of this reason that Daxin Tricolor Isopods are considered exotic pets. But maintaining the right environment is essential to have them as pets, or they won't survive.
A Glimpse
Origin: China
Scientific Name: Cubaris sp.
Difficulty: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Temperature: 18–27°C
Size: Up to 1.5 cm
Humidity: High
Favorable Foods: Decomposing organic material, leaf litter, decayed wood, and other plant matter
An Overview
Admired for their vibrant coloration, Daxin Tricolor Isopods are extremely rare. Unlike other isopod species, you don't find these isopods anywhere except China. Shades of yellow, white, and black create striking patterns on their bodies, making them stand out from other isopod species.
Despite their stunning appearance, Daxin Tricolor Isopods are not very big. They grow up to 1.5 cm, which is relatively small in the isopod world. As far as their natural habitat is concerned, they need a warm, humid environment. This makes them suitable for intermediate-level keepers who can care for them properly.
Adding to the appeal, Daxin Tricolor Isopods are rare, which makes them a prized species in the isopod-keeping community. But setting up the right conditions for their health and longevity is essential. So, don't get them unless you are ready to commit fully.
Daxin Tricolor Isopods: Basic Care
Daxin Tricolor Isopods and their maintenance are easy if you follow the right tips and guidelines. We have made sure to share the right ones with you:
Create a stable and well-suited environment that is similar to their natural habitat.
The ideal temperature ranges between 18°C and 27°C as Daxin Tricolor Isopods thrive in warm climates.
For your isopods to survive long and function properly within the enclosure, high humidity is important. A hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels is a good idea.
Although ventilation is crucial, compromising humidity is not advised. Create small holes on the lid so air can flow in and out of the container.
Create plenty of hiding spots using bark, leaf litter, and cork pieces. This is vital for their well-being. Also, Daxin Tricolor Isopods are nocturnal creatures, so they prefer dark, secure places during the day.
Feeding
As detritivores, consuming decomposing organic material is a staple for Daxin Tricolor Isopods. For proper diet, leaf litter, decayed wood, and other plant matter should be considered along with scraps like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes as a side for their health. Also, avoid offering foods treated with pesticides or chemicals.
Calcium is essential for exoskeleton development. To meet this requirement, give crushed eggshells or cuttlebones, which are great calcium sources. To prevent mold growth, remove any uneaten food from the enclosure.
Appearance and Behaviour
Daxin Tricolor Isopods are popular for their vibrant tricolour pattern, uncommon in other isopods.
Featuring a segmented, pill-shaped body, Daxin Tricolor Isopods can easily curl into a ball when they feel threat.
Daxin Tricolor Isopods grow up to 1.5 cm, which is small but eye-catching.
Shy creatures, staying hidden during the day, are what Daxin Tricolor Isopods prefer.
Daxin Tricolor Isopods are non-aggressive, so they can cohabitate in groups peacefully.
Daxin Tricolor Isopods: Habitat
The right habitat for Daxin Tricolor Isopods is key to their survival; making it essential to mimic their natural environment, like a plastic or glass terrarium with a secure lid with plenty of hiding spots is their ideal habitat.
Substrate Mix
The substrate plays a significant role in the care of Daxin Tricolor Isopods, which is why you should make it proper. A good substrate retains moisture and allows aeration. Add organic soil or coco coir, leaf litter, decayed wood, and sand or clay to make this. Also, the substrate should be at least 5 to 8 cm deep so your isopods can burrow.
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Cubaris Murina Anemone Isopods
from £55.00
Murina Anemone Isopods is a small-sized Cubaris species native to Asia. Predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Southeast Asia region, this species is still somewhat new to bioactive hobbyists and isopod enthusiasts. They have a dark orange colour and random dark splotches on the body. The beginner-friendly isopod can make precious pets because of its variable colour, from solid orange to solid black. The Murina Anemone Isopods are found in shaded and humid environments. These Asian isopods are adaptable and hardy isopods. These beautiful isopods thrive in tropical and arid environments.
A Glimpse
Origin: Asia, North America
Scientific Name: Cubaris sp.
Difficulty: Low
Rarity: Low
Temperature: 22 to 28℃
Size: 11 to 22 mm
Humidity: 60 to 80%
Favourable Foods: Decaying Leaves, Lichen
An Overview
Murina Anemone Isopods make interesting and beloved pets because of their small size. These Cubaris isopods are native to Asia and the United States (Florida). These Cubaris sp isopods are characterized by their orange-coloured body with black blotches all over.
These South East Asia natives are a mutation of Cubaris Murina isopod. These elegant Cubaris isopods resemble the “Lava” P.Scaber morph in colour. These easy-to-maintain and easy-to-breed isopods can grow from 11mm to 22mm in size. The Murina Anemone Isopods have a hard exterior.
Murina Anemone Isopods are mediumly humid environment thrivers. These Cubaris isopods need a terrarium setup with 60 to 80 percent humidity. As the original climate of Murina Anemone Isopods ranges from tropical to arid, they can grow well in bioactive setups with similar environments.
The Murina Anemone Isopods make ideal pets because of their easy-to-care nature and a high tolerance for variable environments, including subtropical ones. Feeding the Murina Anemone Isopods is not difficult either. The Murina Anemone Isopods can be fed decaying wood and leaf litter.
Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to Murina Anemone Isopods.
You can use an enclosure setup with a medium level of humidity to house the Murina Anemone Isopods.
It is essential to ensure the Murina Anemone Isopods get sufficient protein and organic fresh veggies supply twice a week.
Don’t keep the enclosure in direct light.
Make use of a substrate mix with decaying wood and lots of leaf litter to meet the needs of Murina Anemone Isopods.
You can increase the temperature within the terrarium setup by putting a tank heater on the side of the enclosure.
Feeding Murina Anemone Isopods
Murina Anemone Isopods are relatively easy-to-handle species when it comes to feeding. The Murina Anemone Isopods can feed on leaf litter and decaying wood. These Cubaris isopods consume protein sources and organic fresh vegetables at least twice a week. You can also feed Murina Anemone Isopods, cuttlefish bone, and sphagnum moss.
Appearance And Behaviour
Murina Anemone Isopods thrive in medium to high-humidity environments.
They can make suitable pets for beginners because they are easy to handle and breed as well.
These orangish-coloured isopods resemble the “Lava” P.Scaber morph in colour.
These Cubaris isopods have dark-coloured blotches all over the body.
These are highly adaptable as well as hardy isopods.
Habitat
The Murina Anemone Isopod is a species recognized for its active nature in the day and night. These Cubaris isopods are socializing isopods that can be kept alongside other species in colonies. Reclusive at first, the Murina Anemone Isopods become bolder as their colony increases.
Substrate Mix
The Murina Anemone Isopods will need a substrate mix with leaf litter, deadwood pieces, organic fresh vegetables, and calcium supplements like cuttlefish bone. Isopod collectors can even add sphagnum moss and dried leaves within the bioactive terrarium setup.