Isopods, also called “roly-polies, pill bugs, sow bugs, and woodlouse, are small terrestrial crustaceans that make great pets or bioactive clean-up crews for bioactive enclosures. They’re low-maintenance, fascinating to watch, and come in a wide range of species and colors.

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✅ BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

 

📦 Enclosure

• Size: 6 quart + plastic containers work well ( shoe boxes, food storage bins, or Kritter Keepers ).

• Ventilation: Add small air holes or mesh for airflow. Too much humidity without air exchange = mold.

• Lid: Secure lid to prevent escapes but still allow airflow.

 

🌿 Substrate

Use a moisture-retentive mix, such as:

• ABG Substrate ( Tropical Species ) 

• 60% organic topsoil or coco coir

• 20%+ sphagnum moss

• 20% leaf litter ( oak or magnolia is ideal )

• White Rot Wood ( Oak, Birch, Maple)

• Add crushed egg shells, cuttlebone, limestone (Calcium Carbonate) for calcium

•     ** Keep substrate moist but not soggy.

   

 

💧 HUMIDITY & MOISTURE

Isopods breathe through gill-like structures and require humidity:

• Mist one side of the enclosure every few days.

• Keep part of the substrate dry to let them self-regulate.

Humidity needs vary by species:

• Tropical species ( e.g., Papaya, Panda Kings ): 70–90%

• Arid species ( e.g., Giant Canyon, Powder Orange, Desert isopods ): 50–70%

 

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Most isopods thrive between 68–78°F ( 20–26°C ).

• Avoid direct sunlight or cold drafts.

• Use a heat mat (side-mounted) if your home stays below 65°F.

 

🍽️ DIET

Isopods are detritivores — they eat decaying organic matter.

Staple foods:

• Leaf litter ( oak, magnolia, etc. )

• Rotting wood ( untreated, pesticide-free )

Supplemental foods:

• Vegetables ( zucchini, carrots, cucumber )

• Fruits ( small amounts, like apple or banana )

• Fish flakes, dried shrimp, meal worns and dried minnows

• Cuttlebone, egg shells, and limestone ( Calcium Carbonate ) Promotes breeding, Strong Exo-Skeletons and helps mancae grow

Feed lightly every 2–3 days. Remove uneaten food if it molds.

 

🧹 CLEAN-UP & MAINTENANCE

• Spot clean mold or spoiled food.

• Replace substrate every 6–12 months.

• Check moisture and ventilation regularly.
• Leaf litter and wood need occasional replenishing

 

🐣 BREEDING

• Isopods breed easily in stable conditions.

• Females carry eggs in a brood pouch.

• You may notice tiny white babies ( mancae ) crawling in a few weeks.

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🐛 POPULAR BEGINNER SPECIES

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⚠️ THINGS TO AVOID

• Don’t let the enclosure dry out.

• Don’t use treated wood or chemically fertilized soil.

• Avoid overfeeding (can lead to mold and mites).

• Don’t mix species — some may outcompete or eat others.

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🌱 PRO TIP

Add springtails! These tiny insects help clean up mold and waste, keeping the habitat healthier.