isopod

Porcellio Scaber "Orange Koi" is has an appealing variable pattern of that which resembles the koi fish. Porcellio Scaber and it's many color morphs are an excellent choice for beginners. They have a wide tolerance for both temperature and humidity. This convenient forgiving nature in their husbandry requirements means they can generally tolerate a moderate level of learning curves without disaster. The morph characteristics of Porcelleio Scaber "Orange Koi" are displayed as a highly variable patterning of deep orange/red hues on a mostly gray to black base. They are very prolific and will reproduce readily if well cared for. Be aware the patterning on each and every isopod is unique. Some offspring may exhibit high levels of red/orange while others may be nearly all gray due to their unique genetic lineage. All isopods you will receive from us will exhibit a good ratio of red/orange patterns. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. 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. Average room temperature in the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Slightly warmer is desirable if you wish to see a thriving culture that is active and reproduces faster. This species They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. 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. Being a Porcellio, they are especially fond of protein 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. Porcellio Scaber Lava is just one of many color morphs of this hardy isopod. Their adaptability to a wide range of humidity and ventilation needs make them a top choice for a clean up crew or a display pet.  Quick Facts Origin: Europe, but established nearly worldwide Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Porcellio Scaber Morph Name: "Orange Koi" Variable patterns of light and dark orange with cream colored accents Average Size: 0.65" to 0.75" inches  Activity level: Primarily nocturnal but does show some daytime activity Care Level: Easy

Porcellio Scaber "Orange" is a readily available and common isopod in the hobby. They have a wide tolerance for both temperature and humidity. This convenient forgiving nature in their husbandry requirements means they can generally tolerate a moderate level of learning curves without disaster. There are many morphs available, but this strain is primarily orange with hues ranging from light to dark. They are soft bodied and can also be used as a feeder for many reptiles and amphibians. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. 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. Average room temperature in the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Slightly warmer is desirable if you wish to see a thriving culture that is active and reproduces faster. This species They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. 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.  Being a Porcellio, they are especially fond of protein 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.Porcellio Scaber orange is an all a multi purpose isopod. Whether you need a bioactive janitor, a feeder, or just want a species to enjoy that isn't high maintenance, they can fill every niche. They are tough, hardy and reproduce frequently once established. Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Porcellio Scaber Characteristics: Variable shades of orange. Highly prolific. Strong feeding response. Average Size: 0.65" to 0.75" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some day activity normal in larger cultures. Difficulty: Easy

Porcellio Scaber "Skewbald Tri" is a unique isopod that has highly variable patterns and colors. Porcellio Scaber is an excellent choice for beginners. They have a wide tolerance for both temperature and humidity. This convenient forgiving nature in their husbandry requirements means they can generally tolerate a moderate level of learning curves without disaster. The Skewbald Tri isopods appearance is actually a result of intermixing two different genetic mutations together which are calico and piebald. Porcellio scaber has a substantial amount of variants far as appearance go. But to minimize any potential confusion, it's important to note no matter what the common name is for any color morph in the hobby, the actual animal itself (porcellio scaber) is the same across all types. All of those fancy catchy names are simply ways to easily distinguish the coloration and patterns for any given specimen.          So what exactly makes a Skewball Tri isopod look the way it does? The first mixing element, piebald is a recessive gene that causes lack of pigments in random sections of the animal. Usually in a splotching manner anywhere from the head area all the way to the back. The piebald effect can range from very minimal to a complete lack of all color. Next is the calico trait which is expressed as mottling in dark spots. Mottling is not large defined dots, but rather a very high frequency of smaller dots. So when we mash these two genetic traits together we get Skubald Tri! Each and every isopod is different in it's appearance, yet they all generally display the same theme with a mix of these two traits. Some are black and gray and others are reddish orange to white and numerous shades in between. One visually appealing and satisfying aspect of this morph is that these variances to some degree are separated on the pereon (the scutes or sections you see when looking at the isopod from above). Lastly it is vital to point out that the calico gene is only expressed by females. As such, any Skubald Tri isopod that has the calico pattern is 100% female. Isopods in this group that only show the piebald appearance with no mottling are more than likely going to be males. All isopods you receive from us will exhibit a good ratio of colors and patterns along with ensuring there are both males and females included so your culture can grow. For care, porcellio scaber is very easy. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. 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. Average room temperature in the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Slightly warmer is desirable if you wish to see a thriving culture that is active and reproduces faster. This species They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. 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.  Being a Porcellio, they are especially fond of protein 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. Porcellio Scaber Skewbald Tri is just one of many color morphs of this hardy isopod. We have several others in our storefront and highly encourage you to check them out! This intriguing designer isopod is very adaptable to a wide range of humidity and ventilation needs make them a top choice for a clean up crew or a display pet. Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Porcellio Scaber Characteristics: Variable patterns and colors exhibiting both piebald and calico traits. Strong feeding response. Average Size: 0.65" to 0.75" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some day activity normal in larger cultures. Difficulty: Easy

Porcellio Spatulatus is one of the largest Porcellio isopods in the hobby. Not in length but in width. As the name implies, they have a very thin vertical profile, but in contrast have a large wide skirt with attractive serrated edging. Like other large Porcellio, they do best with a mostly dry set up, but still need an area of moisture to re-hydrate. They have a laid back disposition and do not scatter to hide quite as much as other species. They are largely hidden by day, but will beout in force during night hours exploring their enclosure and foraging for food. The young are somewhat brownish to tan with adults being light to dark gray in appearance. Porcellio Spatulatus originate from the Sardinia Islands off the coast of Italy in areas that have steep and vertical cliffs in many areas. As such they need high airflow to mimic their natural environment. An enclosure that offers some extra vertical space is ideal such as a 5-10 gallon glass tank. Carefully stacked cork bark and decayed wood will meet this need and be appreciated by this species. No more than 25% of the enclosure should be damp. This can create challenges with keeping the moist area from drying out. A deeper substrate in this area can help with this since deeper soil will retain moisture longer. This highly sought after isopod will eat all of the typical food options like various vegetables, powdered isopod diets like Repashy Morning Wood or Bug Burger. But like most Porcellio, they are very fond of protein based foods like freeze dried minnows, shrimp pellets, fish flakes and dried insects.  Unfortunately (in our experience) and perhaps the reason they are less common is that they are unforgiving in these needs and a culture will quickly crash if these aspects are neglected for more than a very short time. But, if you give them what they need consistently, they will flourish and breed readily. Quick Facts Origin: Sardinia Islands and surrounding area near Italy Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Ornatus Characteristics: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Spatulatus Average Size: Up to 0.8" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal Difficulty: Intermediate

Porcellio Succinctus is an ultra rare hard to find XL Porcellio isopod and is among the best of the best in our isopod line up at this point in time. If an isopod can be "pretty", this one fits the bill! Full grown adults are nothing short of spectacular with their unique markings and larger than life girth. Their body size averages around an inch in length, sometimes slightly larger. But their extra long uropods and antennae can add up to another full inch, predominantly in males who are slightly larger than their female counterparts. Be strongly advised, this is an ADVANCED isopod species and is NOT recommended for beginners or newer keepers with only limited experience! They require very specific care and can perish easily if the parameters are not properly maintained. Things like large swings in temperature and/or humidity are not usually taken well with this species. Please reach out to us if you have any specific questions or need any clarification on the finer points of their care outlined below. Porcellio Succinctus hails from Spain. Primarily areas that have high concentrations of limestone, especially limestone cliffs on the Eastern seaboard. Their environmental factors in the enclosure are vital if they are to succeed as a new culture. In the wild they can be found inside of caves or in and around rocky structures and other similar formations. They are a largely dry set up isopod but like all other isopod species they do require some level of moisture to breathe and stay hydrated. Our Succinctus enclosure is 25% moist then tapering off in dryness for the remainder with the very far end being more or less bone dry. This set up type offers a sharp gradient but also some "in between" area so they can move about to the location that best suits their current needs. This factor alone can be challenging which has no one size fits all answer far as how to make your enclosure work this way because all of the variables that will affect any given enclosure will be different based on the type of enclosure, the size, the ambient climate in the location in which they are kept among others. This is an important aspect with isopod keeping in general and is all the more vital with P. Succinctus. The best way to dial your enclosure in is good old fashioned trial and error. Fine tuning the factors you can control like ventilation and and watering amount/frequency will be the key to creating a stable environment for these rather demanding isopods. Providing a thicker substrate one one side will help retain moisture longer and multiple hides throughout the different 'micro climates' in your set up should give them several options where they can best move to what suits them at any given time. Ventilation should be on the higher side to avoid stagnation, but balanced enough to where everything doesn't completely dry up in a very short period of time. For temperature, average room temps of 69-76F with a modest night drop are no problem. As mentioned earlier, avoid large sudden fluctuations with temperature and humidity as these isopods don't fare well in these conditions. Since this is a much larger isopod than the typical fare, we recommend a larger footprint to accommodate them. There is more to this than the practical statement of a bigger isopod needs a bigger enclosure. Mature males of P. Succinctus are highly territorial and if they are forced in a set up that doesn't allow modest spacing they can quickly and easily die of stress. The same applies for the females since it will be harder for them to escape "eager" males looking for attention. Providing as many hides as practical will also help minimize these conflicts. Males are easily identified by their long showing uropods and antennae while the females will be a bit smaller in size but still fantastically impressive. A minimum 10 gallon glass tank or 12qt gasket sealed sterilite bin is fine for a starter colony of 12-15 individuals. This designer isopod will eat all of thetypical food options like various vegetables, powdered isopod dietslike Repashy Morning Wood or Bug Burger. But like most Porcellio, they are very fond of protein based foods like freeze dried minnows, shrimp pellets, fish flakes and dried insects. An isopods primary diet above all is decayed wood and dried leaf litter so be sure these are always available in abundance. Small limestone chunks like Texas holy rock work well but cuttlebone is also fully acceptable to help ensure they get their calcium needs met. Lastly, it should be understood these isopods are VERY SLOW breeders. Females only have 1-2 medium size broods per year in the warmer months of summer. This fact combined with their sensitivity requiring a high level of care are the primary factors to their higher value and cost. But this is slowly changing and we are thrilled after nearly a year of hard work to be able to offer a very limited amount of this truly spectacular isopod for your collection! Quick Facts Origin: Spain Family Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Succinctus Average Size: 2+ inches with uropods and antennae Activity level: Mostly active at night Difficulty: Advanced

Porcellio Werneri, sometimes referred to as the "Greek Shield Isopod" gets it's name from it's wide flattened body. They have a gray base colored adorned with white serrated edges. Mancae and juveniles will have a brown base color which transitions to gray when they reach adulthood. Their flattened body shape is likely an evolved defense mechanism. When frightened they will scurry away quickly and if possible they will wedge themselves into any available narrow crevice making it exceedingly difficult for predators to get at them. They are generally wary and reclusive coming out to forage largely during night time hours. This particular species is considered "advanced" and we highly recommend that only experienced keepers purchase this species. They have particular care and environmental needs that if not strictly adhered to will quickly lead to their demise. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture of these rare gems. 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. Average room temperature around the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Porcellio Werneri is a dry climate isopod originating from the mountainous areas of Spain, often found near bodies of water on rocky structures. We recommend no more than 1/3 of the enclosure be damp (not soaking wet) and this must be combined with modest ventilation. This is best achieved by setting them up in a taller enclosure with a deeper substrate that retains moisture longer. You can then arrange various hides or other structures in a stacked or raised configuration. This gives them the option to self regulate as needed by moving closer or further away from the substrate where humidity levels can be high or low. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is dried 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 Morning Wood. 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. Porcellio Werni also benefits from a consistently available calcium source, so be sure you always have some cuttle bone or other calcium source available for them. While Porcellio Werneri can be a challenging species, the good news is if you're able to get them properly dialed in and comfortable they will flourish so long as you keep their environmental parameters in check. Please note adults males can be territorial so set them up with ample space and several hide options so they have a modest amount of room for separation. Werneri isopods are seasonal breeders reproducing with small broods only once or twice per year on average. So growing a large colony does take time and is one of the bigger reasons they are higher on the price point scale. Quick Facts Origin: Eastern Greece Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Werneri Characteristics: Large oval shaped body with a slim profile. Brown to gray base with white serrated edging. Average Size: 0.80" inch Activity level: Mostly night and early morning hours Difficulty: Advanced

Porcellionides Pruinosus is one of the more common isopod species in the hobby. They are often favored for a clean up crew as they are highly adaptable to a variety of climates. They can thrive in any climate for semi arid to sub tropical. If using in semi-arid, do understand they still need a moist area to hydrate and cannot survive in a 100% bone dry enclosure. That aside, they are very prolific and will reproduce readily so long as their basic needs are met. They are soft bodied also making them ideal for feeders for smaller lizards, frogs or similar. This particular morph "Orange Cream" was created by crossing the regular powder orange with another morph called "Oreo Crumbles". They have a very attractive coloration consisting of random orange splotching over a white to off white base. The oranges can range bright to dark, but all specimens typically have a very nice contrast to them and are great show isopods if that is your desire. They are both day and night active so you can enjoy them all hours of the day and night. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. 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. Average room temperature in the low to mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Around one half to one third of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side. This species does seem to appreciate a steep moisture gradient. They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. 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. Orange Cream isopods are fond of protein in their diets which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. They do have an impressive feeding response when offered such items. Almost like a swarm of piranhas, they will cluster all over the food source and devour it quickly.  Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. Porcellionides Pruinosus comes in many color forms, but this is one of our favorites. The bright oranges and whites combined with the fact they are rather active during the day makes them a top notch display isopod. The fact they are highly adaptable to a wide range of climates and very hardy is a win! You get a flashy isopod that can fill nearly any need from feeders, to display and or clean up crew! Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellionides > Porcellionides Pruinosus Characteristics: Random light and dark orange splotching. Fast moving. Soft bodied. Environmentally adaptable. Average Size: Around 0.50" inch Activity level: Active both day and night Difficulty: Easy

Porcellionides Pruinosus was among the first commercially available isopods thanks to their hardiness and flexibility with environmental habitats. They are close as you can get to "bullet proof" when it comes to isopods making them a hands down best choice for beginners and/or non traditional isopod set ups that may be more arid. Powder Blue Isopods have a soft fragile body and a velvety appearance and texture. The blue is more of a blue-gray mix. They are pleasantly daytime and night time active making them an excellent display species. They are generally not shy at all and are quite voracious feeders. descending on a food source and devouring it as if it were their last. Basic husbandry for this species is straight forward and offers moderate flexibility. They thrive in humid or semi arid set ups so long as they have a nook that is consistently moist so they can rehydrate as needed. Just provide them a standard moisture gradient in their enclosure along with the typical isopod foods consisting of varied veggies like carrots, radishes, squashes and so on. They are fond of powdered isopod diets like Repashy Morning Wood and Bug Burger as well. Being in the Porcellio family, they are no exception in the fact that they relish protein based foods like freeze dried shrimp or minnows. Similar items like fish flakes, shrimp pellets and dried insects are also consumed readily. When provided with the basic care needs they will reproduce quite readily and potentially fast. To learn more beyond the very basic care parameters stated here,  see our full care guide for Porcellionides Pruinosus which has comprehensive expanded details for all care aspects of this rewarding and entertaining isopod! Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellionides > Porcellionides Pruinosus Characteristics Average Size: Around 0.50" inch Activity Level: Highly active both day and night Difficulty: Easy

Porcellionides Pruinosus was among the first commercially available isopods thanks to their hardiness and flexibility with environmental habitats. They are close as you can get to "bullet proof" when it comes to isopods making them a hands down best choice for beginners and/or non traditional isopod set ups that may be more arid. Powder Orange Isopods were derived from selective trait line breeding from their counterparts the powder blue. They have a soft fragile body and a velvety appearance and texture. The oranges can range from bright and vibrant to deep and rich. They are pleasantly daytime and night time active making them an excellent display species. They are generally not shy at all and are quite voracious feeders. descending on a food source and devouring it as if it were their last. Basic husbandry for this species is stright forward and offers moderate flexibility. They thrive in humid or semi arid set ups so long as they have a nook that is consistently moist so they can rehydrate as needed. Just provide them a standard moisture gradient in their enclosure along with the typical isopod foods consisting of varied veggies like carrots, radishes, squashes and so on. They are fond of powdered isopod diets like Repashy Morning Wood and Bug Burger as well. Being in the Porcellio family, they are no exception in the fact that they relish protien based foods like freeze dried shrimp or minnows. Similar items like fish flakes, shrimp pellets and dried insects are also consumed readily. When provided with the basic care needs they will reproduce quite readily and potentially fast. To learn more beyond the very basic care parameters stated here,  see our full care guide for Porcellionides Pruinosus "Powder Orange" which has comprehensive expanded details for all care aspects of this rewarding and entertaining isopod! Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellionides > Porcellionides Pruinosus Characteristics Average Size: Around 0.50" inch Activity Level: Highly active both day and night Difficulty: Easy

Sinodillo Sp. is a unique captivating isopod with a dark base ranging from navy blue to black with a fiery red colored head and skirt. The red coloring sometimes traverses the entire outer carapace in the form of random spotting and/or small lines. For isopods they move extremely fast! They will quickly scatter to hide when exposed and best observed at night when they are naturally active. They are somewhat petite maxing in size at around 1/2 inch but exceptional individuals can grow slightly larger from time to time. They are native China and parts of Vietnam. They are not overly difficult to care for and are relatively easy to culture with good consistent care. A starter group of 10-15 individuals can be kept in a small enclosure like a 6qt storage bin or small glass tank. Natural botanicals are a great way to decorate your enclosure in a way that mimics the isopods natural habitat. They are also fond of concave cork bark which they can often be found huddled up in small groups. Average room temperatures are suitable, but some keepers report they thrive in slightly cooler temperatures. A standard moisture gradient works well but avoid things getting too dry as they are sensitive to arid conditions. Isopods have evolved to be detrivores with their primary diet being decayed organic matter. In the wild this is largely things like soft rotting wood and dried leaf litter along with any other deceased plant or animal they might stumble upon. Supplemental vegetables items like carrots, squash, potatoes and similar are readily accepted. Commercial powdered isopod diets like Repashy Morning Wood are also highly recommended. A serving or two of protein each week is appreciated and devoured. Fish pellets, freeze dried shrimp or minnows are just a few types these isopods will eat without hesitation. These fascinating isopods make an excellent addition to any collection. Especially if you want something a bit less run of the mill. Being in the Armadillidae genus, they will roll into a ball (conglobate) when they are frightened or feel threatened. Their gorgeous coloration and unique patterns never get old to admire.  Quick Facts Origin: Native to South China and parts of Vietnam Classification: Armadillidae > Sinodillo > Vietnam Average Size: 0.45" to .50" inch Care Level: Intermediate

Trachelipus Caucasius is an odd ball isopod not quite known and popular as other species. None the less they are more than deserving of some love and recognition. This unique crustacean originates from Georgia (the country), Turkey and select areas around the black sea. They are on the larger size with some reaching close to 1 inch! They are a beginner friendly species and are relatively easy to keep. They colored edging ranges from orange to peach or a very light pink on some. These colors contrast nicely with their dark base color giving them visual appeal when they're out and about. For housing they need a bit more space to accommodate their larger body sizes. A 12 quart sterilite gasket sealed bin or medium sized glass tank measuring at least 18-24 long by 12 or more inches wide is ideal for a starter colony with some room to grow. 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. A good temperature range for this species is 72-80F leaning more towards the warmer end if possible. Trachelipus Caucasius is somewhat dry tolerant but as always ensure they have some access to moisture so they can rehydrate as needed. A standard moisture gradient comparable to Vulgare or Klugii isopods will suit them just fine. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over different parts of the enclosure will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient while also providing beneficial micro climates. 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 do appreciate some protein occasionally 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.  Trachelipus Caucasius is a fun unique isopod that serves well as clean up crew or beginner option if you're new to isopods. They have fascinating color contrast and get on the larger size for terrestrial isopods. They're not overly sensitive so a small amount of neglect will typically not be detrimental. This less than mainstream isopod species can make a great pet or terrarium addition for your needs! Quick Facts Origin: Georgia, Turkey and areas around the Black Sea Taxonomy: Trachelipodidae > Trachelipus > Caucasius Average Size: 0.70" inch to 0.80" inch Activity level: Mostly active at night. Some day activity in large numbers Difficulty: Easy

The Troglodillo isopod genus has some amazing little gems still fairly rare to the hobby at this time. These isopods 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. Green Spot may be the king/queen of them all! Their various shades of iridescent green mottling over a dark base is nothing short of breath taking. They are a bit more particular in their care needs and are not recommended for beginners or those with limited isopod experience.  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. Green Spot isopods are largely cave dwellers originating from Thailand. They need a sub tropical to tropical environment with slightly higher temps and humidity than your average isopod. 70F to 80F is their comfort zone. Slight dips into the mid 60's at night are of no consequence. 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 sharp moisture gradient with 70% moist and the remainder no less than slightly dry works well for them. They do enjoy and utilize some dry area so set up your enclosure to facilitate this type of gradient. 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. If you're an experienced keeper with a firm foundation on isopod 101. Troglodillo Green Spot may be the rare and exceptional isopod worthy of your next addition! Origin: Asia Classification: Armadillidiidae > Troglodillo > Green Spot Average Size: 1/2" to 3/4" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some daytime activity is normal with large cultures. Difficulty: Advanced

The Troglodillo isopod genus has some amazing little gems still fairly rare to the hobby at this time. These isopods 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. Sunset was previously defined in taxonomy as "Cubaris Sunset Queen", but this has since been revised. T. Sunset is a fascinating isopod being largely orange in several different hues per specimen ranging in shades from bright to average. They have nice contrasting brown coloring more so evident on the rear section. 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. 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. Sunset isopods are largely cave dwellers originating from Thailand. 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 soil 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. If you are looking for an isopod that's unique, not overly difficult and has exceptional visual appeal then the Troglodillo Sunset is for you! Quick Facts Origin: Thailand Classification: Armadillidiidae > Troglodillo > Sunset Average Size: 1/2" to 3/4" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some daytime activity is normal with large cultures. Difficulty: Intermediate