Category: Articles
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Flake Soil : The Gold Standard
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.…
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The mimic strategy of Armadillidium maculatum isopods
…or… “if I look like a Pill-Millipede probably you won’t try to eat me right? 🫣” Origin of the Common name Zebra Isopod The common name of the Armadillidium maculatum is Zebra Isopod and it’s purely descriptive of its bold black and white striped pattern, which bears a strong resemblance to a zebra. However, this…
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How to sterilize terrarium equipment without damaging it?
…you would want to sterilize terrarium / isopodarium equipment for various reasons. Read more below. Introduction > Boiling > Hydrogen Peroxide > White Vinegar > Freezing > Considerations Sometimes you would want to sterilize terrarium / isopodarium equipment (like cork bark pieces, or other tree bark, or other items) for various reasons. Perhaps you see…
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Always check the synonyms 🚨 to avoid getting an isopod or millipede two times
…even though I love latin names, usually no one else shares the same feelings 😁 Yet, it’s useful to first check at least what you are going to get. Introduction I am often asked to provide more information regarding a certain species of invertebrate (isopod, millipede, roach) and I sometimes see that what was listed…
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Moderately prolific isopods : when too many is too much
…if you have had an awful experience with Porcellio laevis isopods read below 😁Please note: this article is mostly for beginners on isopods, that want some “normal breeding” isopods for their bioactive setup, or just to keep them in their terrarium. Introduction I am often asked if I have isopods that are not breeding excessively,…
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Triple frost protection for invertebrates : the ultimate solution?
…our innovative way of shipping invertebrates during winter, in a nutshell. Is this the ultimate solution? Introduction and a little history The triple frost protection consists of a special fabric (non-woven polypropylene), an air-tight EPS box and a heat pack. The combination of those three guarantees for a frost-free delivery, even in temperatures down to…
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Flake soil vs White rotten wood : which is better?
…a comparison between flake soil and white rotten wood. Which is better and why? Flake Soil > White rotten Wood > Comparison Table > Conclusion What is flake soil? Flake soil is a fermented and composted feeding substrate that is suitable for various insects / arthropods / invertebrates, such as beetle larvae, millipedes, isopods and…
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Order and Frequency of use of Color Morph Names and Trade Names in Isopods
updated: 16 April 2025 I have noticed that most of the time the color morph is placed first and the trade name at the end. Examples: Ardentiella sp. ‘Ember Bee’Ardentiella sp. ‘Pink Lambo’Ardentiella sp. ‘Red Diablo’Armadillidium vulgare ‘Orange Vigor’Armadillo officinalis ‘White Pina’Cubaris sp. ‘Amber Ducky’Cubaris sp. ‘Amber Firefly’Cubaris sp. ‘Blonde Ducky’Cubaris sp. ‘Blue Pigeon’ *Cubaris…
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Isopod names: How are they written
updated: 23 April 2025 Coming from the houseplants industry myself and growing and selling many different houseplants as a hobby for the past 10 years, I have learnt a few things regarding taxonomy and how a scientific name should be written, along with its cultivar name (in animals we have morphs instead) and how the…
