Cubaris & Nesodillo Isopods

Designer Isopods With Distinctive Character

Designer isopods are known for their distinctive lines valued for color, pattern, rarity and collector appeal. Cubaris and Nesodillo are especially popular because they feel like living works of art, but the best experience comes from pairing their beauty with a habitat built around their biology.

What to Expect From Cubaris

These isopods prefer higher humidity, deeper substrate and plenty of secure hides. They enjoy burrowing, so the substrate should be deep enough to support natural behavior rather than acting as a thin decorative layer.

Provide leaf litter, cork or wood cover and a stable moisture gradient. Higher humidity should still be paired with appropriate ventilation so the enclosure remains healthy rather than stagnant or waterlogged.

Many Cubaris are a true hurry-up-and-wait project at first. A new culture may need time to settle, mature and build momentum before reproduction becomes obvious. Once established, they can become prolific, and the patience is well worth it.

That is why we provide well-established sub-adult and adult cultures. Starting with animals closer to breeding age and size can remove much of the months-long waiting period.

Rubber Ducky, Panda and Pak Chong Favorites

We recommend beginning with the Panda King and Red Panda varieties, followed by Panda King and Red Panda, then of course, the all too famous Rubber Ducky Isopod family.

The collection also includes Shiro Utsuri, Cappuccino, Little Sea, Papaya, Cubaris Orange, Cubaris Glacier, Japanese Red Edge, Soil, White Pigeon, White Rubber Ducky, Platin Tung Song, Emperor Bee and other sought-after designer lines.

Each line has its own appearance, pace and care expectations. Review the individual product page before ordering so you understand the specific culture you are choosing. If you need help, please reach out! We are always happy to help guide you down the best path.

Display Pets for Planted Terrariums

These are primarily display and collector isopods rather than universal reptile clean-up crew species. They work beautifully in planted terrariums or as standalone isopod display pets, where their colors, burrowing and activity can be appreciated.

If you are building a reptile clean-up crew, choose species based on the animal, enclosure conditions and biological load instead of selecting solely for appearance.

Build the Habitat Around the Biology

Because these isopods burrow, substrate is part of their habitat and food web. MicroForest Lite provides a nutrient-dense, biologically active foundation they can explore and gradually break down over time.

Add generous hides, leaf litter and natural wood. Our approach is informed by more than 17 years of hands-on bioactive and living-soil experience, so we prioritize purposeful materials over cheap filler.

Feed for Long-Term Health

Leaf litter and decaying organic matter remain foundational, but supplemental nutrition supports healthy growth and reproduction. Add a small amount of Isopod Superfood, then use our What Do Isopods Eat? guide for practical feeding guidance.

Start With the Right Kit

If you are new to Cubaris or building a new display enclosure, Isopod Starter Kits & Bioactive Habitat Kits simplify the foundation and reduce guesswork.

As taxonomy is refined, some animals historically sold as Cubaris may be reclassified as Nesodillo. We are keeping both terms in this collection so shoppers can find the animals they know while individual product pages are updated.