What Are Isopods?

Isopods belong to a family of crustaceans that can be found both on land and in water. Surprisingly, these creatures share a closer relation to crabs than they do to insects or millipedes. Like crabs, isopods use gill-like structures for respiration, as they carry fluid beneath their hard exoskeleton that absorbs oxygen for their blue blood, known as hemolymph.

Diet and Ecological Importance

As decomposers, isopods play a vital role in their ecosystems, primarily consuming decaying organic material, including plant matter, wood, and occasionally animal remains. Their non-discriminatory appetite makes them excellent recyclers in their environments.

In the pet industry, these crustaceans are highly sought after. Many reptile enthusiasts prefer a more naturalistic look in their enclosures, often opting for bio-active terrariums that incorporate live plants, soil, and various organisms to create a balanced ecosystem. Isopods serve as an essential cleanup crew, tirelessly scouring their habitat for food, whether it’s fallen leaves from a decorative plant or fresh reptile waste.

Breeding and Life Cycle

Isopods don’t require extravagant conditions to reproduce. With enough space, food, and warmth, they’ll begin breeding once they feel at home. Mating is typically straightforward; the male presents genetic material in a circular formation around the female, who accepts it and stores it in a brood pouch until she’s ready to fertilize her eggs. After about 3-4 months, the mother gives birth to as many as 300 baby isopods.

What Are Springtails?

Springtails are small arthropods known for their unique ability to leap away from threats. They possess a spring mechanism in their abdomen that allows them to jump up to 20 times their body length when faced with danger.

Breeding Behavior

The mating ritual of springtails is both peculiar and charming. Males leave spermatophores in a circular pattern around a female and engage in a dance. If she accepts, she fertilizes her eggs with one of the packets.

The Beginning of My Journey

My adventure began when a friend offered me a surplus of Dairy Cow Isopods and Springtails, giving me a solid starting culture to set up my tank. With about 8-10 isopods and 200 springtails, I was eager to begin.

Setting Up the Habitat

Creating the tank was straightforward. My main priority was ensuring a healthy environment that fit in the limited space available while looking visually appealing. Both species thrive in smaller spaces, though I was concerned about whether the isopods would reproduce.

Substrate and Decoration

I opted for a simple substrate using materials I already had: a combination of charcoal, Reptisoil, and a bit of sphagnum moss for moisture retention and aeration.

For decoration, I relied on my past experiences, knowing that simplicity works best. I used leftover animal-friendly leaf litter, a cardboard tube, and some egg carton. With the soil moistened, my tank was set up!

Introducing My New Pets

Once the inhabitants were added, the isopods quickly explored their new home, while the springtails vanished into the soil, remaining unseen for weeks.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for these creatures is relatively low-maintenance. Their habitat should remain moist but not overly wet, and they thrive on a diet of dried crested gecko food, supplemented with fresh vegetables for added nutrients. As long as they have food and moist soil, they manage quite well.

Early Observations

Initially, my tank appeared immaculate, yet the inhabitants were elusive. For the first month, I barely noticed any activity, aside from some white specks moving through the soil by the second month. Although the isopods had yet to reproduce, I did observe brood pouches forming.

Later Developments

By the end of the second month, my colony seemed to flourish! I could see hundreds of springtails when I disturbed the soil, and the brood sacks of the isopods grew larger. It took until the third month to spot juvenile isopods, which was always a delightful surprise!

Unknown Arthropod

The first invaders I noticed were small arthropods, significantly larger than the springtails. I discovered them while checking on the food I had placed for my springtails. These beetle-like creatures appeared with a tan or amber color and burrowed among the springtails. They don't seem to fly, and I don’t believe they pose a threat, but I’m monitoring them closely.

Fungus Gnats

Another issue I faced was an influx of fungus gnats. While they don't harm my pets, they seek out mold and moisture. The problem arose from excessive moisture and an insufficient population of springtails to manage the mold growth in the tank.

Identifying the Cause and Remedies

The food I provided often molded quickly, which was beneficial for the springtails but could lead to overgrowth if they weren't numerous enough to consume it all. When water is added, mold spores multiply rapidly, creating a cycle.

To combat this, I've been drying out the enclosure and reducing the food supply for a week. Thankfully, my isopods and springtails are more resilient than the gnats. After two weeks of drying, I noticed a significant decrease in gnats, and I’m now ready to reintroduce moisture.

Considering Additional Species?

Given the recent population surge in my colony, it might be time to divide my little friends into separate habitats. Splitting a colony allows them more space to grow and breed, resulting in multiple healthy setups. The question now is whether it would be advantageous or entertaining to introduce another species into these new environments. I have a few ideas in mind, but time will tell what unfolds.