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Invertabrates
Invertabrates
Below are the current varieties of inverts we are breeding. Some of them are well established and will be featured on our "Available Animals" page should we have them for sale. We are constantly adding new species to our breeding program, so check back often to see what we have introduced.
Dwarf White (Trichorhina tomentosa)
Dwarf white isopods are a great choice for a cleanup crew in a bioactive vivarium. They burrow in the soil, where they break down organic matter and help to aerate the soil. They are also one of the few parthenogenetic isopods, which means they can reproduce without a mate. This makes them a good choice for bioactive vivariums, as they can help to keep the vivarium clean without the need for a well established breeding colony.
Powder Orange
(Porcellionides pruinosus)
These isopods inhabit the uppermost layer of the soil and live under leaves and wood, where they decompose organic matter. They are highly prolific breeders, making them an excellent choice for bioactive vivariums, as they can help maintain the vivarium's cleanliness without the need for a well-established breeding colony. In addition, Powder Orange isopods are easy to care for and tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Dairy Cow
(Porcellio Laevis)
The piebald morph of Porcellio laevis, nicknamed Dairy Cow, is one of the most popular isopods. It is also the largest species in our collection, which makes it an impressive addition to any bioactive enclosure. This species requires a diet high in protein and calcium, so it is not recommended for bioactive enclosures with smaller and/or soft-skinned inhabitants. Dairy Cows do well at room temperature, but they breed more quickly at higher temperatures. These isopods are an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for a stunning addition. They are also very easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for beginners.
White
(Porcellio laevis)
White is a line bred strain derived from the Dairy Cow morph. These isopods are identical to the popular Dairy Cow isopods, except that they have minimal black pigmentation. We are working to reduce the black pigmentation in our colony to zero. When available for sale, you can request a B grade or A grade based on color quality. They are a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a unique addition to their bioactive enclosure. They are also very easy to care for, but require consistent management of the breeding stock to maintain their low black pigmentation. For information on care refer to the Dairy Cow section
Zebra
(Armadillidium maculatum)
The zebra isopod is one of the few species in our collection that displays a wild-type patterning that is so stunning that it is more common than any of the morphs. They're native to a small region in southeastern France, and have the smallest native range of any of the species we work with. They prefer lower humidity than most of our other isopods. They are not commonly used in bioactive enclosures because they do not breed as quickly as other species.
Magic Potion
(Armadillidium vulgaris)
The Magic Potion isopod is a perfect display isopod because of its unique patterning. It is native to Mediterranean Europe but has since become widespread globally. Tolerant of high temperatures for short periods but thrives at room temperature. As with many of our species, a colony can be slow to establish but becomes prolific over time. The Magic Potion isopod is a beautiful addition to any collection and will add a touch of magic to your home. It is an ideal choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
Papaya
(Cubaris murina)
The Papaya is a unique morph resulting in the only pink isopods known to exist. It is a result of an albinistic mutation, which gives the isopod its characteristic pink coloration and classic red eyes. While the Papaya is a hardy isopod, it does best in a cooler temperature range and a moist environment. In our colony, we have found that adding tinder conks, a hard woody mushroom, to the enclosure helps the isopods thrive. While the Papaya is a slow grower, once established it can become a prolific breeder. This makes it a wonderful intermediate level option for those who are confident in their isopod keeping abilities.
Panda King
(Cubaris sp)
The Panda King isopod is a unique species that would make a beautiful addition to any collection. They are indigenous to the tropical caves of Thailand and Vietnam, where they thrive in the hot and humid environments. Being both a nocturnal and timid species, they are elusive unless you go digging in the substrate. However, care must be taken when doing so as they have a softer exoskeleton that can be easily damaged. Similar to the Papaya isopod, they are slow growers, though once established they can become a productive colony.
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