Isopod Care Instructions

Isopods are a diverse group of crustaceans belonging to the order Isopoda. They are commonly known as woodlice, pill bugs, or roly-polies, and they can be found in a wide range of habitats worldwide, including terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Isopods play important ecological roles as decomposers, scavengers, and prey for various animals. Keeping isopods as pets has become increasingly popular, particularly in the context of bioactive vivarium setups. Here's a detailed care guide for keeping terrestrial isopods, specifically those commonly kept as pets, such as Armadillidium spp. (e.g., Armadillidium vulgare, Armadillidium maculatum) and Porcellio spp. (e.g., Porcellio scaber, Porcellio laevis):

Habitat Setup:

  1. Enclosure: Use a plastic or glass terrarium with a secure lid to prevent escape. The size of the enclosure depends on the number of isopods you plan to keep, but a 5-10 gallon tank is usually sufficient for a small colony.

  2. Substrate: Provide a substrate layer that retains moisture well and offers hiding places for the isopods. Ideal substrates include coconut fiber, peat moss, or a mixture of organic compost and leaf litter.

  3. Moisture: Isopods require high humidity levels to thrive. Mist the enclosure regularly with dechlorinated water to keep the substrate damp but not waterlogged. Additionally, provide a moist hide or sphagnum moss to help maintain humidity levels.

  4. Temperature: Keep the enclosure at room temperature, ideally between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Isopods are generally tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, but extremes should be avoided.

Feeding and Diet:

  1. Organic Matter: Isopods are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter. Offer a variety of food sources such as leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables (e.g., carrots, cucumbers, squash), and fruit (e.g., apples, bananas). Avoid feeding citrus fruits, as they can be too acidic.

  2. Calcium Source: Provide a calcium source such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells to ensure proper exoskeleton development and overall health.

  3. Supplements: Occasionally dust food items with a calcium supplement powder to ensure adequate calcium intake.

Environmental Enrichment:

  1. Hiding Places: Add various hiding spots and shelter options such as cork bark, hollow logs, or commercial hides to provide security and encourage natural behaviors.

  2. Substrate Layers: Include multiple substrate layers of varying moisture levels to accommodate the diverse needs of different isopod species and life stages.

  3. Leaf Litter: Add a layer of leaf litter from non-toxic deciduous trees to provide additional food sources and enrichment.

Maintenance:

  1. Cleaning: Spot clean the enclosure regularly to remove uneaten food, feces, and moldy substrate. Replace soiled substrate as needed to maintain cleanliness.

  2. Monitoring: Regularly monitor temperature, humidity, and overall conditions of the enclosure to ensure optimal habitat conditions for the isopods.

  3. Population Control: Keep an eye on the population size and adjust feeding and breeding accordingly to prevent overcrowding.

By following this care guide, you can create a suitable habitat for your pet isopods and enjoy observing their fascinating behaviors and important role in the ecosystem. Remember to research the specific needs of the isopod species you are keeping, as care requirements may vary.