What Are Isopods?
Isopods are small crustaceans found in habitats around the world. While many isopods are aquatic, the species commonly kept in the hobby are terrestrial isopods, often known as pill bugs, roly-polies, or woodlice.
In nature, isopods are decomposers. They spend much of their time beneath leaves, bark, and decaying wood, where they help break down dead plant material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
In captivity, isopods are kept for several reasons. Some species are used as cleanup crews in bioactive enclosures, while others are raised as display animals because of their unique colors, patterns, sizes, and behaviors.
With hundreds of fascinating species and varieties available in the hobby, isopods can range from inexpensive, fast-breeding beginner colonies to slower-growing collector species requiring more specialized care.
Why Keep Isopods?
Isopods may be tiny, but there's a lot to enjoy about keeping them!
Bioactive Cleanup Crews
Isopods can help break down decaying leaves, leftover food, shed material, and other organic matter in bioactive enclosures. Alongside springtails and other decomposers, they help keep the enclosure's ecosystem functioning.
Display Colonies
Not every isopod needs a job! Many species are kept simply because they're beautiful and interesting to observe. Isopods come in an impressive variety of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes.
Breeding & Collecting
Isopods are relatively easy to breed in captivity, making them a fun choice for keepers interested in establishing colonies. With so many species and morphs available, they have also developed a large following among collectors.
Education
Isopod colonies provide an opportunity to observe decomposition, reproduction, population growth, behavior, and other ecological processes up close.
Whether you're building a bioactive enclosure, starting your first colony, or searching for your next unusual species, there's likely an isopod that fits what you're looking for.
Isopod Information
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Display vs. Bioactive Isopods: What’s the Difference?
When shopping for isopods, you may see species recommended for display colonies, bioactive cleanup crews (CUC), or both. While all terrestrial isopods help break down organic material, some species are much better suited for certain purposes.
Bioactive Isopods
Bioactive isopods are selected primarily for their ability to function as a cleanup crew in reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate enclosures. They help consume decaying plant material, leftover food, shed skin, and other organic matter.
Good bioactive species are generally hardy, prolific, adaptable, and quick to establish. Powder isopods, Dairy Cows, and Dwarf Whites are popular examples.
Display Isopods
Display isopods are kept primarily because the isopods themselves are the attraction. These species may have unusual colors, patterns, shapes, or behaviors that make them enjoyable to keep and observe.
Popular display isopods include Rubber Duckies, Panda Kings, Red Tigers, and Japanese Magic Potions. Some collector species may reproduce more slowly or require more specific conditions than typical cleanup-crew species.
Can an Isopod Be Both?
Absolutely! “Display” and “bioactive” aren't scientific classifications. Many species can work in either role.
A colorful, active species can make a beautiful display colony while still breaking down organic material, and a common cleanup-crew species can be just as enjoyable to keep on its own.
The best choice depends on your enclosure, experience level, and whether you're looking for a hardworking cleanup crew, a colony to admire, or a little bit of both!
Beginner-Friendly Isopods
New to isopods? Some species are much more forgiving than others and make excellent choices for starting your first colony.
Dairy Cow — Porcellio laevis
Large, active, and extremely prolific, Dairy Cows are one of the most popular beginner isopods. They're enthusiastic eaters and are easy to observe because of their size and activity.
Powder Isopods — Porcellionides pruinosus
Available in several colors and morphs, Powder isopods are hardy, fast-moving, and quick to reproduce. They're especially popular for bioactive setups and cleanup crews.
Little Sea — Cubaris murina
A smaller, hardy species that comes in several attractive morphs. Cubaris murina generally reproduces readily once established and can make a great display colony or cleanup crew.
Common Pill Isopod — Armadillidium vulgare
A hardy species famous for its ability to roll into a ball when disturbed. Numerous colorful morphs are available, including the popular Japanese Magic Potion.
Choosing Your First Colony
For beginners, look for species that are hardy, adaptable, readily breeding, and tolerant of small fluctuations in their environment. Starting with an easier species is a great way to learn how to maintain moisture, nutrition, and colony health before moving on to more sensitive collector species.