Exuvium Isopods

Flake soil is the “gold standard” for millipedes, beetles and detritivores in general.

Why is flake soil so good for millipedes and other invertebrates?

Flake soil is the “gold standard” of substrates because it solves the biggest problem millipedes face: digesting wood. In the wild, millipedes are detritivores that primarily eat decaying wood and leaves. However, they can’t actually digest fresh wood on their own. They rely on nature to “pre-digest” it for them. Flake soil is essentially a high-tech version of that natural decay.

1. The “Lignin Barrier” Breakthrough
   Wood is made of two main parts: cellulose (the sugar/energy) and lignin (the “glue” that holds it together).
   ♦ The Problem: Lignin is incredibly tough and indigestible for most animals. In fresh wood, the cellulose is trapped inside this lignin shell.
   ♦ The Flake Soil Solution: The fermentation process used to make flake soil uses specialized bacteria and heat to break down the lignin. This “unlocks” the cellulose, making the energy immediately available for the millipede to eat and absorb.
2. Superior Nutritional Density
   Unlike standard forest floor substrate, flake soil is “enriched” during the fermentation process. Common recipes include:
   ♦ Additives: Wheat bran, soy protein, or flour are added to the wood dust before fermentation.
   ♦ The Result: These additives boost the protein and carbohydrate levels of the substrate. When millipedes eat flake soil, they aren’t just getting fiber; they are getting a high-protein meal that leads to faster growth and larger adult sizes.
3. It’s a Living Food Source (Bioactivity)
   Flake soil isn’t just dirt; it’s a microbial ecosystem.
   ♦ Beneficial Bacteria: The fermentation process cultivates a “biofilm” of microorganisms. When millipedes ingest the soil, these microbes help populate their gut flora, which is essential for their own internal digestion.
   ♦ Mycelium: It often develops healthy fungal growth (mycelium) that millipedes love to graze on for extra nutrients.
4. Better Breeding Success
   Many “difficult” species (especially African and tropical varieties of millipedes) struggle to reproduce in basic topsoil. But it is also a great addition for other rare and tropical isopod species.
   ♦ Egg Viability: Female millipedes are more likely to lay eggs when they sense a nutrient-rich environment. They know their offspring will have a soft, digestible food source the moment they hatch.
   ♦ Hatchling Survival: Baby millipedes (pedelings) have much weaker mandibles than adults. Flake soil is soft and pre-broken down, allowing them to eat and grow immediately without expending too much energy.

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Check out also the article:
♦ Flake soil vs White rotten wood. Which is better?

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