WOODLICE
CARE
HOUSING
Pet isopods thrive in a well-ventilated enclosure with a moist substrate composed of soil, sphagnum moss, coconut coir, and leaf litter.
A humidity gradient is ideal, with one end of the enclosure kept damp using moss, while the other remains drier. Provide hiding spots such as cork bark, cardboard, or decaying wood, as isopods prefer dark, sheltered environments.
The enclosure should be kept at room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight. Regular maintenance involves replacing leaf litter as it is consumed and refreshing the substrate when it becomes overly compacted. Isopods are peaceful and can be housed in bioactive setups alongside other invertebrates like millipedes and springtails, but avoid mixing different isopod species, as competition may arise.
FOOD
Isopods are detritivores, meaning they primarily feed on decaying organic matter. Their staple diet consists of leaf litter, which provides essential nutrients and helps maintain a natural environment. They also benefit from vegetable scraps, such as carrot peels or cucumber slices, and occasional protein sources like fish flakes or dried shrimp. Some keepers supplement their diet with calcium-rich foods, such as cuttlebone or eggshells, to support healthy exoskeleton development. Avoid moldy food, and remove uneaten scraps before they spoil. A well-balanced diet ensures a thriving colony and supports their role in bioactive setups.
BREEDING
Isopods breed readily in a moist, stable environment with plenty of food and hiding spots. They reproduce through marsupial brooding, where females carry fertilized eggs in a pouch called the marsupium until they hatch into tiny juveniles. A consistent humidity level is crucial for successful breeding, as dry conditions can hinder egg development. Providing a nutrient-rich diet, including calcium sources like cuttlebone, helps support healthy offspring. Isopods typically reach maturity within a few months, and colonies can expand rapidly under optimal conditions. To encourage breeding, avoid disturbing the enclosure too often and maintain a balanced population to prevent overcrowding.
LIGHTING
Terrestrial isopods prefer dimly lit environments and tend to move away from bright light. Their enclosure should receive indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight, which can dry out the substrate and stress the isopods. If housed in a planted terrarium, a low-intensity grow light can be used, as long as there are plenty of hiding spots like bark and leaf litter. Since isopods are mostly nocturnal, they are more active in cooler, darker conditions.
Please note the information above is a basic guide and we would always advise reading up thoroughly before acquiring your isopods There are many fantastic resources online and forums that will offer more specific guidelines care and setting up a living vivarium or enclosure.