Temperature: Keep the habitat between 65–72° F (20–22° C).
Light: Place the habitat in an area with indirect light, as isopods move away from bright environments.
Moisture: Utilize moss on one side of the enclosure, maintaining the soil and moss at a consistent level of moisture. Avoid saturation. Mist with room temperature water as needed to ensure humidity.
Substrate: Opt for a compost or topsoil substrate combined with aged wood, leaf litter, and charcoal. Steer clear of coco fiber products. Adding springtails to the enclosure can enhance the environment, as they cohabitate well with isopods.
Food: The main diet of isopods consists of decaying leaves. Always provide a steady source of leaf litter. Supplement their diet with options like Repashy Bug Burger, Supreme Isopod Chow, or other freeze-dried and powdered foods. Organic and pesticide-free produce can also be offered as food scraps.
Lifespan: Pill bugs typically live for two to three years.
Breeding: Females brood eggs once or twice a year, depending on various factors. The brood size is heavily influenced by species type, age, and maturity.
Species Specifics
Armadillidium sp.
These isopods prefer a deeper substrate of 4 inches or more. They enjoy vegetables and protein as occasional treats but primarily feed on leaf litter, so ensure it is always available along with a calcium source. They thrive in a strong moisture gradient, with 20-30% of the enclosure kept moist while the rest remains fairly dry, ensuring good cross ventilation.
Common species and morphs:
- Vulgare “American Magic Potion”
- Nasatum "Peach”
- Gestroi
Armadillo sp.
These isopods thrive in temperate and semi-arid environments and are not recommended for tropical setups due to molting issues in high humidity. They enjoy a diet that includes many soft-bodied plants.
This information applies to:
- Officinalis “orange crush”
Cubaris sp.
Cubaris is a tropical species that requires a moist, warm, and humid environment. Maintain temperatures between 70-80 degrees F and create a moisture gradient with 40-50% of the habitat layered with leaf litter and sphagnum moss. Consistent calcium sources, such as limestone or cuttlebone, are beneficial.
Commin cubaris species and morphs include:
- Rubber Ducky
Porcellio sp.
Porcellio species are surface-dwelling isopods that do not roll into a ball like Armadillidium. They typically inhabit the soil, leaf litter, and under bark hides. They appreciate a moisture gradient and good cross ventilation. Porcellio tend to be more protein-hungry than other species and enjoy occasional meaty treats like freeze-dried minnows.
Common porcellio species and morphs include:
- Ornatus “South / Yellow Dot”
- Scaber “Yellow Snow”
- Scaber "Lava”
Porcellionides sp.
This variety of isopod is incredibly hardy and can be utilized in various applications, from feeders for reptiles to color cleanup crews in vivariums. They can handle a range of temperatures, ventilation, and humidity levels, making them effective cleaning crews.
Common morphs include:
- Party Mix
- Powder Orange
- Power Blue
- Oreo Crumble
Conclusion
Caring for isopods can be a rewarding experience, whether for educational purposes, as pets, or as part of a larger ecosystem in a vivarium. Understanding the specific needs of each species is crucial to ensuring their health and well-being. By providing the right environment, diet, and care, you can enjoy observing these fascinating creatures thrive in your care. Always remember to monitor their habitat conditions regularly and make adjustments as needed to promote a healthy and vibrant isopod community.
Happy isopod keeping!