Iriomotensis 'Miyako' Isopods (Cubaris sp.)

Miyako isopods are also known as Japanese Red Edge, are another rare species of isopods found. These species are indigenous to the Miyako island of Japan. Due to its striking reddish orange colouration and characteristics makes them unique. Due to the rarity of these species, these are highly sought after by exotic pets who love to collect rare species. 

Miyako Isopods: Summary

●      Place of Origin: Miyako Island, Japan

●      Scientific Term: Cubaris sp. "Miyako"

●      Common Name: Miyako Island Isopod

●      Maintenance level: Easy

●      Temperature Range: 68℉-86℉

●      Size: 1.3 cm

●      Rareness: High

●      Breeding Difficulty: medium

●      Humidity Range: 60% -80%

●      Preferred diet: decaying wood, leaf litter

●      Supplements: Calcium powder, Limestone

Miyako Isopods: Abstract

These species are found in the limestone island of South Japan. They have a shiny body with bright reddish orange exoskeleton on the skirts and antenna and have a dark black body. For those who are unfamiliar to this species, they may misunderstand this as Cubaris sp. Red Edge. These species have characteristics similar to other cubaris species and require high humidity in their habitat.

Miyako Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics

●      Indigenous to the Miyako island of Japan, thus the rarity of this species.

●      They are fearless and don't roll as often as other roly polys.

●      Has a smooth carapace with a striking reddish-orange color on the skirts and antennae.

●      They are formally described as Cubaris Iriomotensis, but there is still debate on the classification of these species.

●      It looks similar to the Cubaris Murina Red Edge and, therefore, may get confused if not familiar with the species.

●      These species really enjoy burrowing and so require a thick substrate in their enclosure.

●      Prefer decayed vegetation and wood as they are common in the habitat they are from

●      They require higher calcium and protein compared to other isopods for better health and molting.

●      Easy to maintain but slightly difficult to breed. Therefore, it requires care and attention.

Miyako Isopods: Diet Requirements

These species prefer decaying organic matter as a primary source of food. But it is essential to provide a balanced diet. These species, like many cubaris sp., require high calcium and protein in their diet. Therefore, it is important to feed them calcium supplements or cuttlebones in the enclosure to meet the calcium requirements. Fish pellets and meat scraps are the best sources of protein and have to be paired with calcium supplements.

Other foods for the isopods include pulverized grains, beans and mushrooms can be added into the enclosure. Make sure to provide small food portions in the beginning and observe their eating habits. Slowly increase the amount a bit and make sure not to overfeed them as it can attract pests.

Miyako Isopods: Basic Steps for Care

●      A shoebox-size plastic container may be suitable for an enclosure for these tiny species. However, it is best to invest in a glass enclosure to appreciate its beauty, movements, and activity.

●      Make sure the enclosure that you have opted for has ventilation provisions. If not, provide holes around the container.

●      Make sure that the ventilation outlets are not too big, as these species require high moisture. Also, they tend to escape through the ventilation, so it is best to add mesh to the ventilation openings.

●      It is essential to have a perfect balance between the moisture content and the provision for ventilation used in the container. This will help to provide a good environment for the isopods, and they will enjoy better living conditions.

●      The container in which these species are kept should have a controlled lighting mechanism. They are not comfortable with high bright light and prefer dim lights.

●      While feeding the isopods, it is very important to ensure that a mix of decayed leaves and bark is provided. It is also important to ensure that the dried leaves have no pesticide or chemical content. The presence of any kind of chemical compound can severely affect the life span of the species.

●      Adding moss in the enclosure also acts as a hiding place for the isopods and something for these species to snack on. Make sure to add moss periodically to maintain the ecosystem and serve as food for these species.

●      Adding a piece of cuttlebone can help the isopods achieve their calcium intake. Also, when preparing a substrate mix, add earthworm castings in it to provide protein in their diet.

●      When taking care of the isopods, make sure not to pick them up or touch them often, as it may cause stress to these species. Make sure to make less contact with them unless it is for transferring them to different enclosures.

Miyako Isopods: Artificial Habitat

Cubaris sp. Miyako Isopods are native to the tropical forest of Miyako Island in Japan. These species are more commonly found in highly humid areas with less ventilation. Though these species are very easy to maintain, they can be a tad bit tricky to establish in any artificial container. Therefore, it is important to replicate their natural environment and their native habitat for culturing and for overall well being of the species.

In an enclosure, make sure to provide a suitable standard-sized 6 qt container as the frame for the artificial setting. DIY plastic boxes are cheap and effective for culturing, but if you want to watch and appreciate these species' colors and want to observe their activities, glass containers are the best option.

When placing the isopods inside the container, ensure there aren't many air ventilation outlets. Too many outlets may result in a decline in humidity within the enclosure, harming the isopod's overall health and well-being.

For the substrate make sure to include elements such as flake soil, sphagnum moss, leaf litter, and finally the isopod and springtail mix into the enclosure. Make sure to provide a thick bedding of 4 inches to 6 inches approx. as these species like to dig. When providing moisture make sure that it is done in such a way that it has both dry and wet areas.

Add rotten wooden bark inside for creating hiding space as well as for the aesthetic appeal. Add limestone pieces or cuttlebone for nutrition and to mimic their natural environment. Include elements like egg cartons and coconut halves as well for the isopods to explore and to bring out their natural habits like foraging.

The temperature for the enclosure should not be above or below the desired temperature. By following these guidelines, you can have healthy, thriving isopods in your enclosure to culture and admire them as pets.