General Isopod Care

Firstly, thank you for your purchase! If you are new to this, we are so excited for you to fall down this hole but don’t panic! Below is a basic care guide to isopods. If this isn’t new for you then your scientific and common names will be on the package and the listing and you can recycle this piece of paper!

 Food

Isopods are detrivores, meaning they eat decaying organic matter such as rotting leaf litter, wood, fungi and even deceased animals. They perform an important role in breaking matter down before it rots and spreads disease. Aiming to reproduce their natural diet is goal so always have some dried leaf litter, if not purchased then leaf litter you have boiled and dried (to get rid of dangerous hitch hikers and bacteria). Occasional veggie scraps like carrots, mushroom, cucumber etc. An easier route is to use the Ominous Cloud Works specially formulated dry food supplement alongside leaf litter for full dietary coverage.

 Temperature

They can withstand very low temperatures for buried periods but prefer typical room temp (23-28 Celsius). Heating pads can be used in colder climates just be sure to provide a heat gradient in the tub.

 Enclosure

We recommend literally any air-tight, rectangular shaped container be that terrarium or even Tupperware container. Make a mix of coconut fibre, potting soil mix and peat moss. Create a trench of sphagum moss down one side of the container, be sure to keep that trench moist so the water can wick its way through the substrate creating a moisture gradient so you can cover their preferences. They need moisture, being crustaceans and having gills. It is important to create ventilation holes in your container to keep airflow as fresh air is important. Be sure to put plenty of leaf litter and pieces of wood to hide under.