Shiro Utsuri Isopods (Nesodillo sp)

Shiro Utsuri Isopods are of Asian origin and named that way due to the colour pattern in their body. Their black-and-white colouration reminds many people of the samurais from Japan. These patterns make them a highly attractive species of isopods to have in the vivarium. They are also considered prolific breeders.  

Shiro Utsuri Isopods: Key Points

• ·       Origin: Taiwan 
• ·       Scientific Name: Nesodillo Archangeli
• ·       Difficulty Level: Easy 
• ·       Size: 8-10MM 
• ·       Rarity: Easy
• ·       Temperature: 22-26˚C 
• ·       Humidity Level: Medium 
• ·       Preferred Foods: Leaf litter, freeze-dried vegetables, cuttlebone, eggshells, etc.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods: An Overview

Shiro Utsuri Isopods have a very hard exoskeleton that helps them prevent many attacks from predators. Their black-and-white colouration gives them their unique identity among other species of isopods. These exoskeletons are also named after the Japanese Koi breeding technique. The Japanese connection is predominant in these species of isopods.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods are recognized as one of the best species for a collector to begin their breeding patterns. They make the perfect choice as a collection species. They are considered fast breeders, with adults reaching maturity within 6-8 months.

These isopods can be fed a variety of food items. Leaf litter, which is considered common in feeding isopods, is the easiest source of a food item for these isopods. Rotten hardwood can be another source of food. Freeze-dried and washed vegetables are also often fed to them. Commonly utilized calcium supplements include- cuttlebone, egg shells, oyster shells, etc.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods: Basic Care

For taking care of Shiro Utsuri Isopods, these steps have to be followed:

·       Shiro Utsuri Isopods prefer high humidity in their enclosures.

·       Moisture retention is a necessity with these isopods. They tend to breed naturally in moist conditions.

·       These isopods are considered the best beginner species ideal for vivariums.

·       They are identified as prolific breeders.

·       Adult Shiro Utsuri isopods are identified to reach maturity within the first 6-8 months.

·       Shiro Utsuri Isopods require medium ventilation, similar to many armadillidium isopods.

·       Ample hiding spots are needed within the vivarium to ensure their survival and breeding.

·       Preferred food items include decayed hardwood, leaf litter, washed vegetable peels, cuttlebones, oyster shells, and egg shells.

·       They can thrive easily in a room temperature of 22-26˚C.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods: Feeding

Shiro Utsuri isopods can feed on a variety of food items. This aspect of these isopods makes them a relatively easy species to manage. The primary food particles that these isopods depend upon are the normal items preferred by every other species- leaf litter and decaying hardwood.

The natural habitats where these isopods are found have plenty of leaves and wood to supplement their growth. Hence, providing these things is a basic aspect for any collector to note down. In addition to these items, dried vegetable peels can also be fed easily. In some cases, they can also be fed freeze-dried vegetables. A little moisture is not considered harmful for these isopods.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods also need protein and calcium-rich supplements for optimal growth. Cuttlebones, egg shells, and oyster shells are identified as the richest calcium sources for these isopods. They can be easily fed by buying them separately from stores. These supplements must be provided periodically to ensure that these isopods meet their necessary vitamin requirements.  

Shiro Utsuri Isopods also have the identity of a 'peaceful inhabitant.' This makes them one of the best species of isopods who can survive with any other species within the enclosure. They can manage their needs efficiently as an inhabitant with other animals.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour

·       Shiro Utsuri Isopods also have hard exoskeletons.

·       They have a predominantly white colouration with black patches in between.

·       This black and white colouration gives them the Japanese connection of 'Samurai Soldier'.

·       They have the maximum growth of 10MM.

·       Their region of origin is Asia. They are mainly found in Taiwan.

·       Hiding spots are required within vivariums to provide them with their optimal environment.

·       Moisture retention is a crucial aspect of the survival of these species.

·       They breed relatively faster than many other species.

·       In addition to their breeding capability, they reach adult maturity relatively faster.

·       Under optimal conditions, they breed comparatively faster.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods: Habitat

Providing an ideal habitat for Shiro Utsuri Isopods is the most basic thing any collector can give the species. And they only require the basic materials in all aspects to ensure their survival. Shiro Utsuri can be of immense utility for the collector as a beginner series of isopods. They present themselves as fast breeders who reach reproductive maturity within a short period. Hence, to maintain these capabilities, collectors need to provide an optimal habitat.

Shiro Utsuri isopods can survive in room temperatures, so their ideal temperature level is between 22-26⁰C. Maintaining these temperature levels is crucial to stabilizing their metabolism capabilities. Experts suggest using thermometers at regular intervals to ensure that room temperature is maintained.

Moisture retention is an important aspect of the survival of Shiro Utsuri Isopods. Plenty of hiding spots are suggested as well to ensure that the vivarium maintain the optimal condition required for these isopods.  

Shiro Utsuri isopods has the capability to survive along with many other species of isopods and other animals within the enclosure. It is considered as a highly unique aspect. They are considered as having a scavenging nature which helps in keeping the vivarium clean through the breakdown of organic matter. This nature of these isopods helps in nutrient cycling within the mini ecosystem.

Shiro Utsuri Isopods: Substrate Mix

In the case of Shiro Utsuri isopods, substrate mixture can be made through a lot options. Natural substrate mixtures, with leaf litter, decaying hardwood, vegetable peels, etc., can help these species to maintain their stable survival. Artificially, store-bought substrate mix can help these isopods to establish their presence in the vivarium.

Shiro Utsuri isopods prefer moisture content within their environment. Hence, due care should be taken to match the substrate mixture suitable for their survival and other species within the enclosure. The leaves used in the vivarium should be pesticide free to ensure that they are not poisoned in any case. Other supplements in the form of artificial materials can be utilized depending upon the preference of the collector.

Much like many of the Armadillidium species of isopods, Shiro Utsuri Isopods too prefer the practice of burrowing. A number of hiding spots are required for these isopods to consistently maintain the naturality of their habitat. As supplements, these isopods can feed on a variety of materials. Cuttlebone, egg shells, oyster shells, etc., are considered and suggested as ideal materials which can be provided to these isopods.

As a ‘peaceful coexistent’, these isopods can survive along with other species of animals within the ecosystem. Hence, either the substrate mixture or the other species should be in alignment with their survival habitat.