Caring For Your Isopods

Isopod Housing

Isopods can be housed in various containers, such as plastic bins, glass tanks, or dedicated terrariums. Ensure that the container is escape-proof with proper ventilation. A lid with fine mesh or drilled holes is ideal for ventilation.

• Container Size: A 5-10 gallon container is typically sufficient for a small to medium-sized colony.
• Substrate: A mix of organic top soil, coco coir, orchid bark, charcoal, sand, and leaf litter works well. Include decaying wood and sphagnum moss to maintain moisture and provide hiding spots.

Substrate and Environment

Isopods thrive in a humid environment. Maintain a moisture gradient in the substrate (one side wetter than the other) to allow isopods to choose their preferred humidity level.

• Temperature: Keep the habitat between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C). Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can stress or kill the isopods.
• Humidity: Isopods prefer high humidity levels of around 60-80%. Mist the enclosure regularly, but avoid waterlogging the substrate.
• Lighting: Isopods are sensitive to light and prefer low-light environments. Indirect natural light or low-wattage artificial light works well.

Feeding and Diet

Isopods are detritivores and feed on decaying organic matter. Their diet should include:

• Leaf Litter: Dried oak, magnolia, or other deciduous leaves provide essential nutrition.
• Decaying Wood: Softwoods like rotting branches are ideal.
• Vegetables and Fruits: Offer small amounts of vegetable scraps like carrots, cucumbers, and squash, as well as fruits like apples and bananas. Remove uneaten food to prevent mold.
• Protein: Occasionally offer protein sources like fish flakes, dried shrimp, or boiled eggshells.

Maintenance

Regularly remove uneaten food, mold, or decaying organic matter that may cause fungal or bacterial issues. Spot clean the enclosure to maintain hygiene.

Replace a portion of the substrate every 3-6 months to keep the environment fresh and clean. Keep an eye on the isopods for signs of overpopulation, disease, or stress. Healthy isopods are active and reproduce well.

Health and Reproduction

Isopods can reproduce multiple times a year, especially in warm, moist environments. A single female can produce several broods throughout her lifetime, contributing to the rapid growth of isopod colonies.

After fertilization, the female carries the developing eggs in a special fluid-filled pouch on the underside of her body called a marsupium. This pouch provides protection and a moist environment for the eggs to develop.

The eggs remain in the marsupium for about 3-6 weeks, depending on the species and environmental conditions. When the eggs hatch inside the marsupium, the juveniles, called mancae, emerge as tiny, fully formed isopods. They resemble miniature adults but lack the last pair of legs, which develop later.

Isopods molt periodically to grow. Provide hiding spots and a moist environment to support this process. Disturbing them during molting can cause stress or injury.

Watch for signs of dehydration (isopods curling up tightly) or overhydration (lethargy or death). Mites or other pests can occasionally be an issue; avoid overfeeding to reduce pests.

Enclosure Enrichment

Provide plenty of hiding places using cork bark, rocks, or pieces of bark. This helps mimic their natural environment and reduces stress.

Adding pieces of wood or textured surfaces allows for natural climbing behavior.

Species-Specific Considerations

Different isopod species have slightly different care needs. Some, like Armadillidium vulgare, prefer drier environments, while others, like Porcellio laevis or Cubaris species, require higher humidity and more organic matter. Research the specific species for tailored care.

By providing these essential elements, you can enjoy a thriving isopod colony in your home or as part of a terrarium ecosystem.