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What is an isopod?
If you've ever picked up a rock out in the forest, chances are you’ve stumbled upon small, round organisms called isopods. Isopods, pillbugs, and Rollie pollies are all different names for this familiar creature. They are small crustaceans that are found in a variety of places, including rotting logs, under rocks and leaves, and some can even be found in caves. There are three main classifications in the Isopoda genus. Armadillidium are rounder shaped isopods that have the ability to conglobate, or to roll up into a tight little ball. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and are some of the most prolific animals in the genus. Next up is the porcellio genus. These isopods have a more narrow body and do not roll up. Instead of rolling up, they will dart away at fast species to seek cover from potential predators. The final main species of isopods is Cubaris. The cubaris family has the ability to conglobate and are slightly rounder than isopods found in the armadillidium family. Many Cubaris species actually come from caves! They come in many striking colors, such as oranges, grays, yellows, and even some pink ones. There are many more subspecies of isopods, however these are the main three that are commonly found for sale in the pet industry.
Isopod Care
What do Isopods do?
Isopods are detritivores, meaning that they primarily feed on dead/ dying organic matter, especially plants. They act as nature’s garbage disposal. From leaf litter, to animal poop, these little cleaners eat and dispose of waste and make it into fertilizer through their poop. In captivity, isopods make excellent clean up crews for bio active enclosures. Not only are they cleaners, but they are also excellent feeders as well.
Depending on the type of isopods you get, the care should take low to medium levels of animal care. They are very simple and thrive in even the most basic vivarium or other bio active enclosure. The main things are humidity, food supplies, and leaf litter. Humidity is an important aspect of isopod care, as they need it in order to breathe. Believe it or not, but isopods and other types of crustaceans use a special set of gills to live. With this in mind, the animal keeper must make sure to use moss or some other water trapping material in whatever enclosure they use. Food supply and leaf litter both go hand in hand when it comes to nutrition. Leaf litter is used by isopods to hide from predators. The leaves also act as food as well; as well as any other organic matter present in their enclosures. They will eat a large variety of foods including a lot of your veggie waste, fish food, lizard food, and even fungus. Some companies such as Supreme Gecko have formulated isopod specific diets that maximizes the nutritional value of the food, while still being palatable for them. Overall, isopods are an excellent clean up crew for your current animals, or can be great pets themselves.
Cubaris Sp. “Rubber Ducky”
Springtails are microfauna too!
Springtails are often found living side by side with isopods, but what exactly are they?
Springtails are also crustaceans just like isopods and crabs! The main difference between isopods and springtails is size. Isopods are small as is, but when compared to springtails, they become giants. The reason that springtails got their name is due to the way they move. They will move their lower bodies much like a spring, and propel themselves away from a perceived threat. Much like isopods, springtails are detritivores, however they are even more specialized. Springtails will actually eat certain kinds of mold, keeping tanks and natural environments safe for isopods and other small creatures. They can actually be different colors, ranging from white and black, all the way to pink. They also spawn from seemingly nowhere. They are incredible animals in their own right.
Temperate White Springtails