Isopods Shop

Isopod and springtails orders are suspended until mid-January, 2024. Daphnia and dry goods still available.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to frequent unpredictable postal delays, I recommend priority EXPRESS rather than priority shipping. I CANNOT guarantee live delivery if you choose priority mail. Please see Terms of Service for more information.

Isopods

Springtails

Isopod Food and Supplies

Live Food Cultures and Supplies

Other Live Goods

Shipping and Terms of Service

ISOPODS

I cannot ship isopods to Hawaii or Florida. For other restrictions, please see each item.

Armadillidium klugii ‘Montenegro’, Clown Isopod, $3.50 each, currently available (cannot ship to Florida)

This striking species is thought to mimic venomous spiders with which it shares a native range. The isopod, of course, is not venomous. It appreciates good ventilation and plenty of dry substrate, though it needs a moist area where it can hydrate. They are a somewhat shy species that appreciates high protein foods.

Armadillidium maculatum ‘Zebra’, 12 juvies for $14, low stock (cannot ship to Florida)

This beautifully striped (sometimes spotted) species is a hardy isopod, perfect for beginners. It is fairly active and bold, especially in numbers, and is easy to breed. It does appreciate good ventilation and both a moist and a dry area.

Armadillidium maculatum ‘Spotted’, available, 12 for $12 (cannot ship to Florida)

These specimens produce a larger proportion of spots and/or broken stripes, though some are also striped. This species is a hardy isopod, perfect for beginners. It is fairly active and bold, especially in numbers, and is easy to breed. It does appreciate good ventilation and both a moist and a dry area.


Armadillidium nasatum ‘Peach’ Isopod, 12 for $12, breeding to restock (cannot ship to Florida or Louisiana)

This peachy isopod is very undemanding. It can tolerate low ventilation, but also does fine with more ventilation. It is more prolific than A. vulgare.


Armadillidium nasatum ‘Pearl’, available, 12 for $16

The pearl morph of this isopod is a very pale color, with a few individuals showing dark flecks or spots. Like all others of its species, it is very undemanding. It can tolerate low ventilation, but also does fine with more ventilation. It is more prolific than A. vulgare.

Armadillidium nasatum ‘Whiteout’, available, 12 for $16

The Whiteout morph of this isopod does not appear to produce any pigment at all…even the eyes are white! It may show some hint of color if feed food containing carotenoids or similar natural color enhancers. Like all others of its species, it is very undemanding. It can tolerate low ventilation, but also does fine with more ventilation. It is more prolific than A. vulgare.

Armadillidium nasatum ‘Candy Mix’, available in small quantities, 12 for $12

This is simply a colorful mix of wild types, whiteouts, pearls, peaches, and orange A. nasatum. Like all others of its species, it is very undemanding. It can tolerate low ventilation, but also does fine with more ventilation. It is more prolific than A. vulgare.

Armadillidium vulgare ‘Japanese Pied’, (a.k.a. Japanese Magic Potion) available, 12 for $40

These are definitely beautiful isopods, buy I prefer to call them ‘Japanese Pied’ rather than ‘Japanese Magic Potion’, because they were not line bred for the intense yellow markings that the true Magic Potion strain was. Japanese Pied have small, variable dark markings on a white body with some neon yellow markings, and tend to have smaller maximum body sizes than the true Magic Potion line.

Armadillidium vulgare ‘Magic Potion’ (American Line), not available, 12 for $40

These were the original ‘Magic Potion’ A. vulgare. They are a large, somewhat slow-growing strain, which has been line-bred to increase the amount of yellow markings.

Armadillidium vulgare ‘Nightgold’ Isopod, B-grade, 12 for $8, small numbers available

These are culls from my ‘Nightgold’ project, with few to no yellow markings. Some of their other offspring will likely have more yellow markings than average.

Armadillidium vulgare ‘Orange Dalmatian’ Isopod, available in small quantities, 12+ for $70

This strain descends from ‘Magic Potion’ and ‘Orange Vigor’. It often has rusty red markings in addition to, or instead of, black spots.


Armadillidium vulgare ‘Orange Vigor’ Isopod, 12 for $24, restocking, limited quantities

These orange specimens are quite variable, from a neon orange to wild type. They sometimes throw yellow specimens as well.

Armadillidium vulgare ‘Punta Cana’ Isopod, 12 for $20, AVAILABLE

Many specimens of this lovely morph have an almost metallic look to them. A proportion of the population look like the normal wild type, but this only adds to the variety and the charm.

Armadillidium vulgare ‘T negative albino’ Isopod, not yet available

These yellowish, pearlescent creatures remind me of butter.



Atlantoscia floridana Florida fast Isopod, 12 for $12, not curently available, breeding to restock

These speedy, small isopods are great as a cleanup crew in humid bioactive vivaria, especially warm ones, although room temperature is fine too. They are prolific.

Cylisticus convexus Curly or Teardop Isopods, (Wild Type) $12 for $8, small quantities available (Cannot ship to Florida or Oregon)

These hardy isopods thrive in a wide range of ventilation and humidity. Underrated as a cleanup crew for bioactive vivariums!


Cylisticus convexus ‘Ukraine Pied’ Isopod, low stock (Cannot ship to Florida or Oregon)

These have some rich, unique, variable patterning, unlike most other pied isopods in the hobby.

Oniscus asellus, Skirted Isopod, 12 for $8, NOT AVAILABLE, breeding to restock(Cannot ship to Florida or Louisiana)

These moderately large, interestingly marked isopods like it cool and moist. 12 juvies for $8, available

Oniscus asellus ‘BC Maple’, not yet available (Cannot ship to Florida or Louisiana)

This wonderfully vivid orange morph was first isolated in Canada, and its name honors its origins. It likes cool, stable conditions.

Porcellio dilatatus Giant Canyon Isopod, 12 for $12, NOT AVAILABLE, breeding to restock (Cannot ship to Florida, Louisiana, or Oregon)

These moderately large, burrowing isopods are hardy and good breeders. They can adapt to a wide range of humidity and ventilation, and can be great as a cleanup crew in a bioactive vivarium, even a semi-arid one, as long as they have access to a damp area in which to hydrate.

Porcellio laevis ‘California Mix’ Isopod, 12 for $24, available, breeding to restock (Cannot ship to Louisiana or Oregon)

These variable isopods are a California locality that throws white, peach, pied, specimens that look like Milkback and peach Milkback, and wild types. They are reasonably active and prolific, though not quite like Dairy Cows or Milkbacks. 12 for $24, small juveniles available

Porcellio laevis ‘Dairy Cow’ Isopod -NO LONGER AVAILABLE (Cannot ship)


Porcellio laevis ‘Milkback’ Isopod, NO LONGER AVAILABLE (Cannot ship)

These fairly large, active, prolific and interestingly patterned isopods are similar to Dairy Cows, but most have a pale center area on the back, with darker edges. They seem to be a bit stockier as well.

Porcellio laevis ‘Orange’ Isopod, 12 for $16, AVAILABLE (Cannot ship to Louisiana or Oregon)

These are slightly smaller and less prolific than Dairy Cows, and seem to be more shy. They feature a glossy, paler orange than P. scaber.

Porcellio scaber Isopod, (wild type) 12 for $6, NOT AVAILABLE (Cannot ship to Louisiana)

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’, 12 for $, not yet available

Porcellio scaber, wild type. Known as the common sowbug, this species make a great cleanup crew for many bioactive vivariums. This stock may throw occasional orange, calico, or other morphs. 12 for $6, available

Porcellio scaber ‘Calico’ Isopod, 12 for $12, limited quantities available , Cannot ship to Louisiana)

These calicos boast a lot of variety in color and pattern. Some are wild type in appearance, others orange, and others are mottled in various hues.

Porcellio scaber ‘Dalmatian’ Isopod, 12 for $12 AVAILABLE (Cannot ship to Louisiana)

These hardy creatures may be nearly all white, finely speckled, or have large, dark marks on white or speckled bodies.

Porcellio scaber ‘Lava’, breeding to restock, 12 for $30, (Cannot ship to Lousiana)

This is actually a locality, rather than a morph, with beautiful contrasting markings. It appears to be a codominant trait.

Porcellio scaber ‘Lottery Ticket’ Isopod, AVAILABLE, 12 for $12, (Cannot ship to Louisiana)

These may be white, Dalmatian, Orange, Orange Dalmatian, wild type, or possibly pied or other expressions. Great as a bioactive cleanup crew, a great morph for beginners isopod hobbyists, or anyone who likes variety.

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Dalmatian’ Isopod, 10 for $15 available, breeding to restock (Cannot ship to Louisiana)

This attractive morph is descended both from the stock I developed by crossing Orange and Dalmatian Porcellio scaber, and from the stock developed by Ryan Orr. May occasionally throw specimens of both Dalmatian and Orange.

Porcellio scaber ‘Spanish Orange’  Isopod, 12 for $10, NOT AVAILABLE, breeding to restock (Cannot ship to Louisiana)

This is the first hobby isopod, bred and kept for color. It originates from Spanish stock that Orin McMonigle bred and popularized. A true classic. Can be used as a bioactive vivarium cleanup crew, or kept as a colorful pet.

Porcellionides pruinosus ‘Oreo Crumbles’ isopod, AVAILABLE, 12 for $30

This is one of the newer morphs of P. pruinosus. Striking, fast-moving, and prolific. They make an excellent cleanup crew in bioactive vivaria, even semi-arid ones, provided they have access to a damp area to hydrate. Limited quantities available, 12 for $36

Porcellionides pruinosus ‘Party Mix’, available, 12 for $14.

If you want a lot of color and activity in your bioactive cleanup crew or display, this hardy and prolific isopod is one of the best for any bioactive vivarium cleanup crew with decent ventilation, even in semi-arid setups, provided they have access to a damp area to hydrate. They are very active during the day, especially in high population densities. The mix you receive may include and/or produce Powder blue, Powder Orange, Oreo Crumbles, Whiteout, Caramel, Orange Cream, and others. I’ve seen a few surprises in there!

Porcellionides pruinosus Powder Blue isopod (wild type) 12 for $12, AVAILABLE

The wild type of this hardy and prolific isopod is one of the best and least expensive options for any bioactive vivarium cleanup crew with decent ventilation, even in semi-arid setups, provided they have access to a damp area to hydrate.

Porcellionides pruinosus ‘Powder Orange’ Isopod 12 for $12, available,

These striking, velvety orange isopods make a great cleanup crew in a wide range of vivaria, and are active enough to make a good display species as well.

Porcellionides pruinosus ‘Whiteout’ Isopod, 12 for $12, AVAILABLE, breeding to restock

This all-white morph even has white eyes. It is just as hardy as its more pigmented relatives, and will serve equally well in a bioactive cleanup crew, even in a semi-arid enclosure, as long as a damp spot for hydration is provided. If given food rich in carotenoids, (such as many fish foods) this will begin to show up in their coloration.

Trichorhina tomentosa Dwarf/micro white isopod 24+ for $10, not available

This isopod is popular in bioactive vivariums as a cleanup crew, and with good reason. It thrives particularly well in warm, damp conditions. It reproduces through parthenogenesis, so one individual is enough to found a colony…though a larger starter colony is recommended. These are small and secretive enough to survive in vivaria where many larger, bolder isopods might end up as snacks.

Isopod Supplies

Supreme Isopod Chow

Aquarimax Pets is proud to be a distributor of our favorite supplementary isopod food! Supreme Isopod Chow is produced by Wally and Nanette Kern of Supreme Gecko. Available in 3 formulas: Original, ++Protein, and Veggie x10.

Supreme Isopod Chow, Original, 2 oz. $5.00 / 8 oz. $14.00

Supreme Isopod Chow, ++Protein, 2 oz. $6.00 / 8 oz. $16.00

Supreme Isopod Chow, Veggie x 10, 2 oz. $6.00 / 8 oz. $15.00

ISOPOD STARTER KITS

Complete isopod starter kit— $8.00

If you want an easy start with your isopod colony, this may be the enclosure for you. This 24-oz enclosure with lid measures 4.5 x 3 inches. It features molded vent holes, situated for good cross ventilation. The enclosure come with everything you need to get started: isopod substrate mix, leaf litter, a suitably sized basic hide, and some sphagnum moss. Just add water and springtails for a perfect starter habitat for your isopods!

Most small- to medium-sized isopod starter colonies will thrive in this enclosure for the first couple of months. Once their first clutch or two of offspring have begun to grow noticeably, move them to a larger enclosure, such as a 6-quart sterilite tub. This is enclosure is not recommended for start colonies larger than 20 adult individuals of most isopod species, or for the large Spanish Porcellio species.

I can fit up to 2 of these with most isopod orders . More than two will need to ship separately as dry goods.

Binless 6-quart Isopod Starter Kit

Buy your own 6-quart bin and add this starter kit for a simple and complete isopod habitat! Includesse soil-less Instinct Habitats substrate, leaf litter, and one or more basic hides. The leaf litter has been heat sanitized, in accordance with APHIS guidelines. Just add water, springtails, and isopods! Due to size, this kit ships separately from live orders, via priority mail. $15 for the kit, $8 to ship.

Heat-sanitized leaf litter mixed fallen, hardwood leaves. This is the same mix I give my own isopods, and they thrive on it! In accordance with APHIS guidelines, prior to shipping, they have been baked at 200 F for at least 30 minutes.
1 quart bag — $3.00

1 gallon bag — $8.00 (Will usually fit in a box with small orders, but may need to ship separately with larger orders.)

Springtails

Aquarimax Springtail food 2 oz. / $5—they DEVOUR this food, and breed quickly on it!

A starter springtail culture in a 2-oz. deli cup (approximately 25-50 springtails) is $10. Please contact me for more information.)

Live Food Cultures

Daphnia,  $15 per starter culture (200+), AVAILABLE,

Amphipods/Scuds/Gammarus  Hyalella azteca, $12 per starter culture, not currently available,

Daphnia/Amphipod combo culture $20, not available

Aquarimax Daphnia Food $6 for 2 oz. (dry powder, to be mixed with water), always available

Wingless fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster $6 per fresh culture, $8 for producing culture

Rice four beetles (Tribolium confusum) starter culture $6

Microworms $3 for starter culture, $6 for ready-to-feed culture

Vinegar eels $3 for starter culture

Other Creatures

Shrimp

Opae Ula (Halocaridina rubra) $2.50 each

(Make sure you have a properly cycled brackish tank before purchasing opae ula. Full instructions available here.

Fish 

Blue Star Endlers (Poecilia wingei) class ‘P’ 1 pair plus ~8 fry $25, available

Reptiles

Mourning geckos, Lepidodactylus lugubris, hatchlings/juveniles, Low stock, inquire for availability, shipping express only

Two geckos for $50, or 3 for $70

Shipping

I generally ship Tuesdays. To ship on Tuesday, your order must be made by Friday of the previous week at 1 pm US Mountain time. Please let me know ASAP if you need another ship date, and we’ll see what we can work out.

I ship live goods in foam-lined boxes with heat or cool packs if needed.

Priority shipping: $15.05 (Not available in December or January, or in extreme weather)

Priority Express usually 1 or 2-day, $45.00. (Required in December and January, or in extreme weather)

Terms of Service

Shipping address

I will use the shipping address in PayPal unless you specify a different preferred shipping address. You are responsible for making sure your shipping address is up to date in PayPal, or specifically notifying me of a preferred shipping address along with your order.

Live Arrival Guarantee

I am not responsible for postal delays. NO guarantee of any kind is provided unless you choose Priority Express (not priority) shipping. Temperatures must be above freezing and below 95 F in my ZIP code and yours during the time of transit. There may be exceptions for certain temperature-sensitive species, which is will note at the time of inquiry.  I may suggest or require that you pay a nominal fee for cold or heat pack(s) if temperatures are near these extremes. 

Refund Policy

I am not responsible for postal delays. NO guarantee of any kind is provided unless you choose Priority Express (not priority) shipping.

(If there is a DOA under LAG coverage, send me clear photographs of the deceased animals within 6 hours of receipt. I will refund the purchase price (not including shipping) or reship once, at my discretion, although every effort will be made to accommodate your preference if one is expressed.)