Far out I just asked about these guys on another forum! So what can you tell me about them I am very interested to get them going in all my soon to be assembled Tarantula and other critters fully planted vivariums.
Let the interrogation begin:
1) What is the difference between the orange and white Isopods? Is one better or bigger or...?
2) We have a plethora of white ones everywhere here since i live at the edge of a forest. Is there anything wrong with getting them from under the rocks/logs in my back yard?
3) Is there a required temperature for certain species? Can they be kept cooler in a highland tank that drops to 40-50*F at night? I suppose since it snows here the wild ones from my area would work in a cooler tank?
4) Can wild Isopods bring in diseases and pests?
5) How long do the generations live?
6) Do they eat food boluses and carcass bits?
7) They are predatory correct? Eating mites, nemertean probiscid worms, aphids and so forth?
8) Can they be kept in a roach colony as maintenance crews since roaches occasionally get mite infestations? (according to some sources)
9) Is that a cuttlefish bone in the second pic? Do they need that?
10) What do they eat when grown as a colony or in a new relatively waste free tank?
11) how many would be good for a 10 gallon tank laying horizontally (soil area 10" x 20" x 4-8" deep) and how much for a tank standing on end (soil area 10" x 12" x 4-6" deep). Does their population self regulate?
Please tell me everything you know on these guys - I beg of you!
Also if you have a good trustworthy source who accepts paypal for them please PM me!