The Troglodillo isopod genus has some amazing little gems and is an all around unique isopod. They are somewhat flat overall and have a face similar to the coveted Rubber Ducky adding to their appeal. Their body structure is sturdy with well defined segments. Almost like a little compact tank! Troglodillo Sp. Soil was previously defined in taxonomy as a "Cubaris", but this has since been revised. T. Soil is an intriguing isopod getting it's name from the various earth tone colors it displays consisting of light and dark grays along with shades of brown and a touch dark purple on some individuals. The exact shades and transitions of color are variable but overall each one resembles a work of art you'll never get tired of admiring. To top it off they have bright white contrasting legs and antennae!
Thankfully these not so main stream isopods are not extensively difficult to keep, but they do have a few specific needs you'll want to ensure you adhere to so they can thrive. For housing 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium with tight fitting lid is sufficient for a small starter culture of 10-15 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. Soil isopods are largely cave dwellers originating from Thailand and Vietnam. They need a sub tropical to tropical environment with slightly higher temps and humidity than your average isopod. High 70s to low 80s F 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. A small moisture gradient with 70% moist and the remainder no less than slightly dry seems to work well for them. The substrate should be mostly moist but not soggy! Just ensure neither side gets anywhere remotely close to dry. 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 environment.
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. Provide them a steady source of cuttlebone for calcium. Ours are also provided small chunks of Texas holy rock which they seem to gravitate towards since it very closely mimics the caves they frequent in their native habitat.
Do consider these isopods are shy and tend to stay largely hidden during daylight hours, only coming out at night to feed and forage. This is the best time to observe them as they do not enjoy being exposed and will scatter quickly if disturbed. If you're looking for an isopod that's unique, not overly difficult and can also serve as a valuable clean up crew, Troglodillo Soil is a worthy option!
Quick Facts
- Origin: Thailand and Vietnam
- Classification: Armadillidiidae > Troglodillo > Soil
- Average Size: 1/2" to 3/4" inch
- Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Shy and reclusive
- Difficulty: Intermediate