About
Tropical isopods are small, land-dwelling crustaceans that thrive in warm, humid environments, making them perfect for tropical terrariums or vivariums housing reptiles, amphibians, or tropical plants. In a bioactive terrarium, tropical isopods act as a clean-up crew, breaking down biological matter, waste and mould. They also help aerate the soil to prevent stagnation and ensure a balanced nutrient cycle, allowing plants to thrive.
Housing
Isopods require a warm, humid environment to thrive. This can be in any space you create! They thrive in tropical/temperate vivariums, ensuring there is a humid space for them to hydrate. They require an ambient temperature of 18 °C to 30 °C. Tropical isopods breathe through moisture-sensitive pleopodal lungs, so humidity must stay above 70% within the humid area. This can be achieved by spraying it to create a moist–dry gradient in the substrate. Ventilation prevents mould and anaerobic bacteria buildup; tropical species prefer moderate ventilation. They also always require leaf litter to eat and hide in.
Diet
Tropical isopods are omnivorous detritivores, meaning they mainly eat decaying organic matter but will also consume plant and animal material. They play a key ecological role as decomposers, breaking down organic waste and enriching soil with nutrients. They can eat leaf litter, decayed wood, moss and bark, cucumber, carrot, squash, or spinach
Missing Parts?!
Please note that specimens may arrive with a missing antenna. This is completely normal and will regenerate as the isopod moults :)
