Isopods
Isopods, also known as woodlice, roly-polies, pill bugs, potato bugs, sow bugs, cochinillas, and more, are terrestrial crustaceans that are easy to care for and fun to observe. They are excellent decomposers and can be kept as pets in a terrarium or as a cleanup crew in a bioactive setup. Here's a simple care sheet to help you provide a comfortable environment for your isopods:
Housing:
Container: Use a plastic or glass enclosure with a secure lid to prevent escapes. Ensure there are ventilation holes to maintain airflow, but it still needs to maintain moisture. You can use a small hand drill to make ventilation holes, only at the top of the container or in the lid. Another option is to cut a hole in the plastic and glue in a fine mesh.
Substrate: Provide a substrate layer of organic matter like soil, sand, leaf litter, compost, hard wood pellets or shavings, sphagnum moss, or a mix of these. The insectarium sells custom isopod substrate in our gift shop.
Moisture Levels: Mist one side of the enclosure regularly to maintain a humid environment. Avoid soaking the substrate, but ensure it remains damp.
Hideouts: Add hides like pieces of bark, cork bark, or half coconut shells. Anything collected outside should be sterilized in the microwave for at least 1 min.
Temperature and Lighting:
Temperature Range: Isopods thrive in a temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
Lighting: Isopods are typically nocturnal and do not require special lighting.
Diet:
Organic Matter: Isopods are detritivores, which means they primarily feed on decaying organic matter. Provide a variety of leaf litter, organic/pesticide-free vegetable and fruit scraps, and decomposing wood.
Calcium Source: Supplement their diet with a calcium source like crushed eggshell, calcium carbonate powder, or cuttlebone. This helps with exoskeleton development.
Avoid Citrus and Toxic Plants: Do not feed them citrus fruits or plants that are toxic to insects.
Maintenance:
Spot Cleaning: Remove uneaten fruit or vegetables after a couple days to prevent mold, fungus gnats, and other pests.
Moisture Monitoring: Check the moisture levels in the enclosure regularly. Adjust misting frequency as needed.
Breeding and Population Control: If the population grows too large, consider transferring some to another enclosure or rehoming them. The Insectarium will take extras back. Never release non-native species into the wild.
Handling:
Isopods are small and delicate, so handling should be kept to a minimum. Handle them gently and avoid squeezing or dropping them. Do not use hand sanitizer, scented lotions, or other chemicals directly before handling.
Housing:
Container: Use a plastic or glass enclosure with a secure lid to prevent escapes. Ensure there are ventilation holes to maintain airflow, but it still needs to maintain moisture. You can use a small hand drill to make ventilation holes, only at the top of the container or in the lid. Another option is to cut a hole in the plastic and glue in a fine mesh.
Substrate: Provide a substrate layer of organic matter like soil, sand, leaf litter, compost, hard wood pellets or shavings, sphagnum moss, or a mix of these. The insectarium sells custom isopod substrate in our gift shop.
Moisture Levels: Mist one side of the enclosure regularly to maintain a humid environment. Avoid soaking the substrate, but ensure it remains damp.
Hideouts: Add hides like pieces of bark, cork bark, or half coconut shells. Anything collected outside should be sterilized in the microwave for at least 1 min.
Temperature and Lighting:
Temperature Range: Isopods thrive in a temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
Lighting: Isopods are typically nocturnal and do not require special lighting.
Diet:
Organic Matter: Isopods are detritivores, which means they primarily feed on decaying organic matter. Provide a variety of leaf litter, organic/pesticide-free vegetable and fruit scraps, and decomposing wood.
Calcium Source: Supplement their diet with a calcium source like crushed eggshell, calcium carbonate powder, or cuttlebone. This helps with exoskeleton development.
Avoid Citrus and Toxic Plants: Do not feed them citrus fruits or plants that are toxic to insects.
Maintenance:
Spot Cleaning: Remove uneaten fruit or vegetables after a couple days to prevent mold, fungus gnats, and other pests.
Moisture Monitoring: Check the moisture levels in the enclosure regularly. Adjust misting frequency as needed.
Breeding and Population Control: If the population grows too large, consider transferring some to another enclosure or rehoming them. The Insectarium will take extras back. Never release non-native species into the wild.
Handling:
Isopods are small and delicate, so handling should be kept to a minimum. Handle them gently and avoid squeezing or dropping them. Do not use hand sanitizer, scented lotions, or other chemicals directly before handling.