The numbers
Enclosure
6 L+ tub, deep humid substrate
Diet
Leaf litter, rotting wood, decaying plant matter · Continuous; protein/veg weekly
Temperature
24–27°C
Humidity
80–90%
Identity
Order / Family
Isopoda
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Intermediate
Commonality
Second most sought-after Cubaris; high demand
Adult size
~1–1.5 cm
Lifespan
2–3 yrs
Growth rate
Slow to establish, then breeds well
Activity & niche
Detritivore, burrower
Temperament
Shy, peaceful
Venom / defense
Harmless detritivore; rolls into a ball
Price (THB)
100–350 per individual (indicative)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24–27°C
Humidity
80–90%
Min. enclosure
6 L+ tub, deep humid substrate
Substrate
Bioactive soil + limestone/crushed shell + leaf litter + rotting wood
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter, moss
Diet
Staple food
Leaf litter, rotting wood, decaying plant matter
Feeding frequency
Continuous; protein/veg weekly
Supplements
Cuttlebone / crushed limestone always available (calcium)
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Safe; harmless — minimise disturbance
Communal
Yes – colony/communal
Defense / stress signs
Rolling into a ball, hiding
Reproduction
Reproduction
Marsupium brooders; fast once established
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsColony crash if too dry / low calcium; mites
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine new stock; watch mould
Good to know
- Bold black-and-white 'panda' pattern makes it a designer-isopod favourite.
Others in this group
Common Pill Bug / Roly-Poly (morphs)Armadillidium vulgareLittle Sea IsopodCubaris murinaRubber Ducky IsopodCubaris sp. 'Rubber Ducky'Dairy Cow Isopod (P. laevis morphs)Porcellio laevisCommon Rough Woodlouse (many morphs)Porcellio scaberPowder Blue / Powder Orange IsopodPorcellionides pruinosusDwarf White IsopodTrichorhina tomentosaClown IsopodArmadillidium klugii