Isopod Cleanup Crew Information
Please note that isopods require access to moisture and a humid area at all times to survive. In an arid environment this can be as simple as sphagnum moss under the inhabitant's water dish.
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Keep in mind environment size and the different micro-climates within the environment when adding multiple species of isopod to one environment. Larger, complex enclosures can host more isopod species with lower risk of outcompeting one another. In most cases one or two species is sufficient. It can be more difficult to keep multiple species of isopod together in one enclosure without one species taking over than it is for springtails.
It's important to keep leaf litter available for isopods such as maple leaves as it is their primary food source in a bioactive enclosure and will usually keep them from nibbling on live plants.
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Not every species marked as 'Stocked by Springtails US' is always in stock or frequently restocked
Porcellionides pruinosus
Powder Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
10
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Powdery blue wild type with many morphs such as Powder Orange, Oreo Crumble, and Powder Pink
Description:
The best overall cleanup species. Great standalone cleanup species. Great for low to high humidity environments. High activitty level, expecially at night. Great appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding species. Moderate danger to plants, won't nibble on larger plants but may nibble on sensitive plants. Low risk of bothering most enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Porcellio leavis
Smooth Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
10
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray wild type with many morphs such as the popular Dairy Cow, Cali Mix, Orange, and Milkback
Description:
Excellent cleanup species. Great standalone cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. High activity level, especially at night. Very good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding species. High danger to sensitive plants, very mportant to keep leaf litter available for this species such as maple leaves. Will not nibble on most plants if leaf litter is available. There is a risk of nibbling on sensitive inhabitants such as frogs and ground-dwelling geckos, best for use with larger animals or those with thick scales such as pythons and skinks. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Porcellio dilatatus
Giant Canyon Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
10
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray/brown wild type with an orange morph
Description:
Excellent cleanup species, especially for low humidity environments. Great standalone cleanup species. Best in low to moderate humidity environments. Moderate surface activity level, prefers to stay hidden or burrowed below ground but comes out at night. Very good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding, surface active species. Moderate danger to sensitive plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, though this species spends much of their time underground, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Trichorhina tomentosa
Dwarf White Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
10
Stocked by Springtails US:
No
White
Description:
Excellent cleanup species, especially in humid environments and small terrariums. Great standalone cleanup species. Best in high humidity environments. Low activity level, spends most of their time underground but will come to the surface to feed. Good appetite for animal waste, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding, surface active species. Low danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. Low risk of being eaten by enclosure inhabitants, still important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Trichoniscidae sp.
Dwarf Purple Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
8
Stocked by Springtails US:
No
Purple
Description:
Good cleanup species, especially in humid environments and small terrariums. Good standalone cleanup species. Best in high humidity environments. Low activity level, spends most of their time underground but will come to the surface to feed. Good appetite for animal waste, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding, surface active species. Low danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. Low risk of being eaten by enclosure inhabitants, still important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Porcellio scaber
Rough Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
8
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray wild type with the most morphs of any species such as Orange, Lava, Koi, and Calico
Description:
Good cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, especially at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with many other isopod species. Blank danger to plants. Blank risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Cubaris sp.
Rubber Ducky Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
3
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray body with a cute orange 'duck' face
Description:
Not effective as a cleanup species. Best in high humidity environments. Low activity level, more active at night. Does not do well with other isopod species as they can be easily outcompeted. Low danger to plants. This species is best as a pet or display species in small terrariums.
Cubaris sp.
Panda King Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
7
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray with a large white stripe
Description:
Somewhat effective as a cleanup species. Best in high humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with slower breeding isopods. Moderate danger to sensitive plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in. This species is best in small, humid enclosures
Atlantoscia floridana
Florida Fast Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
9
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Brown
Description:
Excellent cleanup species. Best in moderate to high humidity environments. High activity level, especially at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding species. Low danger to plants. Moderate risk of bothering sensitve enclosure inhabitants due to their fast movement and reproduction speed. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Cubaris murina
Little Sea Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
6
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray wild type with many morphs such as Papaya, Anemone, and Glacier
Description:
Somewhat effective as a cleanup species. Best in moderate to humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Moderate appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other slower breeding isopods. Moderate danger to sensitive plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Porcellionides sp.
Messenger Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
10
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Powdery blue
Description:
One of the best overall cleanup species. Great standalone cleanup species. Great for low to high humidity environments. High activitty level, expecially at night. Great appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding species. Moderate danger to plants, won't nibble on larger plants but may nibble on sensitive plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Armadillidium vulgare
Roly Poly
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
8
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray wild type with many morphs such as Magic Potion, High Yellow, Gem Mix, and Orange Dalmatian
Description:
Proven cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding isopods. High danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Armadillidium maculatum
Zebra Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
5
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Zebra striped wild type with morphs such as High White and Yellow Zebra
Description:
Not effective cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Low appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with slower breeding isopods. Moderate danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in. This species is best as a pet or display species in small terrariums.
Armadillidium klugii
Clown Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
6
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray with a red skirt and white spots with an orange morph
Description:
Somewhat effective cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with slower breeding isopods. Moderate danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Armadillidium gestroi
(no common name)
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
7
Stocked by Springtails US:
No
Gray with bright yellow spots
Description:
Good cleanup species. Best in blank moderate environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. High danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Armadillidium nasatum
Nosy Roly Poly
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
8
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Patterned gray wild type with many morphs such as Peach, Pearl, and Jellybean
Description:
Proven cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding isopods. High danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Venezillo parvus
Little Roly Poly
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
8
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray with morphs such as Dalmatian and Lottery Ticket
Description:
Proven cleanup species. Best in high humidity environments. Low activity level, spends most of their time underground but will come to the surface to feed. Small appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with surface active isopods. Low danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Cylisticus convexus
Curly Woodlouse
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
7
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Brown with a piebald morph
Description:
Proven cleanup species. Best in moderate to high humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with non surface active species or species with a similar reproduction rate. Moderate danger to sensitive plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Porcellionides virgatus
(no common name)
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
6
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray and brown with some orange individuals
Description:
Somewhat effective as a cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with species with a similar reproduction rate. Moderate danger to sensitive plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Cubaris sp.
"Platin Tung Song"
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
5
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Bluish gray with a yellow stripe down the back
Description:
Somewhat effective as a cleanup species. Best in high humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Small appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with slower breeding isopods. Low danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in. This species is best in small, humid enclosures
Oniscus asellus
Skirted Woodlouse
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
6
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray patterned with a white skirt with a vibrant spotted morph
Description:
Somewhat effective as a cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with slower breeding isopods. Moderate danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.
Porcellionides cf. virgatus
Big Pine Key Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
5
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Gray or brown base color with vibrant yellow or white patterns
Description:
Not effective as a cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Small appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Does not do well with other isopod species as they can be outcompeted. Low danger to plants. This species is best as a pet or display species in small terrariums.
Porcellionides floria
Flowery Blue Isopod
Appearance:
Reproduction rate out of 10:
8
Stocked by Springtails US:
Yes
Powdery blue
Description:
Proven cleanup species. Best in moderate humidity environments. Moderate activity level, more active at night. Good appetite for animal waste, shed skins, uneaten food, and dead plants. Pairs well with other fast breeding species, but not P. pruinosus. Low danger to plants. Low risk of bothering enclosure inhabitants. May be eaten by enclosure inhabitants, important to provide hides and a leaf litter layer for the isopods to hide in.