The Snow Bee Isopod is a visually appealing genetic variant of the Emperor Bee Isopod. The difference is the Snow Bee is hypomelanisitc which means it has a noticeably reduced amount of dark pigmentation. This is distinctly different from albinism, which results in a complete or near complete absence of melanin.
This has caused some level of confusion in the hobby. Simply stated, They are both the same exact animal, the same species with the same taxonomic classification. One just has reduced pigmentation and the other does not. Snow Bees are easily distinguished by their overall lighter washed out appearance. The lighter bands can vary from off white to a pale creamy yellow while the center band can vary from a medium brown to a deep purple. Emperor Bees on the other hand have bright bold colors consisting of golden yellow up front, jet black in the middle and often a touch of white on the rump area. It is not unusual to sometimes have a few Emperor bees show in broods derived from Snow Bee isopods.
A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium with tight fitting lid is sufficient for a small starter culture of 6-10 individuals. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. These isopods are a sub tropical to tropical species so they do prefer it on the warmer side. 72F to 80F is their comfort zone. Small deviations in temperature are not detrimental, but do whatever you need based on your enclosure set up to avoid large swings in either direction as they typically do not fare well with large sudden changes. They also don't need a defined moisture gradient like most other isopods. Their native environments are warmer temperatures and higher humidity most times of the year. The soil should be mostly moist but not soggy! A very small moisture gradient in our experience has worked well. Just ensure neither side gets anywhere remotely close to dry. Our breeder tank is best described as "moist side and slightly less moist side". A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a reasonably consistent humidity. Do also provide a deeper substrate as they like to burrow sometimes. Depth should be a minimum 4-6 inches. Deeper substrates will also retain water longer so this goes hand in hand with humidity needs.
Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. They also need some occasional protein in their diets which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. Snow Bees are noted to be fond of limestone, mirroring the caves and rocky areas they naturally occur.
The Snow Bee isopod is a generally slow to moderate breeder and requires a strict care regimen to thrive. Providing the environment they need is not hard, the only challenge is keeping it consistent and not allowing parameters to swing too far in short periods of time. But if you can get them dialed in properly and maintain that, they will do well with patience and time. Their frosty contrasting colors are very unique and make them a highly sought after specimen.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Thailand
- Classification: Armadillidiidae > Cubaris > Cubaris Sp. > Snow Bee
- Characteristics: Hypomelanistic variant of thje Emporor Bee with a frosty pale appearance.
- Activity Level: Primarily nocturnal and active at night. Very shy and seldom seen during daylight hours.
- Average Size: 0.75" to "0.85"
- Care Level: Advanced