this post was submitted on 12 Jun 2023
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All things Isopod.

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Isopods (order isopoda) are seven segmented crustaceans found in almost every conceivable environment, from the deep sea, coasts, rivers, ponds, deserts, tree-tops, forest floors as well as gardens and bathrooms across the world! They may just be natures greatest creation.

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[–] BlankSix 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I love that this is a community. Man, I love the internet sometimes.

Also, comparatively little guy isopod, right? I mean, I've not encountered any in person aside from the little under-rocks guys, so my scale might be pretty off.

[–] Ausmerica 5 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Hoffmannseggi are one of the largest terrestrial isopods available in the hobby, so this is very much on the upper-end of the spectrum. Generally speaking most common garden-type species will average somewhere about 1.5cm long, whereas hoffs can hit 4cm! There are other larger species such as some in the Tylos genus, but they're not something than can be captive bred - much like the deep see king of isopods, Bathynomus.

When people ask what I like I still open with: "it might sound odd, but it's [woodlice]."

[–] BlankSix 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Interesting! Indeed, I think you've started me on a rabbit hole that I'm going to be going down for a little while - this is delightful. lol

[–] Ausmerica 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I started down the same hole a few years back and now I keep 12 different species. It's dangerous.

[–] Penguiness 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)
[–] Ausmerica 2 points 2 years ago

All my colonies are wonderful in their own different ways and I am very happy to have them!

[–] Classy 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Where is the best place to order cheap isopods for a vivarium, by your reckoning? I don't require anything fancy, just something that will breed relatively quickly and thrive in a semi-tropical environment with White's tree frogs.

[–] Ausmerica 2 points 2 years ago

It depends where you are located. I don't know anything about keeping frogs, but if you want a species that breeds quickly, is hardy and cheap, then Porcellionides pruinosus will be your go-to. If you don't already have them, I'd also recommend grabbing a bunch of springtails.