Within recent years, isopods have become an increasingly popular purchase among reptile keepers. And for good reason. However, for anyone researching isopods in forums and other spaces for reptile keepers, finding the isopod that’s right for your needs can be intimidating. With a little bit of know-how, however, finding the right isopod doesn’t have to be a hunt down 20 different forum threads or trying to parse the opinions and anecdotes of 100 different people.
If you’re considering purchasing isopods for sale, chances are that you are looking into what makes them useful, and what to consider before purchasing them. This guide seeks to do just that.
There are lots of them
Isopods make for one of the most diverse types of insects in the world with over 10,000 species in the world. Some are terrestrial, aquatic, grow to huge sizes, or top off at around an inch (of course, any isopod available for sale as a pet would be of a smaller variety). They inhabit ecosystems across a variety of biomes, including the Arctic Ocean and arid deserts.
Their wide variety of ecosystems and adaptations indicates that they play an important role wherever they inhabit. Indeed, they are a keystone species, being a common source of food for animals of all sorts and keeping their homes clean by consuming rotting matter and wastes.
They are Used for Different Purposes
Depending on the size and needs of a specific type of isopod, they may be used for different purposes. For instance, keepers of smaller reptiles and arthropods may want a smaller insect that is easier to ingest and won’t bite their animal. People who own larger reptiles and small mammals may want meatier, larger isopods that will be able to be a more substantial snack and handle cleaning a larger enclosure. Some even have soft shells that appeal to certain animals.
Aside from being a food source for your reptile or small mammal, these jelly bean-like insects are great at keeping parasites such as mites under control in your enclosure.
Still, some owners of isopods don’t keep them for other animals. Some prefer to raise a colony for their compost, which isopods are very efficient at aerating.
They Have Different Needs
As was implied earlier, different isopods may have different needs. While they may have a similar diet, certain isopods are adapted to different environments. For instance, isopods that evolved in arid environments would have different humidity needs than ones from the jungle. Such as the dwarf tropical white isopod.
Don’t Make Seeing Out Isopods for Sale More Complicated Than it has to be.
Overall, isopods are a valuable. Easy to keep critter that will make for a useful addition to many pet enclosures. May even find a unique place in your heart. As long as you understand what your needs are and why you’re seeking out isopods for sale, you will be well on your way to finding success in keeping these insects. Some excellent starter isopods include the powder blue/orange and the panda king isopods
