Isopods are nature's little recycling team and a fantastic addition to suitable bioactive reptile enclosures, terrariums and invertebrate setups.

These fascinating little creatures work behind the scenes, breaking down decaying leaves, plant matter and organic waste, helping to maintain a healthier, more balanced bioactive environment.

Whether you're creating your first bioactive enclosure, establishing a breeding colony or expanding an existing clean-up crew, our live isopods are a brilliant choice.

Choose Your Isopods

Dairy Cow Isopods

Famous for their distinctive black-and-white cow-like markings, Dairy Cow Isopods are active, hardy and enthusiastic feeders. They reproduce readily in suitable conditions and make an excellent addition to dedicated isopod colonies and compatible bioactive environments.

Giant Orange Isopods

Bright, bold and full of character! Giant Orange Isopods are known for their vibrant orange colouring and active behaviour. These hardy little decomposers are great for adding a splash of colour to your bioactive setup while helping to break down organic matter.

Snow White Isopods

With their beautiful creamy-white appearance, Snow White Isopods are a striking addition to any collection. These active decomposers help recycle organic material and are ideal for establishing colonies in suitable, well-maintained enclosures.

Why Choose Isopods?

• Natural clean-up crew: Help break down leaf litter, decaying vegetation and organic waste.

• Support bioactive environments: Contribute to nutrient recycling and a balanced substrate ecosystem.

• Fascinating to observe: Active little creatures with interesting behaviours.

• Easy to establish: Relatively straightforward to maintain with the correct environment.

• Versatile: Suitable for many bioactive terrariums, depending on the reptile species and enclosure conditions.

• Choice of varieties: Select your favourite colour and preferred pack size.

Available pack sizes:

• Pack of 10 – Ideal for starting a small colony.

• Pack of 100 – Ideal for establishing larger colonies or introducing a more substantial clean-up crew.

Isopod Care Guide

Housing & Enclosure

Isopods can be kept in ventilated plastic tubs, dedicated invertebrate enclosures or suitable bioactive terrariums.

Provide a secure enclosure with adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant air while retaining sufficient moisture.

For breeding colonies, a separate enclosure is recommended to allow populations to establish without disturbance or predation.

Temperature

Recommended general range: 20–26°C

These varieties generally thrive at typical warm room temperatures.

Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold, and keep enclosures away from direct sunlight, radiators and draughts.

Always ensure temperatures remain suitable for the particular variety being kept.

Humidity & Moisture

Moisture is essential for isopod survival.

• Keep one section of the substrate consistently damp.

• Provide a drier area so the isopods can regulate their moisture exposure.

• Add damp sphagnum moss to create a moisture refuge.

• Avoid completely waterlogged substrate.

• Maintain good ventilation to reduce mould and stagnant conditions.

Important: Isopods breathe through specialised structures that require moisture. Allowing the entire enclosure to dry out can be fatal.

Substrate

A nutrient-rich substrate is essential for a healthy colony.

We recommend a mixture of:

• Organic, fertiliser-free topsoil or suitable bioactive substrate

• Decaying hardwood leaves

• Rotten hardwood or decomposing wood

• Cork bark for hiding places

• Sphagnum moss for moisture retention

Provide a generous layer of leaf litter, as this acts as both food and shelter.

Avoid substrates containing pesticides, chemical fertilisers or harmful additives.

Feeding

Isopods primarily feed on decaying organic material, but additional food helps support healthy growth and reproduction.

Suitable foods include:

• Dried hardwood leaves

• Decaying hardwood

• Small portions of carrot, courgette or sweet potato

• Commercial isopod food

• Occasional protein sources such as suitable fish food or dried insects

• Cuttlebone or another suitable calcium source

Feeding tip: Remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils and avoid overfeeding, particularly in small colonies.

Dairy Cow and other large Porcellio varieties can have substantial protein requirements, so offer appropriate supplementary protein regularly.

Breeding & Colony Growth

Under suitable conditions, isopods can reproduce readily.

Females carry developing young in a brood pouch before releasing tiny, fully formed isopods.

To encourage healthy breeding:

• Maintain stable temperatures and moisture.

• Provide plenty of hiding places.

• Ensure a continuous supply of leaf litter and calcium.

• Offer a varied diet.

• Avoid unnecessary disturbance.

Allow a new colony time to establish before introducing large numbers into a reptile enclosure.

Using Isopods in Bioactive Reptile Enclosures

Isopods can form an important part of a bioactive clean-up crew, often working alongside springtails.

They help process decaying organic matter and contribute to nutrient recycling within the substrate.

For best results:

• Ensure the enclosure has suitable moisture zones.

• Provide cork bark and plenty of leaf litter.

• Introduce springtails to help manage mould.

• Check that the isopod variety is compatible with your reptile's enclosure conditions.

• Monitor colony numbers and provide supplementary food when needed.

Please note: Larger, protein-hungry isopods such as Dairy Cows may not be suitable for every reptile or invertebrate enclosure, particularly those containing vulnerable animals, eggs or freshly moulted invertebrates. Always research compatibility before introducing them.

When Your Isopods Arrive

1. Open the outer packaging promptly and inspect the tub.

2. Allow the isopods to settle in a quiet area away from direct sunlight.

3. Prepare their enclosure with suitable substrate, leaf litter, hiding places and a damp area.

4. Gently transfer the isopods and any accompanying leaf litter into their new home.

5. Avoid excessive handling and allow the colony time to settle.

6. Provide food, calcium and fresh leaf litter as required.

Important: Never release isopods into the wild. Unwanted colonies should be responsibly rehomed.