Welcome to our Isopod Care Guide
We've crafted this care guide as a solid starting point for establishing your own Isopod colony. Extensive research and meticulous study have shaped this guide, offering essential insights into nurturing and cultivating Isopods within an optimal habitat. While we always advocate conducting thorough personal research for your colony, it's worth noting that numerous successful Isopod colonies have thrived using these principles. There is of course many alternatives, and additions you can add to your colonies, we are providing this guide as a starting point and some of the basic essentials for sucess.
Enclosure
When it comes to keeping Isopods, people have different purposes and motivations. At The Habitarium, we keep Isopods for various reasons, including breeding, as pets for observation and study, and as part of our bioactive habitats for cleanup. Regardless of your specific reason for delving into the world of Isopods, the choice of housing goes hand in hand with your purpose.
If you're keeping Isopods for a bioactive habitat, the housing you select will depend on the other species coexisting with them. Whether it's reptiles, amphibians, plant terrariums, or paludariums, the choice ultimately revolves around accommodating their fellow inhabitants.
For those keeping Isopods as pets for enjoyment and observation, we recommend using glass tanks of varying sizes. Isopods require ample ventilation, so reptile enclosures or aquarium tanks are suitable options. Providing them with sufficient space to roam and explore is ideal for this type of setup, but you should also consider the number of Isopods you plan to keep. Placing just five Isopods in a 40-gallon tank may be counterproductive as spotting them may become infrequent.
When it comes to breeding Isopods, at The Habitarium, we consider several factors. We prefer using plastic sterilite bins with gasket seals for housing our Isopods due to their stackability, ease of ventilation modification, and affordability. The size of our brood or culture is another factor we take into account. We take pride in providing the highest quality care for our Isopods, including our breeders, and always prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly options for our tiny Pods. We typically start small cultures in smaller bins to ensure they can quickly find a companion without expending excessive energy. As the brood grows, we gradually transition them to slightly larger bins, ensuring they have a nearby friend but without feeling overcrowded.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation or airflow is essential for all Isopods, although different species may have varying ventilation requirements. Based on our observations and research, certain species like Armadillidium and larger Porcellio Isopods often require additional ventilation.
To ensure adequate airflow, we typically create openings in the lids or sides of their enclosures by drilling or cutting holes. These openings are then covered with various materials. I must admit that the material we use to cover ventilation holes has undergone multiple changes and continues to evolve regularly.
Located in Georgia, The Habitarium faces specific environmental considerations that others may not encounter. The region experiences high temperatures, and excessive ventilation can lead to quicker habitat drying, necessitating more maintenance, watering, and potential disturbance to our Isopods. Moreover, we have an abundance of tiny gnats known as "No-See-Um's" that can infiltrate our bins if provided with sufficiently large openings. While we employ environmentally friendly traps to control them, they are never entirely sufficient.
Given these factors, it is important to consider your local environment when selecting the materials for covering ventilation holes. Some commonly used options include garden mesh, weed barrier fabric, tightly woven bug netting, and even breathable fabrics such as chiffon. We have had the best results with a 400 micron mesh.
Temperature and Humidity
Most Isopods thrive at room temperature, and at The Habitarium, we have found that maintaining a temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit is more than optimal for them. Achieving this temperature is relatively easy for us due to our location, but it may pose some challenges for others. If additional heat is required, you can attach an under-tank heating pad to the side of your enclosure or bin. For smaller bins where heating pads cannot be attached, remember that heat rises, so placing them at a higher elevation can help. In colder conditions, storing them on a shelf above a reptile enclosure proves beneficial as the heat from the heat lamps rises and provides extra warmth for the Isopods.
One of the biggest challenges we've encountered among Isopod keepers is maintaining proper humidity levels. Personally, I have rescued thousands of Isopods from hobbyists and pet stores struggling to keep their Isopod environments moist and adequately humid. Being in a hot region like Georgia, bins drying out quickly becomes a major issue. In fact, I have witnessed a well-maintained bin completely drying out over the course of a single day!
To maintain optimal humidity, we aim to keep the Isopod room at around 60% humidity, which has generally proven to be suitable for all our species. It's crucial to maintain a proper moisture gradient within the enclosure. We create a hydration station covering roughly 1/4 to 1/3 of the bin's area. In this section, we place thoroughly dampened sphagnum moss, creating a "moist room" where Isopods can seek additional hydration. This area remains consistently damp. We then divide the bin with the hydration station on the wet side and the opposite side being the dry area. Throughout the wet side, we keep the substrate slightly moist, while also monitoring the dry side to prevent it from becoming excessively dry. It's important to consider the heat and dryness levels of your specific location when building the Isopod habitat, but maintaining a proper moisture gradient from dry to wet is optimal.
Substrate
The choice of substrate is undoubtedly the most critical decision to consider when keeping Isopods. It serves as the foundation for the entire culture, providing a home for burrowing and serving as a food source. When selecting a substrate, there are a few factors to take into account, with nutritional value being the most crucial. While opinions may differ, all of the following methods have successfully been used to raise numerous healthy and contented isopods.
One increasingly popular substrate choice is Flake Soil, which is essentially Oak shavings that have undergone a fermentation process over several months. This fermentation enhances the substrate's nutritional content, providing essential nutrients for your Isopods. While the process is relatively simple, it can be time-consuming. Alternatively, you can purchase Flake Soil from reputable suppliers, although it tends to be on the pricier side.
Another option is premade substrates, which come in a variety of options, some better than others. Many of these mixes use a coco coir base, which has its advantages and disadvantages. It retains moisture effectively and has a texture that facilitates tunneling but offers no nutritional value to your inhabitants. Often, premade mixes include additional ingredients like sphagnum moss, lump coal, hardwood leaves, wood particulates, and a calcium source.
The third option, which we personally employ in all our habitats, is mixing your own substrate. This approach provides full control over the ingredients and allows for experimentation until you find a suitable blend. By mixing your own substrate, you have the flexibility to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best environment for your Isopods. If you want a premade substrate specifically tailored for raising Isopod cultures, check out our Bioactive Invertestrate!
Botanicals
An essential addition to consider is hardwood leaf litter, which serves as the primary food source and provides convenient hiding places for your Isopods. While oak leaf litter is our main choice, we also incorporate other varieties such as pecan, maple, and magnolia leaves.
While not essential for the well-being of your habitat, adding a few enhancements can contribute to both aesthetic pleasure for you and comfort for the Isopods. For instance, providing flat pieces of bark offers a gathering spot for the Isopods, making observation and collection easier. Fallen oak or pecan bark sheets can serve this purpose well, as the Isopods will gradually nibble on them. If you desire a shelter that the Isopods won't consume, cork bark is a suitable option. Additionally, consider incorporating small items such as Magnolia and sweet gum seed pods, driftwood pieces, or even miniature plants and mosses as delightful additions to the habitat.
When adding these enhancements, it is important to consider sterilization to prevent the introduction of harmful mites or other external pests. While sterilization may remove beneficial microorganisms, it is sometimes worth the precautionary measure to ensure the well-being of your Isopods.
Two effective methods for sterilization are boiling and baking. Since boiling is not suitable for certain materials like substrate, baking can be used as an alternative. Baking the substrate at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes is sufficient. For bark and other additions, you can also bake them, but exercise caution and closely monitor the process to avoid fire hazards. Another method is boiling. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, place the bark, leaves, or other items inside, and let them boil for 15 to 20 minutes. After the allotted time, lay them out to dry completely, ensuring that they do not retain any moisture as it could lead to mold formation.
Springtails
Springtails
Mites and mold are common occurrences in Isopod habitats, regardless of your efforts to prevent them. However, there is an effective solution: the addition of Springtails. Having Springtails in your Isopod habitat is highly beneficial. These tiny arthropods play a vital role in keeping mold under control as they happily consume it. Not only do they outcompete mites for the available mold, but they also serve as a valuable clean-up crew alongside your Isopods. Springtails aid in breaking down waste and molting materials, contributing to the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the habitat. Including Springtails in your Isopod habitat is a must-have for their ability to combat mold, support the health of your Isopods, and maintain a well-balanced ecosystem.
While there are lots of different species morphs and colors of springtails, we primarily make use of three different species of springtails for our bioactive habitats:
Common White Springtails - scientifically known as the "Folsomia candida", these tiny arthropods are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, from soil and leaf litter to compost piles and indoor environments. Their adaptability and ease of cultivation have made them a favored model organism in ecological and bioactive habitats. Its translucent white appearance and small size contribute to its unobtrusive nature. These springtails play a crucial role in soil ecosystems, aiding in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Their sensitivity to environmental changes also makes them valuable indicators of soil health and pollution levels.
Bylas Ant Springtails - scientifically known as "Pseudosinella violenta", are aslightly larger species of arthropod. They are incredibly voracious, and incredibly fast. They are also prolific breeders. They thrive in a variety of habitats, and originate in a hot and dry climate. They are extremely adaptable, and have proven successful even in more humid environments. They play a crucial role in your bioactive ecosystems, and participate in proper nutrient cycling and assist with organic matter decomposition. Their incredibly quick nature are quickly thrusting them to the top of charts of springtails for bioactive habitats.
Wood Runner Springtails - scientifically known as "Entomobrya sp." are small arthropods belonging to the Collembola order. These resilient creatures are adapted to thrive in arid and dry environments, such as deserts and semi-arid regions. Their unique physiological and behavioral adaptations allow them to conserve water and survive in conditions of low humidity. Arid Woodrunner springtails play a crucial role in these harsh ecosystems by participating in nutrient cycling and contributing to soil health. Despite their unassuming size and inconspicuous presence, they are integral to the delicate balance of arid landscapes, demonstrating nature's ability to adapt and flourish even in challenging environments.
Diet
Feeding your isopods is a straightforward process. As detritivores, isopods excel at breaking down decaying organic material like leaves and wood, making them primarily reliant on the rotting leaves and wood found in their habitat's substrate. However, providing additional food can boost their population growth and prevent starvation. Regular observation and adjusting the feeding regimen based on the isopods' consumption rate will help maintain a thriving and balanced isopod colony.
To provide extra fiber, consider offering decaying hardwood, hardwood leaf litter from oak, magnolia, and pecan trees, as well as magnolia and sweet gum pods. Vegetables and fruits are also excellent additions to their diet. Squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, corn, pumpkin, carrots, mushrooms, and freeze-dried peas are all recommended options. Excellent fruit options for isopods include banana, mango, orange, apple, pear, and watermelon.
To ensure a balanced diet, it is advisable to include foods higher in protein. Fish food pellets or flakes can be given once or twice a week as a protein source. Dried minnows or shrimp, and insect frass are also suitable protein sources for isopods. Additional protein can help ensure their exoskeleton development.
Calcium should always be readily available to support their health. Suitable sources of calcium include cuttlebone, eggshells, or oyster shells. Although limestone can be added as an additional calcium component, it is not essential. Avoid using calcium powder as it can stick to the isopods and potentially dehydrate them, which can be harmful to their well-being.
Maintenance
Maintaining Isopods can vary depending on your specific location, as we have mentioned previously. Overall, they require minimal upkeep, but there are some aspects beyond feeding that you should monitor to ensure their well-being. Checking the moisture level of the substrate is crucial. If the substrate is already moist, additional watering is not necessary.
However, if you notice that the wet side of your habitat is starting to dry out, adding some water to the substrate is important. It is also vital to keep the hydration station, consisting of damp sphagnum moss, consistently moist. Maintaining a habitat with both a dry and wet side allows Isopods to self-regulate their moisture requirements.
Depending on the growth of your colony, you may need to provide fresh, nutrient-rich substrate and leaf litter as needed, typically two or three times a year. When removing the substrate, take care not to inadvertently remove any Isopods along with it. You can recycle the old substrate as it serves as excellent compost for gardens or plants, offering a sustainable and beneficial use for it.
An additional factor to take into account is the pH levels of your substrate. Isopods have evolved to thrive across a broad spectrum of pH levels, generally preferring slightly lower and mildly acidic pH levels. However, if you're using a good quality substrate, you shouldn't have to monitor this aspect. At The Habitarium, we avoid substrates with any presence of manure-based components, as these can cause a slight increase in pH levels. Moreover, such substrates can create unpleasant odors, particularly when dealing with multiple enclosures.
Breeding
Breeding isopods is a straightforward process as long as you have a sufficient number of both males and females and provide appropriate care. Starting with a minimum of 10 isopods is recommended, although beginning with a larger colony, such as 25 or 30 individuals, will yield faster results. Isopods typically reach breeding maturity when they are approximately one third of their adult size.
In some species, distinguishing between males and females is relatively easy. Males generally have a larger size and longer uropod’s (the tail-like legs at the end of their bodies). The most definitive way to determine the sex of your isopods is by inspecting the underside. Male isopods will have pleopods (abdominal plates at the end of their bodies) that exhibit a pointed, arch-like shape, while females will have more rectangular-shaped pleopods.
Another unmistakable sign of a female is the presence of a marsupium, also known as a brood pouch. After reaching maturity, the brood pouch becomes visible on the underside of the female, located between the first and fifth pairs of legs, and displays a dull yellowish to whitish appearance. This can often be the sole distinguishing feature, as males do not possess a brood pouch. In certain isopod species, particularly pill bugs, this may be the only noticeable difference between males and females.
Conservation
NEVER RELEASE YOUR ISOPODS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.
Isopods are subject to regulation by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) due to the potential negative environmental impact they can cause if released. At The Habitarium, we pride ourselves in our conservation and rescue efforts and have dedicated numerous hours to rescuing thousands of Isopods for various reasons. Whether individuals are facing difficulties in caring for them or are unable to continue providing proper care, we have been actively involved in assisting with these situations. If you find yourself in a similar position, we kindly urge you to reach out to us at thehabitarium@gmail.com. We will promptly respond and offer our support, whether it involves providing care advice or arranging for the rescue of your Isopods through our facility.
If, for any reason, contacting us is not feasible, it is crucial to handle the situation responsibly. In the event that you need to dispose of live Isopods (along with any materials exposed to them), you are required to place them in sealed plastic bags and freezing them for a duration of three days before disposing of them in your regular trash. This precaution helps ensure that the organisms are no longer viable and reduces the risk of unintentional release into the environment.
Thank you for showing interest in proper isopod care and setup by checking out our guide. We appreciate your commitment to learning and providing the best environment for your isopods. Your dedication not only ensures the well-being of your isopods but also contributes to the growing community of knowledgeable and responsible keepers. We hope our guide has been informative and helpful, and we are grateful for your support and enthusiasm. Thank you for being a part of our journey towards better care and understanding of these fascinating creatures.
If you have any questions or concern feel free to reach out to us!
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