We offer 24-hour shipping. Please open the parcel immediately upon receipt. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, such as heat or cold, and direct sunlight. If the isopods don’t move please leave them in a suitable environment (warm and dark spot) for a few hours as sometimes they play dead when disturbed. Please DO NOT soak in water, move into extremely hot environment or try to spread their legs with tweezers. Mock dead is pretty common and natural for the species which we breed.
Optimal temperature for the isopods is 21-27°C. During cold weather please add a Heatpacks. Isopods purchased without the heatpack are excluded from our refund policy when arriving dead.
Our Isopds come in a 4oz (7.5cm x 4.7cm x 4.5cm) paper pulp container with a lid. You will receive isopods, mixed species, colours and sizes. The quantity is sufficient for one medium-sized terrarium such as the one linked here.
What are Isopods?
Isopods are members of the crustacean family, which includes also crabs, shrimp and lobsters. These small, land-dwelling arthropods have segmented bodies, with multiple legs and antennae. Their exoskeletons offer protection, and they come in a variety of colours and sizes, making them visually appealing additions to any terrarium and mossarium.
The Role of Isopods in Terrariums
Isopods play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem within a terrarium. They are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves, dead plants, and faecal matter. In other words, clean your terrariums and mossariums! They help in the decomposition process and release essential nutrients back into the soil.
Additionally, isopods aerate the substrate as they burrow, promoting healthier root growth for plants. Their constant activity also benefits the terrarium’s microfauna, as they become a source of food for various creatures, like small reptiles and amphibians.
Terrarium Checklist
Materials you need to create a terrarium:
- Terrarium Soil: A specialist blend that is tailored for humidity-loving plants
- Sphagnum Moss: Helps with water retention and improves drainage
- Activated Charcoal: To prevent mould and provide an additional layer of filtration
- Drainage layer: Stones or clay pebbles for added drainage
- Selection of Humidity-loving plants: A variety of plants that thrive in high-humidity environments
- Decorative Stones: To add a decorative touch around your plants
- Cushion or Sheet Moss: To add a natural touch around your plants
- Additional decorations: Use crystals, favourite ornaments, pieces of wood, bark or anything else you want
- Glass container: can be closed or opened, the best is made of clear glass
- Springtails and Ispodpods: Make your terrarium a bio-active thriving environment with those little helpers
- Tools: Help you create a beautiful terrarium and maintain it later
- Mister: Delicately spray a gentle mist of water, ensuring your plants receive the moisture they need to thrive
