Generic Isopod Care Sheet
Isopod Care Sheet
Overview:
Isopods are small terrestrial crustaceans found worldwide, often referred to as pillbugs or woodlice. They play an important role in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter. In captivity, they are hardy, fascinating, and useful as clean‑up crews in bioactive enclosures or as standalone colonies. This care sheet is generic for most species, however it is important to do your research or ask breeders for any other helpful information.
Enclosure Setup
Container: A plastic or glass enclosure with secure lid that contains ventilation holes
Substrate: 2–4 inches of organic soil or coconut fiber mixed with leaf litter and decayed wood (flake soil, sphagnum moss, soil, leaves, charcoal, etc)
Hides: Provide cork bark, rocks, moss, leaf litter, magnolia and lotus pods for shelter
Ventilation: Ensure moderate airflow to prevent mold while maintaining humidity – some species may require more or less humidity so do your research
Humidity & Temperature
Humidity: Maintain a moisture gradient: one side damp (60–80%) and one side dry, mist the side of the enclosure that has the sphagnum moss to help create the gradient
Temperature: Room temperature (68–75°F / 20–24°C) works for most species; tropical species may prefer warmer (75–82°F / 24–28°C) and will general breed faster at higher temperatures
Dietary Needs
Staple Diet: Decaying leaf litter and rotting wood (oak, maple, magnolia)
Supplemental Foods: Vegetables (carrots, zucchini, squash), fish flakes, shrimp pellets, freeze dried minnows, freeze dried peas, bee pollen, magnolia and lotus pods and most importantly sources of calcium such as cuttlebone, oyster shell, cleaned and crushed egg shells. Repashy’s “Morning Wood” is a great all in one supplement as well
Frequency: Offer fresh food 2–3 times per week; remove uneaten food to prevent mold - you may choose to add springtails to the colony to help control mold in the enclosure
Additional Husbandry Notes
Colony Size: Start with at least 10–15 individuals for stability, some species take longer to establish themselves than others, so be patient
Cleaning: Spot clean regularly; full substrate change every 6–12 months if not being kept in a bioactive enclosure – this ensures they have a fresh and reliable food source - smaller colonies require less substrate changes
Behavior: Activity and visibility vary by species; some are shy, others are bold and excellent display animals
See the image on the blog post for a generic isopod set up that works for most species. Ventilation is on the lid of this bin in this instance.
