Let’s go through some easy and fun species that thrive in Indian conditions:
1. Armadillidium vulgare (Common Pill Bug)
The OG isopod. Rolls into a perfect little ball when scared.
Tough, cute, and easy to find. Great starter species.
🟢 Beginner Level: Super easy
🌡 Ideal Temp: 20–28°C
💧 Humidity: Medium
2. Porcellio scaber (Grey Isopod)
Active, hardy, and loves to explore.
Comes in many color morphs like “lava,” “orange,” and “Dalmatian.”
🟢 Beginner Level: Easy
🌡 Ideal Temp: 22–30°C
💧 Humidity: Medium
3. Armadillidium nasatum
A little pointy-nosed cousin of the pill bug.
These guys are curious and rarely hide once they feel at home.
🟢 Beginner Level: Easy
🌡 Ideal Temp: 24–28°C
💧 Humidity: Medium
4. Porcellionides pruinosus (Powder Blue)
This one is the celebrity of isopods — famous for its powdery blue color.
They’re fast breeders and perfect for bioactive setups.
🟢 Beginner Level: Very easy
🌡 Ideal Temp: 25–30°C
💧 Humidity: Medium to high
5. Porcellio laevis (Dairy Cow Isopod)
Big, bold, and spotted like a cow!
These are beautiful display isopods that love to roam.
🟡 Beginner Level: Moderate (needs more space)
🌡 Ideal Temp: 22–28°C
💧 Humidity: Medium
6. Cubaris sp. (Rubber Ducky Isopod)
These are the superstars of the isopod world — with cute little yellow “duck faces.”
They’re a bit pricey and need higher humidity but worth it for collectors.
🔴 Beginner Level: Difficult (for later)
🌡 Ideal Temp: 25–28°C
💧 Humidity: High
7. Porcellio dilatatus (Giant Canyon)
Big and active. They make great display isopods and handle dry conditions better than most.
🟢 Beginner Level: Easy
🌡 Ideal Temp: 22–30°C
💧 Humidity: Medium-low
8. Armadillidium granulatum
Beautiful golden color, slightly shy, but very hardy once established.
🟡 Beginner Level: Moderate
🌡 Ideal Temp: 20–26°C
💧 Humidity: Medium
9. Porcellio ornatus (High Yellow)
Bright yellow markings and active behavior make them stunning in display boxes.
🟡 Beginner Level: Moderate
🌡 Ideal Temp: 22–28°C
💧 Humidity: Medium
10. Native Indian Isopods
Yes — India has its own wild species!
If you collect from your garden or under old logs, you can observe them safely in small containers.
Just don’t release non-native ones outside your home.
🟢 Beginner Level: Easy
🌡 Ideal Temp: Naturally suited to India
💧 Humidity: Medium-high
Caring Tips for Beginners
A few friendly reminders from experience:
Mist lightly once a day — don’t flood them.
Feed small amounts (they eat slow).
Add a bit of crushed eggshell or cuttlebone for calcium.
Keep half the box moist, half dry — they’ll choose what they like.
Avoid strong lights or fans — they prefer dim, humid environments.
You’ll be surprised how much activity happens at night — it’s like watching a little secret world come alive.
Where to Buy Isopods in India
Try looking for:
Indian Facebook or WhatsApp exotic pet groups
Local reptile expos (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore sometimes host them)
Websites that sell exotic inverts or reptile supplies
(Tip: Always ask if they’re captive-bred — it’s better for both the environment and your pet.)
Final Thoughts
Keeping isopods isn’t just about the pets — it’s about creating a tiny ecosystem and learning how nature works on a micro level.
They’re calm, fascinating, and surprisingly beautiful once you notice their little details — the way they clean, curl up, and interact.
If you love quiet, slow, natural hobbies, isopods are your perfect match.
You don’t need a big tank, just a small box, some patience, and a curious heart.
Creepy isn’t about fear — it’s about fascination.
— Creepy.in