Jelly Bean Isopods (A.Vulgare st.lucia)

St. Lucia isopods (AKA Jelly Bean Isopods) are popular pet isopods sold worldwide in huge numbers. They were initially found on Saint Lucia island. They are popularly known as jelly bean isopods due to the variety of colours they exhibit among themselves. 

These isopods, even from the same colony, come in various colours. They are usually found in uncommon colours like dark burgundy, yellow, orange, etc. With a maximum length of about ¾ inches, they are perfect as pet isopods.

A Glimpse

Jelly beans are one of my favourite isopods, like the gestrois these are very confident isopods with great appetites, they are often seen ontop of the cork bark in the tub and unlike a lot of other isopods which wait until it's quiet or the lights go off before getting food you add to the tub, Jelly beans go for the food right away and eat it very quickly alos.

• Origin: Saint Lucia Island 
• Scientific Name: Armadillidium Vulgare St. Lucia
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Size: Up to ¾ inch
• Rarity: Common
• Temperature: 70°F to 80°F
• Humidity: 70% to 80%
• Favourite Foods: Organic matter

An Overview

Jelly Bean isopods are naturally found on Saint Lucia island. They are very suitable for pet rearing in small to medium enclosures. They are incredibly popular in the pet isopod world for their colour variation traits. It is generally observed that even the same colony these isopods exhibit a vast colour variation. 

Many experiments have been conducted to isolate the colours found among these isopods. Researchers have mated jelly bean isopods of the same colour to produce a single-coloured isopod. But despite the same colour parents, the offspring tend to show their typical colour variation.

The colours of these isopods include orange, grey, yellow, burgundy, etc. The colour variation makes them the best addition to any vivarium. They grow up to ¾ inch and have a smooth segmented body. 

Basic Care

Before proceeding to the details regarding the feeding, enclosure, substrate mix, etc., for Jelly Bean isopods, here are some pointers on how to provide primary care for these isopods.

Even though Jelly Bean isopods are small, they need a spacious enclosure to move around in. 

It is advisable not to purchase a single Jelly Bean isopod alone. Jelly Bean isopods are highly social creatures. They need to have the presence of their fellow colony members to survive well.

Retaining moisture is essential for Jelly Bean isopods. So, getting some hiding spots for the isopod enclosure is advisable.

A critical thing to remember regarding Jelly Bean isopods is that they reproduce quickly. Unlike the other isopods, Jelly Bean isopods follow the ‘brood pouching’ method to protect the laid egg. Brood pouching is a unique reproductive strategy where the female creature tends to carry the laid eggs in a pouch until and unless they are ready to hatch. The pouch ensures the survival of the offspring by providing them protection.

Feeding

The diet of these isopods should contain protein-rich and calcium-rich foods. They need to get all their essential nutrients from the diet they follow. Leaf litter is the most common food for Jelly Bean isopods. 

Jelly Bean isopods are generally detritivores. They love to consume organic matter. They are also quite fond of fruits, vegetables, etc.

The fruits that can be given to Jelly Bean isopods are as follows.

• Apples

 

• Berries

 

• Bananas

 

• Leafy greens

The vegetables suitable for Jelly Bean isopods are as follows.

• Carrots

 

• Zucchini

 

• Cucumber

Following are some protein sources for Jelly Bean isopods.

• Shrimp pellets

 

• Fish food flakes

 

• Crushed pet food

Following are some calcium sources for Jelly Bean isopods.

• Cuttlebone powder

 

• Calcium supplement

Appearance and Behaviour

Appearance

 St Lucia isopods are relatively small and grow to only ¾ inches. They have a segmented body covered in a shiny exoskeleton. They come in many colours, including red, yellow, and orange.

Behavior

Jelly Bean isopods are social creatures. They can survive only when in groups. They interact with their colony members regularly. Usually, in colonies, there is a social hierarchy. There will always be dominant isopods in a colony that leads and controls the pack.

The dominant isopods exhibit stacking, which is placing oneself above another to display dominance. 

Habitat

The right habitat is crucial for the survival of St Lucia isopods. As these isopods are originally from a humid environment, the enclosure must mimic the conditions of their natural habitat.

St Lucia isopods are colorful creatures. So, using a transparent case, container, or tank to make an enclosure is ideal. A transparent enclosure will make it visible to watch the activities of the isopods.

When deciding on the size of the enclosure, make sure that there is enough space for the isopods to move around freely. There should also be enough space for ventilation and air movement inside the enclosure.

The insides of the enclosure should be designed to retain maximum humidity. The first step is to fill the enclosure with a moisture-retaining substrate mix. There should also be enough hiding spots inside the enclosure.

Driftwood, bark, cork tubes, etc., can be placed on the enclosure's surface inside. These items act as activity courses for the isopods and also as hiding spots. A water dish with clean water is necessary inside the enclosure. The enclosure's surface should also be sprayed with water occasionally to keep it moist.

Gentle heat sources like lamps could be an excellent addition to Jelly Bean enclosures. St Lucia isopods needs gentle light. So, providing a gentle light source inside the enclosure will also be helpful.

Substrate Mix

A smooth and moist substrate mix is ideal for the survival of these isopods. The mix should be soft enough for the isopods to burrow into. It should also retain as much moisture as possible.

Some of the most suitable substrate options for Jelly Beans are as follows.

• Coconut fiber

 

• Sphagnum moss

 

• Peat moss

 

• Leaf litter

The substrate mix in the enclosure should provide maximum humidity. Leaf litter is an excellent option for maintaining humidity inside the enclosure and can also be used as a food source. 

It is advisable to spray water into the substrate mix to maintain its moisture content. However, it is essential not to overwet the substrate. Extra moisture in the substrate can cause mold and bacteria to grow.