{"product_id":"live-isopods-porcellio-laevis","title":"Live Isopods - Porcellio laevis","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsopods are nature's little recycling team and a fantastic addition to suitable bioactive reptile enclosures, terrariums and invertebrate setups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose Your Isopods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDairy Cow Isopods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamous 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGiant Orange Isopods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBright, 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSnow White Isopods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Choose Isopods?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural clean-up crew:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Help break down leaf litter, decaying vegetation and organic waste.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport \u003cspan\u003ebioactive environments:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Contribute to nutrient recycling and a balanced substrate ecosystem.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFascinating to observe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Active little creatures with interesting behaviours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEasy to establish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Relatively straightforward to maintain with the correct environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVersatile:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Suitable for many bioactive terrariums, depending on the reptile species and enclosure conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoice of varieties:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Select your favourite colour and preferred pack size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailable pack sizes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePack of 10 – Ideal for starting a small colony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePack of 100 – Ideal for establishing larger colonies or introducing a more substantial clean-up crew.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsopod Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHousing \u0026amp; Enclosure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsopods can be kept in ventilated plastic tubs, dedicated invertebrate enclosures or suitable bioactive terrariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a secure enclosure with adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant air while retaining sufficient moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor breeding colonies, a separate enclosure is recommended to allow populations to establish without disturbance or predation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended general range: 20–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese varieties generally thrive at typical warm room temperatures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold, and keep enclosures away from direct sunlight, radiators and draughts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlways ensure temperatures remain suitable for the particular variety being kept.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHumidity \u0026amp; Moisture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoisture is essential for isopod survival.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep one section of the substrate consistently damp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a drier area so the isopods can regulate their moisture exposure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd damp sphagnum moss to create a moisture refuge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid completely waterlogged substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain good ventilation to reduce mould and stagnant conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Isopods breathe through specialised structures that require moisture. Allowing the entire enclosure to dry out can be fatal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA nutrient-rich substrate is essential for a healthy colony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe recommend a mixture of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganic, fertiliser-free topsoil or suitable bioactive substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecaying hardwood leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRotten hardwood or decomposing wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCork bark for hiding places\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSphagnum moss for moisture retention\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a generous layer of leaf litter, as this acts as both food and shelter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid substrates containing pesticides, chemical fertilisers or harmful additives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsopods primarily feed on decaying organic material, but additional food helps support healthy growth and reproduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable foods include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDried hardwood leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecaying hardwood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall portions of carrot, courgette or sweet potato\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommercial isopod food\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional protein sources such as suitable fish food or dried insects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCuttlebone or another suitable calcium source\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding tip:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils and avoid overfeeding, particularly in small colonies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDairy Cow and other large Porcellio varieties can have substantial protein requirements, so offer appropriate supplementary protein regularly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreeding \u0026amp; Colony Growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnder suitable conditions, isopods can reproduce readily.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFemales carry developing young in a brood pouch before releasing tiny, fully formed isopods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo encourage healthy breeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain stable temperatures and moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide plenty of hiding places.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnsure a continuous supply of leaf litter and calcium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer a varied diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid unnecessary disturbance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow a new colony time to establish before introducing large numbers into a reptile enclosure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsing Isopods in Bioactive Reptile Enclosures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsopods can form an important part of a bioactive clean-up crew, often working alongside springtails.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey help process decaying organic matter and contribute to nutrient recycling within the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor best results:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnsure the enclosure has suitable moisture zones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide cork bark and plenty of leaf litter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduce springtails to help manage mould.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck that the isopod variety is compatible with your reptile's enclosure conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor colony numbers and provide supplementary food when needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen Your Isopods Arrive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col data-spread=\"false\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpen the outer packaging promptly and inspect the tub.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow the isopods to settle in a quiet area away from direct sunlight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrepare their enclosure with suitable substrate, leaf litter, hiding places and a damp area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGently transfer the isopods and any accompanying leaf litter into their new home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive handling and allow the colony time to settle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide food, calcium and fresh leaf litter as required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Never release isopods into the wild. Unwanted colonies should be responsibly rehomed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Reptile Shop","offers":[{"title":"Dairy Cows \/ 10","offer_id":55522550284615,"sku":"12653","price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dairy Cows \/ 100","offer_id":55522550317383,"sku":"12654","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Snow Whites \/ 10","offer_id":55522550350151,"sku":"12655","price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Snow Whites \/ 100","offer_id":55522550382919,"sku":"12656","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Giant Orange \/ 10","offer_id":55522550415687,"sku":"12651","price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Giant Orange \/ 100","offer_id":55522550448455,"sku":"12652","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1001\/7456\/1607\/files\/DairyCowIsopodColonyTub_1.png?v=1792676582","url":"https:\/\/www.thereptileshop.co.uk\/products\/live-isopods-porcellio-laevis","provider":"The Reptile Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}