So far, this guide has been a how-to on what to put in your enclosure. Now, we’ll discuss who (besides your reptile) to put in your enclosure!

The key difference between a naturalistic enclosure and a bioactive enclosure is the presence of the clean-up crew. The clean-up crew consists of small invertebrates that primarily live in the substrate that break down waste, such as mold, dead plant matter, and your reptile’s feces and urine. Typically, there are two distinct members of the clean-up crew that perform different clean-up duties. 

Isopods

The second member of any clean-up crew is the isopod - or ‘pillbug,’ ‘roly-poly,’ and many other affectionate nicknames. They range in size from dwarf species that grow to be about 3/4in long, to larger species that get to be 1-1.5in long. There are many species and colors to choose from, and we will discuss what species is best for your environment later. Though they look like insects, they are actually land-dwelling crustaceans! Think of them like little land shrimp. They have gills and breathe by wicking moisture over their bodies, so high amounts of moisture are required to keep them happy. Isopods require a layer of leaf litter, and do best with some damp sphagnum moss to climb on and keep themselves moist.

Isopods eat dead plant matter, any leftover reptile food (especially vegetables,) and your reptile’s waste. Isopods and springtails do so well together because they consume different waste products. They live in symbiosis; the isopods eat big (comparatively) large pieces of waste to keep the environment clean, but require high amounts of moisture - the springtails thrive in the environment the isopods keep clean, and consume the mold which allows for the substrate’s moisture to be high for the isopods to breathe. Together, springtails and isopods make the perfect clean-up crew!

A quick FAQ on isopods!

What species of isopods should I get?

We make it easy. See our guide on Which Isopods Are Right For You!

What are all the funny names for isopods?

Just like reptiles, some isopods come in many different morphs. A Pastel Ball Python is a Python regius like any other ball python, just as a Dwarf White isopod is a Trichorhina tomentosa. 

Are isopods going to hurt my reptile?

A small number of species of isopods are exceptionally protein-hungry, and have been known to bite small reptiles like leopard geckos or crested geckos. For small reptiles, avoid Porcellio laevis (often seen as Dairy Cow) species. 

Is there a species of isopod that will work in any environment?

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all isopod, but a very safe bet when purchasing isopods are Porcellionides pruinosus species - also called Powder Blues, Powder Oranges, and other morphs. These isopods thrive in almost any environment, from arid to tropical. Very arid or very tropical environments may give them trouble but there are few other species that thrive in such a wide range of environments.

Will the population get out of control?

Like springtails, isopods only reproduce within their means. If there is an abundance of food for them, they will reproduce readily. Their numbers will dwindle if they cannot support their population.

How do isopods reproduce?

Isopods reproduce sexually and require a male and female. 

Will isopods harm my live plants?

Isopods will not harm live plants. They only eat dead plant matter.

What happens if the environment dries out?

Some isopods are more suited for dry environments than others, but all species require some amount of moisture. If the environment dries out entirely, isopods will dry out and die - which is called desiccation. 

What happens if my reptile eats an isopod?

Your reptile will have a small snack! Isopods are perfectly safe to eat.