postpods (155)

The Lilac and Yellow Springtails (Ceratophysella sp.) are rare and vibrant cleanup crew members perfect for bioactive enclosures. Known for their striking lilac-purple hue, they thrive in moist environments and help maintain terrarium health by breaking down decaying organic matter. Native to Thailand, these springtails are easy to care for and adapt well to a variety of humid setups, making them an excellent choice for pairing with isopods or amphibians. Their quick reproduction and low-maintenance nature make them ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Lilac And Yellow Springtails: Summary ●      Native Place: Thailand ●      Scientific Name: Ceratophysella sp. “Lilac” ●      Maintenance level: Easy ●      Temperature Range: 69℉-80℉ ●      Size: 2 mm ●      Rareness: High ●      Breeding Difficulty: easy ●      Humidity Range: Damp to semi-dry ●      Diet: Fish flakes, boiled rice, mushrooms ●      Substitute food: Powdered Springtail Diet ●      Supplements: Calcium powder, Limestone Lilac Springtails: Introduction Lilac springtails are tiny creatures that are native to Thailand. These creatures feed on leaves and are mostly found in damp areas. These small species play an important role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. They consume dead and decaying plants that lie on the ground and then break them down into essential nutrients and give them back to the soil. They can be found in a wide range of places, from small gardens to large forests. They prefer to stay in an area that is moist in nature and where there are a lot of leaves and other stuff that are available to consume and hide inside. Due to these characteristics, they are also paired with isopods and reptile enclosures. Characteristics ●      Has a distinctive purple shade on their body. Due to this striking color, they are a great addition to vivariums, terrariums, and dart frog enclosures. ●      The color varies depending on the color and the incidence of light of the substrate They show a light lilac shade, under certain light conditions. ●      The color of this springtail may vary depending on the diet and the age of these species. ●      In their natural habitat, these are found in damp soil and under rotting wood. ●      They help the ecosystem by feeding on detritus and aerating the soil. ●      These species, though they are smaller in size, adapt well in moist and semi-arid environments. ●      These springtails can jump to different heights with the help of the jumping fork in their bodies. This characteristic distinguishes them from other species. ●      These species reproduce pretty quickly and can be paired with isopods and other creatures. Food Habits ●      The best way to provide the right feed to your lilac and yellow springtails is to include organic matter, just like what is available in the natural habitat. ●      They primarily feed on dead and decaying organic matter. But when culturing in an enclosure, it is important to feed them a wide variety of food. This helps to achieve balanced nutrition for these creatures. ●      Apart from adding veggies and fruits, include fish flakes, mushrooms, pure brewer yeast, and boiled rice to their diet. ●      The powdered Springtail Diet can also be used as a substitute for the springtails to achieve complete nutrition. ●      You can sprinkle the food onto the substrate, evenly covering all the areas inside the container. While feeding, it must be monitored carefully to ensure you are not overfeeding them. If you are placing extra food in the container, then it can attract pests as well as small insects, disturbing their ecosystem. ●      The feeding behavior has to be closely monitored, and the uneaten food must be removed from the container daily to avoid infestation by pests and insects. This will also keep the environment clean. Lilac And Yellow Springtails: Basic Care Providing care to these species is not that difficult when compared to other isopods. The basic thing is to setup an environment which can mimic its original habitat by adopting certain techniques. If you are using a container to keep your springtails, then you have to ensure that the container has a good-securing lid to prevent the movement of your pets out of the container. The holes made for ventilation should be small to prevent the escape through the holes. You can also add a wire mesh to cover the ventilation outlets as they can help prevent these species from jailbreaking. You can fill the container with leaves and other substances like coconut coir, which can retain moisture inside. This will provide a comfortable environment for the springtails. While spraying the water into the substance placed inside the container, it is to ensure that it does not create water logging inside the container. Inside the container, you can create spots for hiding by using naturally available materials like bark and leaves. These hiding places will make them feel comfortable as they will use them to hide inside the container. You have to ensure that the container with your pets should be placed away from direct sunlight, as this will heat up the container. You can place the container in a cool place and should monitor the conditions inside the container. You can place a lot of decaying leaves and scraps of vegetables in the container on which your pets will feed. Lilac Springtails: Enclosure Setup Lilac And Yellow Springtails are native to the wet and humid regions of Thailand. Though these species survive well in moist and semi arid soil conditions, they tend to prefer a high humid and moist environment. Due to this they can be paired well with humid loving isopods, dart frog enclosures and certain reptile enclosures. To replicate their natural environment, a plastic or glass enclosure is used. These species reproduce quickly and do very well on a calcium-clay substrate or in soil. Therefore, make sure to get a substrate mix that has soil or calcium clay mixed in the enclosure. If not available, you can create a DIY mix of soil, organic mulches, leaf litter, bark, and decaying wood for your Bioactive setup. You can add charcoal to the substrate as an optional element. To maintain high humidity, add sphagnum moss to the enclosure. It is also used as a snack for these species, so you have to add it periodically. When misting, ensure that the enclosure has the necessary moisture to avoid water logging. Also, maintain the ideal temperature for these species to thrive in the setting. In the end, add calcium supplements and fish pellets to the enclosure for nourishment.

Lilac Springtails or Purple Podura are some of the rare springtail species found. Due to their colour and ease of maintenance, this cleanup crew has captured the attention of various exotic pet lovers and admirers alike.  Lilac Springtails: Summary ●      Native Place: Thailand ●      Scientific Name: Ceratophysella sp. “Lilac” ●      Maintenance level: Easy ●      Temperature Range: 69℉-80℉ ●      Size: 2 mm ●      Rareness: High ●      Breeding Difficulty: easy ●      Humidity Range: Damp to semi-dry ●      Diet: Fish flakes, boiled rice, mushrooms ●      Substitute food: Powdered Springtail Diet ●      Supplements: Calcium powder, Limestone Lilac Springtails: Introduction Lilac springtails are tiny creatures that are native to Thailand. These creatures feed on leaves and are mostly found in damp areas. These small species play an important role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. They consume dead and decaying plants that lie on the ground and then break them down into essential nutrients and give them back to the soil. They can be found in a wide range of places, from small gardens to large forests. They prefer to stay in an area that is moist in nature and where there are a lot of leaves and other stuff that are available to consume and hide inside. Due to these characteristics, they are also paired with isopods and reptile enclosures. Lilac Springtails: Characteristics ●      Has a distinctive purple shade on their body. Due to this striking color, they are a great addition to vivariums, terrariums, and dart frog enclosures. ●      The color varies depending on the color and the incidence of light of the substrate They show a light lilac shade, under certain light conditions. ●      The color of this springtail may vary depending on the diet and the age of these species. ●      In their natural habitat, these are found in damp soil and under rotting wood. ●      They help the ecosystem by feeding on detritus and aerating the soil. ●      These species, though they are smaller in size, adapt well in moist and semi-arid environments. ●      These springtails can jump to different heights with the help of the jumping fork in their bodies. This characteristic distinguishes them from other species. ●      These species reproduce pretty quickly and can be paired with isopods and other creatures. Lilac Springtails: Food Habits ●      The best way to provide the right feed to your pets is to include organic matter, just like what is available in the natural habitat. ●      They primarily feed on dead and decaying organic matter. But when culturing in an enclosure, it is important to feed them a wide variety of food. This helps to achieve balanced nutrition for these creatures. ●      Apart from adding veggies and fruits, include fish flakes, mushrooms, pure brewer yeast, and boiled rice to their diet. ●      The powdered Springtail Diet can also be used as a substitute for the springtails to achieve complete nutrition. ●      You can sprinkle the food onto the substrate, evenly covering all the areas inside the container. While feeding, it must be monitored carefully to ensure you are not overfeeding them. If you are placing extra food in the container, then it can attract pests as well as small insects, disturbing their ecosystem. ●      The feeding behavior has to be closely monitored, and the uneaten food must be removed from the container daily to avoid infestation by pests and insects. This will also keep the environment clean. Lilac Springtails: Basic Care Providing care to these species is not that difficult when compared to other isopods. The basic thing is to setup an environment which can mimic its original habitat by adopting certain techniques. If you are using a container to keep your springtails, then you have to ensure that the container has a good-securing lid to prevent the movement of your pets out of the container. The holes made for ventilation should be small to prevent the escape through the holes. You can also add a wire mesh to cover the ventilation outlets as they can help prevent these species from jailbreaking. You can fill the container with leaves and other substances like coconut coir, which can retain moisture inside. This will provide a comfortable environment for the springtails. While spraying the water into the substance placed inside the container, it is to ensure that it does not create water logging inside the container. Inside the container, you can create spots for hiding by using naturally available materials like bark and leaves. These hiding places will make them feel comfortable as they will use them to hide inside the container. You have to ensure that the container with your pets should be placed away from direct sunlight, as this will heat up the container. You can place the container in a cool place and should monitor the conditions inside the container. You can place a lot of decaying leaves and scraps of vegetables in the container on which your pets will feed. Lilac Springtails: Enclosure Setup Lilac Springtails are native to the wet and humid regions of Thailand. Though these species survive well in moist and semi arid soil conditions, they tend to prefer a high humid and moist environment. Due to this they can be paired well with humid loving isopods, dart frog enclosures and certain reptile enclosures. To replicate their natural environment, a plastic or glass enclosure is used. These species reproduce quickly and do very well on a calcium-clay substrate or in soil. Therefore, make sure to get a substrate mix that has soil or calcium clay mixed in the enclosure. If not available, you can create a DIY mix of soil, organic mulches, leaf litter, bark, and decaying wood for your Bioactive setup. You can add charcoal to the substrate as an optional element. To maintain high humidity, add sphagnum moss to the enclosure. It is also used as a snack for these species, so you have to add it periodically. When misting, ensure that the enclosure has the necessary moisture to avoid water logging. Also, maintain the ideal temperature for these species to thrive in the setting. In the end, add calcium supplements and fish pellets to the enclosure for nourishment.

A new cubaris isopod introduced to the hobby from Mark Titterton

You won’t realize the depth of the world of crustaceans unless you dive down, and it is dominated by the extensive variety of isopods living in different corners of the world. While the physical features are not distinct, the same cannot be said about their coloration as it depends on various factors like genetics, diet, substrate, and environmental conditions. If you are looking for a colourful species, Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods is a good choice because of their vibrant orange shade and beautiful appearance that most keepers like. Also, they make a great addition to any isopod collection you have in your home and want to expand. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: British Columbia, Canada Scientific Name: Oniscus asellus Difficulty: Easy Rarity: Not rare Temperature: 18-25°C Size: Up to 16 mm Humidity: 50-70% Favorable Foods: Leaf litter, rotting wood, fruits, vegetables, eggshells, fungi, dead crickets.  An Overview Originating from British Columbia, Canada, Oniscus Casellus Orange isopods are a colorful species unique because of their bright orange bodies and hardy exoskeletons, which protect them from predators in the wild. They grow up to 16 mm and are easy to maintain as they have minimal requirements and care needs, which is usually not the case with other isopods. Even better, they are not rare and are easily found in the pet trade, or where they sell isopods, so you don’t have to search a lot to have them in your collection. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Basic Care Here are some essential care tips for your isopods: Adaptable in nature, Oniscus Casellus Orange isopods has a tendency of tolerating a range of temperatures as long as it is between 18-25°C and don’t swing much. Also, they are made with robust physical appearance and strength.  Maintaining the humidity between 50-70% without not making it excessively wet to avoid mold growth or shedding issues. You can use a plastic tub to ensure good ventilation so your isopods enjoy smooth airflow and do not have trouble breathing. Since Oniscus Casellus Orange isopods are shy creatures, add plenty of leaf litter or cork flats, so they have enough hiding spots within the enclosure. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Feeding As they have in-built hunting tendency and feed on a large variety of things, like leaf litter, rotting wood, mushrooms, dead insects, and fungi that are available easily in the wild. However, they also need calcium sources like eggshells and cuttlebone to have a stronger exoskeleton and protect themselves from predators. To make their diet more appetizing, add fresh fruits and vegetables, but not too frequently, as it can cause health problems. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods’s striking orange feature sets them apart from their brown or grey relatives of the same genus. Although more active at night, they also move around during the day if they feel safe and have no predators to attack them. They are not aggressive and prefer to live in groups, so you see them piling together under moist bark or leaf litter. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Habitat Setting up a comfortable home is essential to owning isopods, regardless of the species or difficulty level. You can use a simple 5 to 10-litre plastic container and add moist and dry zones so your isopods can live and breed happily without struggling for survival. Since they thrive in a forest-floor-like environment, they cannot tolerate bright lights and strong airflow, so you need to remember these things before getting them. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Substrate Mix Your isopods spend most of their time on or under the substrate, so you must get this part right and not mess it up to cause problems. A good substrate mix contains coconut fiber, peat moss, leaf litter, and rotting wood chunks because they are good at retaining moisture and don’t let the environment dry even hours after misting the terrarium. Just stir the substrate occasionally so it stays fresh for a long time and prevents mold or pests from destroying the setup.

The Orange Springtails (Yuuklanura Aphoruroides sp.) are vibrant and efficient bioactive custodians, perfect for maintaining healthy terrariums. Known for their striking orange color, these tiny creatures thrive in moist environments and help break down organic waste, preventing mold and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Ideal for pairing with isopods, reptiles, or amphibians, they are easy to care for and quickly establish themselves in bioactive setups. Their low maintenance and high productivity make them a valuable addition to any enclosure. A Glimpse Scientific Name: Yuuklanura Aphoruroides AKA Protanurs Orange Origin: Asia Availability: Very Rare Temperature: 75 Degree Fahrenheit Level of Difficulty: Easy Favourite Foods: Brewer’s Yeast, Fish Flakes, Fruits, etc. Orange Springtails: An Overview Orange springtails are strikingly orange in color. The bright orange color is the major attraction of this group of hexapods. Their color often varies between different shades of red and yellow.  The newborn orange springtails are off-white. They change color into yellow, red, and bright orange as they grow up. They are popular for their voracious appetite.  They prefer moderately moist conditions. So, a moderately damp enclosure with soil substrate would be the right way to keep them. But they manage to survive on other substrate mediums, too. As mentioned before, they are highly responsive to food. They eat almost any kind of food. But the favorites are dried mealworms, fish flakes, wood bark, etc.  Experts advise keeping the orange springtails in non-vented containers. Because they tend to reach up to the vents and climb out. They grow up to 4 mm in length. As they are tiny, relatively small containers and tanks are enough to keep them. Orange Springtails: Habitat and Enclosure Here are some pointers on the orange springtail habitat to remember while setting up their enclosures. Orange springtails prefer damp soil to live in. So, the enclosure needs to retain moisture always.   These springtails need plenty of organic matter and vegetation to consume. So, add enough wood and leaf matter while setting up the enclosure.   Ready-made enclosures are not necessary for these springtails. You can use simple containers and tanks to make DIY enclosures. These springtails are small and easy to care for, so you don’t need a custom-made enclosure.   You can use acrylic or transparent plastic containers to keep these springtails.   Make sure not to leave any ventilation holes in the container. The springtails usually climb up the container and may climb through the ventilation holes.   They get enough ventilation and condensation when you open the upper lid of the container for feeding processes.    You must open the tank lid multiple times to feed and wet the substrate soil. So, this will be enough condensation and ventilation for the springtails to survive.   You must fill the tank with at least two inches of substrate mix. Always leave room for air clearance. You should never fill the tank with too much substrate.   On the substrate, you can add moss, leaf litter, etc. These provide the best hiding spots for the orange springtails. Also, these are the perfect places for the beneficial bacteria to grow.   Bacteria, fungus, and mold are some of the favorite foods of orange springtails. So, it is fine for them to grow in the enclosure.   You can always add live plants in the enclosure. These springtails do not consume live greens. So, the live plants will remain intact and pleasing to the eyes.   Also, adding live plants provides some extra surface for the springtails to climb and engage in. They may consume the sprouting parts of the plants. But usually, they do not cause any damage to the plant. Diet Here are some essential things to remember regarding the diet of Orange Springtails. Orange springtails naturally consume various microorganisms that grow around their habitat. So, in their enclosures,you must ensure the soil is damp enough for such microorganisms to grow.   Fish flakes arean excellent protein source for these springtails. High protein consumption helps to increase the reproduction rate in these springtails.   Minnows and mealworms are other food sources that provide enough protein for the springtails.   Ready-made springtail food and supplements can also feed the springtails.   As they have a high appetite, it is advisable to feed them at regular intervals.   Leaf litter is also a good food source for them.    You need not worry about providing them with dried food. They have a unique sucking mechanism in their mouth that can chew on even extremely dry food. Orange Springtails: Substrate Mix Orange springtails need their habitat to be reasonably damp always. Thus, having the right substrate mix is crucial for their survival. Also, if you don’t pay enough attention to maintaining the moisture content of the substrate, it could be harmful to the springtails. Usually, these springtails are kept on one of the two different substrate mixes. They are as follows. Flake soil substrate   Calcium-bearing clay substrate The flake soil substrate is made from rotting white wood. It is relatively difficult to source the white wood for making this substrate. The Calcium-bearing clay substrate is made for order by many reputed manufacturers. You can purchase from them to set up your enclosure. The most important thing to remember about the substrate mix is to keep it damp always. It is advisable to water or spray the substrate at regular intervals.  While watering the substrate, you must consider your home region's ambient humidity and temperature. Because the level of humidity and condensation differ in the various areas. So, the amount of water you need to spray into an orange springtail enclosure will also be different. You have to observe the water retention capacity of the substrate in your tank in the initial days. Then, you have to adjust the watering intervals accordingly.  You can include coconut coir, moss, softwood chunks, etc., in the substrate mix. You can also leave some leaf litter at random spots. Make sure not to cover the entire top part of the soil with leaf litter. 

Phoenix Isopods have their origin in Vietnam. Their name is based on their appearance. They exhibit the colour variations of red, black and yellow, which are predominant in the mythical bird phoenix. They are considered a superb display species. They are extremely rare to find. Once they are established in the enclosure, they can easily be bred. Care needs to be taken regarding the enclosure, as these species are more active than most other species of isopods. Key Points Origin: Vietnam Scientific Name: Merulanells sp. Phoenix Difficulty Level: Easy Size: 2CM Max. Rarity: Extremely Rare Temperature: 18-24˚C Humidity Level: Medium Preferred Foods: Leaf litter, decayed wood, cuttlefish bone, limestone, etc. An Overview Phoenix Isopods are a highly colourful species of isopods. The hard exoskeleton provides both protection and aesthetic appeal to these isopods. The colouration of the exoskeleton makes them a significant choice for the enclosures. They are a highly active category of species. They need large spaces within the enclosures to move around. They have a very similar appearance to that of Merulanella tricolor isopods. But they are different in several aspects. The original climate these species are accustomed to is tropical. Hence, they require moisture and plenty of ventilation to survive in an enclosure. They can tolerate humid environments easily. Care should be taken because their temperatures should stay high enough and stay cool. Phoenix isopods are extremely rare to find. Hence, they are a species of isopods in demand by several collectors. Once established in a vivarium, they breed comparatively similar to most other species of isopods. The general pattern followed by merulanella isopods for feeding must also be followed for Phoenix isopods. Hence, decaying wood and leaf litter forms the basic diet for these isopods. Cuttlefish bone, fish food, limestone, etc., can act as supplements to improve their growth. Phoenix Isopods: Basic Care Phoenix Isopods can be taken care of through the following points: The tropical origin of Phoenix isopods allows them to survive in hot environments. They can also withstand some amount of coldness. Isopods coming from tropical environments require moisture to stay close to their origins. Phoenix isopods require a solid enclosure, and they are extremely rare to find. Hence, they are an advanced species for seasoned collectors. Their breeding capability is at par with most other species of isopods. Due to their tropical origins, Phoenix isopods require a great level of ventilation. Burrowing is a popular practice with these isopods. Hence, they prefer to have hiding spots within their enclosure. Preferred diet choices include leaf litter, decaying wood, cuttlefish bone, fish bone, etc. The ideal room temperature for these species ranges between 18-24˚C. Phoenix Isopods: Feeding This particular species of isopods has a variety of food items to choose from. Even though they are considered an advanced species that is extremely rare to find, they are found under tropical conditions. Hence, their staple diets includes both leaf litter and decaying wood. Their dietary patterns are similar to many other species of isopods. A perfect environment should complement the diet these isopods follow in their consumption. Leaf litter and decaying wood are ideal for their consumption. These basic items are helpful for the longer survival of these isopods. The collector can provide additional supplements according to their own choice. The only factor to note is that it should be provided regularly. Vegetable peels, dried vegetables, fish food, etc., can be provided for these isopods regularly. They find moisture levels okay for their survival. But it should not exceed the levels of possible mold growth. Protein and calcium supplements can be provided depending on the collector's requirements. Cuttlefish bone, limestone, and fish food are all excellent supplements that can help these species of isopods grow well. Many of these products can be collected naturally or bought from diverse sources. Phoenix Isopods are considered a very active species of isopods. They require large, spaced enclosures to scourge the area actively. Ventilation is another vital aspect that must be noted before breeding these species. Phoenix Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Like many other isopods, phoenix isopods are also gifted with hard exoskeletons. The exoskeletons are both protective and exotic. They have the maximum growth close to 2 CM. Their exotic appearance is a gift of their diverse coloured patterns. This appearance makes them a species that is in high demand. They require a lot of ventilation in the space that they are kept. This is mainly due to their natural environment being tropical. Moisture retention is also considered a vital aspect of caring for these isopods. They breed at good rates once established. Phoenix Isopods: Habitat Habitats are crucial aspects for the development of any isopods. As these are collected species from natural environments, the enclosures where they are kept should be replicated similarly to their origins. Providing basic habitat is a relatively easy task for any collectors. Phoenix isopods are extremely rare to find, even within their original habitats. But they are a species that can be maintained easily. Ensuring a proper habitat will result in more isopods breeding faster. Humid environments are highly preferred by Phoenix isopods. As their origin is tropical, they can tolerate room temperature easily. A thermometer should be regularly used to assess the room temperature of the habitat. An important factor is that the temperature should not exceed or decrease beyond the expected level of 18-24⁰C. It can adversely affect their metabolism. Maintaining moisture within the enclosure is a practice that should be kept for the ideal survival of these species. Supported by a number of hiding spots can enable the strong breeding of phoenix isopods in large numbers. Phoenix isopods are a heavily active species of isopods. Providing them ample space within the enclosure is crucial for their breeding. Phoenix Isopods: Substrate Mix Just like every other isopod, substrate mixtures are available for Phoenix isopods as well. Both natural substrates and artificial substrates are available for these isopods. Some of the options for a natural substrate mix include- leaf litter, decaying wood, dried vegetables, etc. Artificial substrate mixtures will consist of both protein and calcium supplements that can enhance their growth. The most important factor to consider in utilizing substrates is that it should ensure the survival of all species within the enclosure. Substrates should not hinder the development of any other species. Natural supplements like leaf litter and decaying wood should be completely pesticide-free to ensure that no toxic chemicals are present within the environment. Burrowing is a popular activity within these species. Hence, providing ample hiding spots is important for their breeding. As part of their protein and calcium supplements in substrate, cuttlefish bone, fish food, limestone etc., should be provided. These food items can improve their growth to greater levels.