PostPods (140)

Murina Mandarin, otherwise named the Mandarin isopod, is a rare species that is easy to keep and handle pets. Featuring an orange-colored body, these isopods are a colored variant and popular for their striking appearance. Even though Murina Mandarin are low maintenance, they are a rare species, making them a prized possession for keepers. Murina Mandarin: A Glimpse Origin: Thailand Scientific Name: Cubaris murina Difficulty: Easy Rarity: Rare Temperature: 17–28°C Size: Up to 1.2 cm Humidity: Medium-high Favorable Foods: Greens, veggies, fruits, lichen, fish food, forest moss, decaying leaves, rotting white wood, and reptile and invertebrates molting. An Overview A unique and visually striking species, Murina Mandarin is a native to Thailand. Famed for its vibrant orange coloration, Murina Mandarin is a favourite among collectors and hobbyists who prefer rare species. An exotic and sought-after species, Murina Mandarin is from Cubaris genus. They grow up to 1.2 cm in size, which are relatively smaller in size then other species in the genus, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced keepers.  Although rare, Murina Mandarin requires minimum care as long as its habitat conditions are correct. Thriving in warm temperatures, Murina Mandarin can tolerate a wide humidity range, both medium and high. This is what sets them apart from other isopod species. Murina Mandarin: Basic Care We have provided an overview of the basic care requirements: As a hardy isopod species, Murina Mandarin suits both experienced keepers and beginners. Temperature between 17°C and 28°C boosts their overall health and growth. They also thrive better in humid levels between 55% and 70%.  Maintain a moist substrate as it is good for their molting process. Provide a balanced diet so your isopods are active and healthy. Murina Mandarin: Feeding Being a detritivores, Murin Mandarin thrives better on diet containing rotting white wood, decaying leaves, and forest moss. Pack their diet with nutrients by adding fresh vegetables, fruits, and greens. Serving them fish food or dried shrimp twice a week is also a good idea for to maintain their protein level. For calcium source, limestone or cuttlebone is a good option as they develop their exoskeleton. Murina Mandarin: Appearance and Behaviour The bright orange coloration makes these isopods attractive to look at.  Murin Mandarin is shy creatures and seeks shelter under substrate or decor.  They prefer to live in a well-established colony and socialize with other isopods. More active during the night, Murin Mandarin sleeps or hides during the daytime.  Murina Mandarin: Habitat An ideal habitat for Murin Mandarin isopods requires replicating their natural habitat, which you can create by maintaining moist and warm conditions within the terrarium. Use rich organic matter like rotting wood and decaying leaves for substrate, which provide shelter and food. For moisture retention, use forest moss along with maintaining good ventilation within the enclosure. Murina Mandarin: Substrate Mix A good substrate mix offers is not just shelter and plays a role of food source and retains moisture, so your isopods live comfortably. Creating the perfect substrate requires mixing orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and earthworm castings. Balancing nutrition and structure makes a great setup for your isopods. Also, it mimics the forest floor, where these isopods originally lived.

Compared to other isopods, Klugii Dubrovnik isopods are easily sighted. They are mostly found in coastal regions, where they receive wind and sunlight in ample amounts. They are a brilliant display species. Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: A Glimpse ·       Origin: Croatia   ·       Scientific Name: Armadillidium Klugii   ·       Difficulty Level: Medium   ·       Size: 2.1CM.   ·       Rarity: Medium   ·       Temperature: 75F-90F   ·       Humidity: 50-70%   ·       Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, carrot, fish food, dried shrimp Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: An Overview Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods received their name because of their origin. They are mostly found in Croatia's coastal region. Their origin spreads across the Adriatic Sea, from Croatia to Montenegro. New findings have located them in southern Albania and Western Greece. They are nicknamed 'Clown' Isopods for their colouration. Klugii isopods are named for the variety of colours they come in. From yellow to creamy whites, they are found in many colours. Their colouration is considered one of their defence mechanisms against predators, too. They have very hard skeletons covering their bodies, adding extra protection. Dubrovnik isopods have red edges on their exoskeletons. They display higher levels of red colouration over their bodies. Klugii isopods can be fed a variety of foods. In the fiber-based category, they can feed on decaying hard wood and leaf litter. In the vegetable-based category, they can be fed sweet potatoes, dried peas/beans, and mushrooms. For protein, they can be fed insect frass, yeast, and shrimp pellets. Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Basic Care The following instructions can be helpful in providing the best care for Klugii Dubrovnik isopods. ·       The temperature condition should have moderate humidity, which is ideal for them. ·       They need both dry side and damp sides in their enclosures. ·       The middle portion of the enclosure should have a balance between the two sides. ·       In fresh culturing, they might be little slow to begin their growth. ·       For terrariums/vivariums of any kind, it is advised to culture them separately. ·       The habitat or enclosure in which they are kept will require convenient ventilation. ·       They prefer to burrow in their habitats than climb anywhere, making them relatively safer keep inside. ·       They prefer to feed on- decayed wood, leaf litter, shrimp pellets, yeast, mushrooms etc. ·       Room temperature of 70-85⁰F is the most ideal environment for them to thrive. ·       Humidity levels have to be maintained at 50-70%. Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Feeding Much like other types of isopods, like tricolour isopods, Klugii Dubrovnik isopods are also considered as detritivores. That means they feed on leaf litter, decaying wood, dried beans/peas, mushrooms, shrimp pellets, etc. Decaying leaf litters and softwoods are still considered as their standard diet. Their diet can easily be supplemented with leftover vegetable scraps from the kitchen. But drier things are highly preferred to prevent unwanted mold development. Mold can be harmful to these isopods and can deteriorate their health drastically. They tend to enjoy higher protein and calcium in their daily diets. Fiber based food sources for them include- decaying hardwood, magnolia pods, leaf litter, etc. Vegetable based diet includes- sweet potato, mushrooms, dried peas/beans, and any other dry leftover scraps. Shrimp meal, insect frass, dried fish, cuttle bones, eggshells, oyster shells, etc., are good protein supplements for their growth. These foods can be chopped as well for their easy consumption. Klugii Dubrovnik isopods tend to eat soft plants and mosses as snacks. Experts recommend feeding them these plants now and then to promote their growth. However, they should be kept away from plants that you grow. Any leftover foods in the enclosure should be removed immediately to prevent mold growth. Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour ·       They have a hard exoskeleton. ·       The have a highly calcified body. ·       They are well known for their spots and unique colours. ·       They are found in various colours- red, yellow, green, creamy white etc. ·       They are comparatively small and grows a maximum of 2.1 Cm in length. ·       They are mostly found on Croatia's coasts and are currently found across the Adriatic Sea. ·       They prefer to burrow in their enclosures rather than climb anywhere. ·       They prefer both moist and dry atmospheres. Hence, the enclosures have to be maintained accordingly. ·       Female Klugii Dubrovnik isopods are found to have a cavity between their legs. ·       Males do not have any cavity. ·       Female isopods tend to be larger than males. ·       Their breeding pattern needs to checked weekly as a routine. Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Habitat Providing an ideal habitat for Klugii Dubrovnik isopods is fundamental for their survival. As pets, they make great displays in acrylic or glass terrariums. However, to maintain their beautiful features and colour patterns, an optimal environment has to be kept in their enclosures. The ideal temperature for Klugii Dubrovnik is between 70-85⁰F. Temperatures above and below these levels will surely affect their metabolism and eventually kill them. One can use thermometers to check the temperature levels regularly. But since they survive in room temperature easily, their maintenance is comparatively easier than that of other species of isopods. These isopods can be brilliantly displayed in acrylic or glass enclosures. Plastic containers are considered a relatively cheaper alternative but are not recommended because of their lesser visibility. Also, they may not be the right aesthetics to display the vibrant colours Klugii Dubrovnik isopods come in. They are relatively slow to begin their growth in new environments. Hence, providing an enclosure close to their natural habitat ensures their survival. A shoebox-sized container would be the ideal choice to keep these isopods. They are medium-sized compared to other isopods. But an essential aspect of their existence in containers is ventilation. They are initially from places that are sunny and windy simultaneously. Hence, a lot of air circulation needs to be maintained. Drilling holes around the container is highly recommended. Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Substrate Mix A substrate can be defined as a mixture of ideal substances that aids growth of the organism. It can help provide or maintain the optimal environment for your pet creatures. In the case of Klugii Dubrovnik isopods, providing the ideal condition in their enclosures is relatively more straightforward when compared to other species. Only ventilation must be maintained, as it is mainly found in coastal regions. Klugii Dubrovnik isopods require a substrate mixture that maintains dry and moist conditions. The ideal substrate mix is leaf litter and decaying woods. Leaves are a good source of substrate that can easily be collected from any tree. They should be free from any pesticides or chemicals. Sphagnum moss and coco coir can be utilised additionally to supplement the enclosure. There is no risk of escape from Klugii Dubrovnik isopods. They prefer to burrow in their enclosures rather than climb the walls of the enclosure. Hence, providing a mixture of decaying woods, leaf litter, and vegetable scraps can ensure they stay in their optimal environment. Creating a wet area within the enclosure is also highly recommended by many. Too much moisture can enable mold growth which is harmful for these isopods. Care should be taken in using substrate mix, as they could cause either waterlogging or too much dampening. Such scenarios should be avoided at any costs, to ensure the survival of Klugii Dubrovnik isopods.

Dwarf white isopods, or Trichorhina Tomatosa, are a widespread species of isopods available for culturing. They are seen as relatively easy to maintain. They are also considered as a suitable clean-up species of isopods.   A Glimpse ·       Origin: Central America ·       Scientific Name: Trichorhina Tomatosa ·       Difficulty Level: Low  ·       Size: 0.5 CM. ·       Rarity: Low ·       Temperature: 70F-85F ·       Humidity: 70-80% ·       Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, carrot, decomposing driftwood, cucumber, etc.   An Overview As the name suggests, dwarf white isopods are a tiny species of isopods originating from the central American Continent. They are otherwise known as Trichorhina Tomatosa. While other isopods are mainly collected for their display abilities, Dwarf white isopods are mainly kept for their utility. Many isopod breeders describe them as 'tank janitors’. As part of their leading utility, they are found to have immense appetite. They have bright white colouring in their body. This makes them relatively easy to locate. They are tiny in size. They do not grow more than five centimetres in their life. They are mostly regarded as part of 'clean up' crew, because of their appetite. In addition to this, they are also considered as excellent feeders for other reptiles in bioactive setup. Dwarf white isopods can be fed various foods as part of their growth. They mostly feed on decomposing wood and leaf litter. Among vegetables, they prefer carrots and cucumbers. They can also be fed fruits and vegetables, but they risk creating mold growth in the enclosure. Basic Care The following instructions can be helpful in providing the best care for Dwarf White isopods. ·       They survive in relatively high humid settings compared to other species of isopods. ·       They thrive better in warmer conditions. ·       To maintain optimal conditions, humidity levels should be kept between 70-80%. ·       They can survive in room temperatures, between 70-85⁰F. ·       They are relatively easy to collect. ·       They can be easily cultured in enclosures. ·       They are considered as prolific breeders. Hence, they grow in large numbers in vivariums or terrariums. ·       They are relatively easy to feed when compared to other species. ·       They can feed on decomposing wood, leaf litters, vegetable scraps, fruits etc. ·       They are not considered as an attractive brand of species. They have only one colour across their body-white. ·       White colouration makes them relatively easy to locate within their enclosures. ·       They do not prefer to climb their enclosures. They like to burrow rather than climb. Feeding Like many other species of isopods, dwarf white isopods feed on multiple substances for their survival. They feed on leaf litter and decaying woods, abundant in tropical climates. At the same time, in their enclosures, they can be fed vegetable scraps, carrots, cucumbers, etc. Decaying driftwoods and leaf litters are the best supplement choices for optimal growth. In vegetables they prefer carrot and cucumber as their food. It is also advised to provide them with fruits scraps as well. But the risk of mold growth can be a problem in feeding fruits to them. As long as there is no risk of mold growth in the food provided, fruits are an acceptable option. A peculiar feature of these isopods is that they also tend to feed on animal droppings. When they consume animal droppings as part of their diet, they turn waste into nutrients. They also prefer lots of proteins as part of their diet. Dried shrimp can be an ideal source for them to feed on. Their size can make the breeders doubt their ability to consume food. But the ability to consume large quantities of food makes Dwarf white isopods stand out from other species of isopods. They help maintain their enclosures cleaner by offering more decomposition to the items.  Dwarf White Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour ·       They are one among the tiniest species of isopods. ·       They do not grow more than 0.5 cms. ·       They come in only one variety of colour- white. ·       They can be easily spotted because of their colouration. ·       They are relatively easy to find when compared to other species. ·       They are found across central America. ·       The are also found in many other tropical conditions. ·       They are considered to be adaptable to any conditions in many ways. ·       All adult isopods in the dwarf white species can produce offsprings. ·       They are considered as prolific breeders. ·       They prefer to burrow in their natural habitats. ·       They offer themselves as feeder insect for larger animals like frogs. ·       They act as ‘clean-up’ agents, where their large numbers and appetite can compensate for their lack of size. ·       They help keep the vivariums clean and healthy.  Dwarf White Isopods: Habitat When out of their natural habitats, Isopods require the best of their natural environment for survival. Hence, providing the optimal conditions for their survival is an essential requirement for any breeders. Maintaining the most convenient environment in their enclosures can be helpful in the growth of Dwarf white isopods. The ideal temperature for the growth of Dwarf white isopods is between 70-85⁰F. That means they survive well in room temperatures. Temperatures below or above these levels can affect their ability to adapt in many ways. Adaptability is one of the highlight features of this type of species. They are comparatively easier to maintain than other species of isopods. Due to their extremely small size, there is no need for larger enclosures to keep them. A small enclosure can house a large number of Dwarf white isopods. They do not make for a great display species. But what they lack in display, they make up for in utility. They can be fed many food items as part of their diet, including protein-rich sources like dried shrimp. They can also be fed a lot of vegetable and fruit scraps. In their natural habitat, Dwarf white isopods prefer to burrow deep. They are not climbers like other species of isopods. Thus, the enclosure does not require much ventilation. However, a few ventilation holes can be kept to maintain air circulation in the enclosure. Also, the enclosure should not have any kind of waterlogging inside it. Dwarf White Isopods: Substrate Mix Substrate mixtures help provide the ideal conditions for an organism to thrive. They ultimately help give an organism an environment that is highly close to its natural habitat. Dwarf white isopods are relatively easy to maintain compared to other species of isopods. Thus, the substrate mix for these isopods can be created comparatively easily for breeders. Dwarf White isopods ideally need a substrate mixture that maintains the enclosure's moisture levels. Much like other species of isopods, leaf litter and decomposed wood are ideal materials for this purpose. Leaves are considered ideal because they can be easily collected from any place. The tropical conditions where these isopods are found also offer a natural green cover. Since they are initially from places with many trees and leaves, wood and leaves are perceived as ideal sources of substrates. In addition to leaf litter and decomposed wood, ABG mixtures are also used as substrates for Dwarf White isopods. ABG mixes are made with sphagnum moss, tree fern fiber, peat moss, charcoal, etc. They offer excellent water and nutrient retention capacities and are long-lasting compared to other forms of substrate.

Introducing the Armadillidium Frontetriangulum Corfu Isopods, a striking and unique isopod species perfect for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Known for its characteristic triangular head pattern and robust body, this species stands out with its fascinating appearance and behavior. Native to Mediterranean regions, the Armadillidium Frontetriangulum is well-suited for bioactive setups, thriving in environments with varied humidity levels. Its captivating look and relatively easy care make it an excellent addition to any isopod collection A Glimpse Origin: Greek Island Scientific Name: Frontetriangulum corfuensis Difficulty Level: Moderate Size: Up to 2 to 3 cm Rarity: Rare Temperature: 20°C to 25°C Humidity: 70% to 80% Favourite Food: Decomposing leaves, wood, fish flakes An Overview Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods are famous for their unique appearance and behaviour. They thrive in lush, moist environments, and the island's rich biodiversity offers a unique habitat for them. Regarding their appearance, Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods have flattened bodies and are available in different colours. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down decomposed matter and contributing to nutrient cycling. When kept in captivity, they serve as excellent scavengers and help to maintain a clean environment. This means you don't have to clean the terrarium regularly. Frontetriangulum Corfu Isopods: Basic Care You must follow the instructions to take care of Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods. To keep Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods as pets, you must provide them with a spacious enclosure. In this case, you can use a large terrarium so that they have enough space to move around. The best option would be a 20-gallon tank, which can easily accommodate a small colony of isopods. When choosing a terrarium for your isopods, ensure it has a good ventilation system so air can pass through it properly. This will also help prevent the growth of mould within the enclosure. The ideal temperature range is between 20°C and 25°C. You can maintain this temperature by using heater pads but do not overheat the terrarium, as this can harm your isopods. It is important to check the temperature inside the terrarium regularly. You can use a thermometer for this. To maintain the right humidity level, you should mist the substrate regularly or place a water dish inside the enclosure. This will achieve 70% and 80% humidity, respectively. With the help of a hygrometer, you can measure the humidity level inside the terrarium. To mimic the natural habitat for your isopods, you can use coconut coir, leaf litter, and sand. This substrate mix not only helps retain moisture but also allows the isopods to burrow. Frontetriangulum Corfu Isopods: Feeding When it comes to feeding Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods, you must provide them with a balanced diet consisting of various items. For their primary diet, you can provide decaying leaves and wood. Even oak leaves are a great choice; they break down slowly and provide essential nutrients. You can provide small amounts of fish flakes or other isopod foods to fulfil their protein requirements. This is a good way to enhance their reproductive function and growth. Some people think that overfeeding isopods makes them healthier, but that is not the case. It is important to provide the correct amount of food and keep them well. You should also remove uneaten food from the terrarium so they don't end up eating too much. This way, you can maintain a clean environment and prevent mould growth inside the enclosure. Feeding fresh vegetables to your isopods can benefit their health in many ways. You can offer small pieces of veggies like carrots or zucchini occasionally. Frontetriangulum Corfu Isopods: Appearance And Behaviour Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods have a unique appearance, which makes them more attractive than other isopod species. These isopods have a flat body with a smooth surface. They are also available in a wide range of colours, including brown and green. Due to their body's unique colouration, they can easily blend into their natural surroundings. In other words, it helps them to camouflage and protect themselves against predators. Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods are quite social and prefer to live in colonies. An interesting thing about these isopods is that they are nocturnal, meaning they are not active during the day. These isopods require hiding places like leaf litter or substrate, where they can sleep and relax. Frontetriangulum Corfu Isopods: Habitat To keep your isopods healthy, it is essential to mimic their natural habitat. Frontetriangulum Corfu isopods thrive in moist, shaded areas where there's no sunlight. You can create a similar environment for your isopods by using leaf litter and decomposing wood. You will likely find various options when choosing a terrarium for your isopods. But you should choose a model that offers both vertical and horizontal space. Once you have the terrarium, you can add hiding spots for your isopods by using bark, rocks, and live plants. This way, you can mimic their natural environment and also provide security. You can add a small dish of water to provide moisture and maintain the correct humidity levels. For light, you can use a daylight bulb, which helps simulate the natural day/night cycle. But make sure not to overheat or dry out the substrate. Frontetriangulum Corfu Isopods: Substrate Mix Creating the right substrate mix is crucial for the well-being of your isopods. It helps retain moisture and provides a natural environment for burrowing. One of the best substrate bases is coconut coir, which retains moisture well and provides a soft surface for the isopods to move through. You must also add a mix of dried leaves so your isopods can use it as a hiding place. You should also add a small amount of sand or organic soil to help improve the drainage system. When setting up the terrarium for your isopods, place coconut coir at the bottom and leaf litter on top. This will create a thriving environment for your tiny pets and encourage their natural behaviours, which also mean that their life expectancy will extend further.

Armadillidium genus species of isopods are big and unique because they can curl into a ball and protect their soft bellies from predators if attacked. This feature makes them a pet choice, precisely Frontetriangulum Orange, because of their beautiful coloration and moderate care needs. Originally found in Corfu, Greece, they are relatively rare but can be found in the pet trade if you have good connections. Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Corfu, Greece Scientific Name: Armadillidium sp. Difficulty: Moderate Rarity: Relatively rare Temperature: 21-27°C Size: Up to 1.8 cm Humidity: 70-80% Favourable Foods: Decaying plant matter, fruit, fish flakes, and dog biscuits.  An Overview Among other isopods found in Corfu, Greece, Frontetriangulum Orange is more popular mainly because of its vibrant orange coloration, which is rare in different species. As far as their care requirements are concerned, Frontetriangulum Orange is suitable for both entry-level and experienced keepers as long as they do everything correctly and do not mess up their habitat. They grow up to 1.8 cm in size, which is considered big in the isopod world. Therefore, you need a spacious enclosure for them to live and move around freely. Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods: Basic Care We have provided a few care tips for your isopods: Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods are not used to temperature changes and require a stable environment where they can live stress-free and without harm. They prefer high humidity levels up to 70-80% because it is crucial for their development, so unless you provide the same, they can have molting issues. They need good airflow in their enclosure, so using a container with tiny holes is a good idea. This offers proper ventilation and also prevents mold growth. You should clean the terrarium and add fresh food regularly so your isopods have a healthy space to live and eat whenever they need to. Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods: Feeding Feeding Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods is easy as long as you understand their needs and give them a balanced diet to feed on. Not different from other isopods, they, too, prefer eating organic matter like decaying leaves, plant matter, fruits, and veggies that are healthy and fulfill their nutritional requirements. Fish flaked or dog biscuits make them belly-happy but give them in a controlled portion. Do not ignore their calcium sources like crushed eggshells or cuttlebone as it is essential for their exoskeleton and overall well-being. Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour The most exciting thing is the bright orange coloration that makes them unique and stands out from other species. Growing up to 1.8 cm, Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods are bigger than others and perfect for observation without being too tiny to handle Their body is smooth and round in shape allowing them to roll into a tight ball if threatened or danger is near. They are more active at night and come out to feed and explore their surroundings when there are no disturbances. Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods: Habitat Setting up a habitat for Frontetriangulum Orange isopods is not difficult if you know what is correct and what needs to be done. You can use a small plastic container and add both moist and dry areas so they can have an ideal habitat to live and reproduce. For hiding spots, leaf litter, bark pieces, and moss are great choices as they encourage natural behavior and give them a safe place to hide and rest. Frontetriangulum Orange Isopods: Substrate Mix Do not take the importance of the good substrate mix granted and ensure to feed your isopods a balanced mix of everything important for their health. As you may have read extensively about creating a perfect substrate mix, it is better to stick to the easiest and basic option to not expose too much to them. With a blend of ingredients like organic topsoil, leaf litter, sphagnum moss, and coconut fiber, you will be good to go in retaining moisture and keeping humidity levels stable. 

I can not stress how perfect these isopods are. Easy to take care of, amazingly adaptable, happy to feed on a wide variety of foods, large enough to be seen, and stunning with the extra yellow on their carapace. Not only that they will be more than happy in a warm room, so unless your house is really cold there is no need to have extra heat for them.    • Origin: Spain     • Scientific Name:  Armadillidium granulatum     • Difficulty Level: Low     • Size: 2.5cm     • Rarity: Low     • Temperature: 18ºC- 28ºC     • Humidity: 75% to 80%     • Diet: Leaf Litter, Repashy Bug Burger They do make a great clean-up crew, but with their larger size and bright colouration they are easy prey, but for planted terrariums, you would struggle to find a better custodian. Or set something up just for them. They are an appealing species visually, and with the right enclosure, you will have a fantastic display.  These are an isolated morph, rather than one that has occurred due to a single morph. That means that the brightest of several generations has been chosen to improve each line. As your colony increases you can also select the more colourful individuals to improve the colours in your own lines. As with all our isopods, they are captive-bred in our own home so you know you are getting good quality stock.