Why do People Keep Isopods

Isopods are known commonly known as woodlice, or rolly-polies, depending on where in the world you come from. Other names include slaters, sowbugs, pillbugs and many more.

A Cubaris Pappaya Isopod

Regardless of what we call them, we have all seen isopods at some point in our lives, but most of us would have paid little attention. However, these wonderful little creatures have soared in popularity in recent years and for some very good reasons. Here’s a brief look at why isopods have become so popular and how to keep them.

Pet Food

Let’s get the ‘nasties’ out of the way first – isopods are a fantastic food for reptiles, arachnids, and other predators. There are some very good reasons for the popularity of isopods, including:

• Nutritious: Isopods are crustaceans, which puts them in the same family as crabs and shrimp. A characteristic isopods share with their marine cousins is that they’re packed with nutrition. They even taste like shrimp, and you can find restaurants with marine isopods on the menu. So, while most of us would not want to think about our favourite pets becoming lunch, they are often bred for food in the pet business.

• Prolific Breeders: Some isopod species are very prolific breeders, providing a near-constant supply of food for exotic pet keepers. Most species are also easy to keep and will happily keep on producing babies with basic care. Remember, though, that even those isopods bred to be food should be kept in the right conditions. Life is harsh, and predators need prey, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give them a comfortable life during their time on earth. Not only that, but an isopod that has been bought up humanely will also make a healthy and nutritious meal.

• Harmless: Using live prey sometimes comes with the risk that the prey might injure or even kill the predator. After all, many prey animals have evolved defences to help them survive, and they will use them in a vivarium if threatened. Bear in mind that some isopod species (like dairy cows) are particularly protein-hungry and can be a risk, especially if the predator is moulting.

Clean-up Crew

Thankfully, isopods are not always in another animal’s vivarium as dinner. In many cases, they are there to keep the place clean and hygienic.

Dwarf Whites are perhaps the most popular clean-up crew isopod despite their tiny size.

Isopods are detritivores, which means they eat the kind of stuff you don’t want lying around in a vivarium. Rotting leaves or animal carcasses can soon become a health issue for the inhabitants, but what might be rubbish for some is a banquet for others. Whether it’s scraps of meat or rotting vegetation, isopods will be delighted to remove the unwanted items for you.

Isopods are often kept alongside springtails. These tiny arthropods are also detritivores, but with a penchant for mould. Having help keeping mould at bay in warm, humid conditions is a godsend to many vivarium keepers.

Keeping Isopods as Pet

Another reason for the upsurge in popularity of isopods is that they are adorable. Their cute appearance has been overlooked for too long and now more species are being discovered or bred with often stunning individuals.

One of the most popular examples is the Rubber Duckie isopod. These wonderful isopods were discovered in caves in Thailand and have since become popular pets worldwide. But if you’d prefer something else, then there are hundreds of species to choose from – many with a stunning appearance.

The adorable Rubber Ducky Isopod helped to spur the rise in keeping them as pets.

Isopods can be fascinating to watch as they interact with each other and their surroundings. They are also completely safe with no venom or poison, and are unable to bite through human skin. Creating an isopod habitat can be an educational and rewarding experience.

Caring for Isopods

Most isopods are affordable and easy to care for. Some species can be challenging, but there are plenty of attractive options for beginners. For healthy isopods, you will need to provide nutritious substrate, plenty of shelter (like bark and leaves), food and ventilation. They can breed quickly, and you might need to upgrade to a larger habitat if yours becomes crowded.

Here at Home Jungles, we provide you with all you could need to maintain a healthy isopod colony. We also provide habitats that make a beautiful addition to your home. Feel free to browse through our website and get in touch if you would like to know more. We look forward to hearing from you.