What Do Isopods Eat? The Diet of Isopods

What Do Isopods Eat? Dietary Requirements for Isopods Kept in Captivity

Isopods, often referred to as woodlice or pillbugs, are fascinating creatures that play a vital role in the ecosystem. But what do isopods eat? Understanding their dietary needs is crucial for their well-being in captivity. In this page we will outline what is required to keep isopods thriving in your own enclosures. 

What Do Isopods Eat?

Isopods are primarily detritivores, meaning they consume decaying plant and animal matter. In the wild, their diet consists of:

• Fallen leaves: These form the backbone of their diet. Isopods eat fallen leaves that have already started decomposing is often referred to as 'leaf litter'.
  
  
• Dead wood: Provides essential nutrients and fiber. The best wood to offer isopods is white rotten wood, this is hardwood that has been softened by fungi. 
• Decaying fruits and vegetables: Offer additional micronutrients to the isopods diet.
• Dead insects and animals: A solid protein and calcium source.

What Do Isopods Eat In Captivity?

When keeping isopods, our best advice is to try and keep their enclosure as close to their natural habitat as possible:

• Leaf litter: The cornerstone of a captive isopod diet. Oak, beech, and maple leaves are popular choices. Any hardwood leaves can be offered. Leaf litter also helps trap moisture from spraying water, this helps hobbyists control the humidity within the enclosure.
  
  
  
• Fruits and vegetables: Offer variety, but avoid citrus fruits due to their acidity. Good options of fruit and vegetable that isopods do eat include: cucumber, courgette, carrot, apple and mushrooms. 
• Calcium sources: Essential for a healthy exoskeleton. Isopods can eat: Cuttlebone, eggshells, oyster flakes or calcium blocks can be provided.
• Protein supplements: Occasionally offer small amounts of protein-rich foods like fish flakes, spirulina, minnows or dried shrimp.
• Specialist isopod food: This is usually dried food made up of different dried fruits, vegetables, protein sources, vitamins and minerals. We also produce our own isopod food that can be used to supplement their diet in a convenient powder. 

Feeding Tips for Isopods

• Avoid mouldy food: Remove any food that shows signs of mould to prevent health issues. Our top tip is to feed little and often. We feed our isopods twice per week. This food is placed in the enclosure in the evening and any left over food is removed the next morning. 
• Provide a variety: Offer different food items to ensure a balanced diet. Change things up and don't be afraid to experiment. 
• Observe their preferences: Some isopods may show a preference for certain foods compared to other species or genus.

Additional Considerations

• Species-specific needs: Some isopod species may have slightly different dietary requirements. Research specific needs for your isopods. For example most porcellio isopods prefer a much more protein heavy diet, compared to that of aramadilidium. So the species should be a condideration when looking at what isopods eat.  
• Substrate: The substrate you use can also provide nutrients. Organic, natural-based substrates offer additional food sources.

By providing a diverse and nutritious diet, you can ensure the health and happiness of your isopod colony. As always, if you have any questions around what isopods eat or anything else, we are always happy to answer.