Snow Queen Isopods (Cubaris sp.)

Snow Queen Isopods (Cubaris sp.) are a striking white morph that has become popular among collectors for their clean, pale colouration. Native to Southeast Asia, these medium-sized isopods require consistent humidity and stable conditions to thrive. They are best suited to keepers with some experience, as they are less forgiving than hardier species when environmental conditions fluctuate.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand)
• Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. "Snow Queen"
• Maintenance required: Medium
• Average Size: 1.5-2 cm
• Rarity: Rare
• Lifespan: 2-3 years
• Temperature: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
• Ventilation: Low
• Humidity: 70-80%
• Favorite food: Leaf litter, vegetables, decaying wood
• Supplements: Crushed limestone, cuttlefish bone

Snow Queen Isopods: Introduction

Snow Queen isopods get their name from their predominantly white or pale cream colouration. Like other Cubaris species, they originate from limestone-rich cave environments in Southeast Asia, where they inhabit humid crevices and feed on decaying organic matter. While their appearance makes them appealing to collectors, they are not the easiest species to keep. They require more attention to humidity and temperature stability than many beginner-friendly species, and their breeding rate is slower than faster-reproducing isopods like Porcellio species.

These isopods are primarily nocturnal and tend to be shy, spending much of their time hidden beneath substrate, bark, or leaf litter. Don't expect to see them out and about constantly—they prefer to stay tucked away and will often only emerge when the enclosure is dark and undisturbed.

Snow Queen Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics

• Snow Queens display a pale white to off-white colouration across their segmented bodies, with some individuals showing subtle translucent areas.
• Adults typically reach 1.5-2 cm in length, making them a medium-sized Cubaris species.
• Like other members of their genus, they possess the ability to conglobate (roll into a ball) when threatened.
• Their colouration can vary slightly between individuals, with some appearing more cream-toned than pure white.
• They have the typical Cubaris body shape with segmented plates and two visible antennae.
• Juveniles emerge white and maintain this colouration as they mature.

Diet

Snow Queen isopods are detritivores and will consume a range of organic matter. Their primary food sources include dried leaf litter, decaying hardwood, and vegetable scraps. Oak and beech leaves work well as staple leaf litter.

Supplementary foods can include:

• Vegetables such as carrots, courgette, sweet potato, and butternut squash
• Small amounts of protein from sources like dried shrimp, fish flakes, or earthworm castings
• Decaying hardwood (avoid softwoods)

Calcium supplementation is essential for healthy moulting and exoskeleton development. Provide crushed limestone, cuttlefish bone, or powdered eggshells as a constant calcium source within the enclosure. Given their limestone cave origins, Cubaris species generally have higher calcium requirements than many other isopod genera.

Avoid overfeeding—provide portions that will be consumed within a day or two to prevent mould growth, which can be problematic in high-humidity setups.

Snow Queen Isopods: Personality

Snow Queens are typically shy and reclusive. They prefer to hide during daylight hours and become more active in low light conditions. When disturbed, they will often roll into a defensive ball or quickly retreat beneath cover.

They are not particularly interactive pets in the traditional sense. If you're looking for isopods that are frequently visible and active, more confident species like Porcellio scaber or Armadillidium vulgare may be more suitable. Snow Queens are better appreciated by keepers who enjoy maintaining the enclosure and occasionally spotting their isopods rather than expecting regular sightings.

They are generally peaceful and can coexist with springtails, which are recommended as tank mates to help manage mould and debris in humid enclosures.

Snow Queen Isopods: Breeding

Snow Queen isopods are slow to moderate breeders compared to more prolific species. Females brood their eggs in a marsupium and release fully formed juveniles. Breeding success depends heavily on environmental stability—fluctuations in humidity or temperature can slow or halt reproduction.

Key factors for breeding success:

• Maintain consistent humidity between 70-80%
• Keep temperatures stable within the 22-26°C range
• Provide adequate calcium for breeding females
• Avoid disturbing the enclosure unnecessarily, as stress can impact breeding

Expect colony growth to be gradual. Patience is required when establishing a breeding population, and it may take several months before you see significant numbers of juveniles.

Snow Queen Isopods: Habitat Setup

Creating the right environment is crucial for Snow Queen isopods. As a Cubaris species from limestone cave habitats, they require conditions that differ from hardier European species.

Enclosure: A plastic container with a secure lid works well. Ensure there are small ventilation holes, but avoid excessive airflow that will dry out the enclosure. A 19-litre container is suitable for a starter colony.

Substrate: Use a substrate mix that retains moisture and provides calcium. A blend of organic topsoil, sphagnum peat, crushed limestone, and leaf litter works well. Avoid pure coco coir as the primary substrate for Cubaris species, as it lacks the calcium content they require and can become too acidite over time. If using any coir, mix it sparingly with limestone-rich components. Substrate depth should be at least 5-8 cm to allow for burrowing.

Moisture gradient: Maintain one side of the enclosure more humid than the other. Mist the humid side regularly and add damp sphagnum moss to help retain moisture. The drier side gives the isopods options to regulate their own moisture needs.

Décor: Include cork bark, hardwood pieces, and leaf litter to provide hiding spots and food sources. Lichen-covered twigs are also appreciated and provide additional grazing opportunities.

Temperature: Room temperature in most UK homes is suitable (20-24°C), but avoid placing enclosures near windows, radiators, or other heat sources that could cause temperature fluctuations. A heat mat on a thermostat can be used if your ambient temperatures drop below 18°C regularly.

Suitability

Snow Queen isopods are best suited to intermediate keepers who have some experience maintaining humid enclosures. They are not the most forgiving species for beginners, as they are more sensitive to environmental fluctuations than species like dairy cow isopods or common rough woodlice.

If you're new to isopod keeping, consider starting with hardier species to develop your husbandry skills before moving on to Cubaris species. If you already have experience with other isopods and are looking to expand your collection with something visually distinctive, Snow Queens can be a rewarding addition—provided you're prepared to maintain the conditions they need.