Dwarf Purple Isopods (Trichoniscus sp.) 20+ Count
Tax excluded. Shipping calculated at checkout
Dwarf Purple Isopods are an ideal hidden cleanup crew for tropical terrariums. These are categorically the smallest isopods on the market, and they’re conveniently well-camouflaged against the soil. Naturally suited to a terrarium's moist, humid conditions, they’ll comfortably fit in any setup you might have. Much like their Dwarf White Isopod counterparts, they burrow into the soil too, so they work fantastically when paired with larger isopods in a bigger setup.
- Bioactive recyclers - Dwarf Purple Isopods may be small, but they’re mighty good at clearing organic waste, e.g., fallen leaves, perished plants, and pet feces.
- Positively tiny - These isopods are so small (and spend so much time burrowed) that you’ll hardly notice they’re there. Perfect as a hidden bioactive workforce.
- Substrate aerators - Their burrowing nature helps to aerate your substrate, keeping your plants’ roots happy and healthy. In larger setups, they can be paired with surface-foraging isopods (e.g., Powder Blue Isopods) for a complete bioactive dream team.
- Prolific - Trichoniscus sp. can breed parthenogenetically (i.e., without a mate) and quickly populate a terrarium. Don't worry, though; they’re self-limiting.
- Great feeder insect - These little critters can make a nutritious, self-replicating snack for small terrarium pets.
Isopod Shipping & FAQ's
- Isopod shipping questions? See our page on Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG) Policies.
- Questions about Dwarf Purple Isopods or their care? See our in-depth answers to frequently asked questions below.
Dwarf Purple Isopods
Care Specs & Uses
Tropical | Temperate
Cleanup Crew | Feeder
70-85º Fahrenheit
High
0.4cm
Very Easy
How your culture arrives 📦
FAQ
Dwarf Purple Isopod questions? We've got you.
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Have questions about something else? See our dedicated FAQ page!
How do I care for Dwarf Purple Isopods?
See the care specifications above and check out our full guide to Dwarf Purple Isopods for more nuanced care advice.
Do I need to feed my isopods?
A staple diet of leaf litter is essential, so you’ll need to provide a regular supply.
While a balanced bioactive terrarium/vivarium can be somewhat self-supporting for Dwarf Purple Isopods, supplementation is advised initially while the colony and ecosystem are established.
A pinch of our Superfood Powder is recommended every 4-7 days and from there whenever needed. See our full guide to isopod food for more information.
Do isopods need ventilation?
For isopods in closed terrariums we recommend looser fitting lids and regularly opening for feeding. Trichoniscus sp are tolerant of low ventilation and a natural fit for tropical conditions but they will still need some level of regular air exchange.
For isopod culture boxes, RDI suggests that regularly opening for watering/feeding alone may provide enough ventilation.
Alternatively, drilling holes in the plastic culture container is a popular method in the hobby (though it brings an increased risk of pests). Just be sure to cover the holes with mesh or fabric to prevent escapees with this tiny species!
Do these isopods need water/moisture?
Isopods in tropical terrariums should have no need for extra moisture top-ups beyond your typical watering schedule (as long as you’re maintaining tropical conditions).
However, isopods in culture boxes will need regular watering. How frequently you need to spray your isopod enclosure will depend on the species, the setup, and the ambient humidity in your home.
RDI recommends every 3-4 days as a loose rule of thumb (checking daily for the first week after receiving them).
These Trichoniscus sp isopods are a species that prefer a high-humidity setup, so they will lean towards more regular watering.
What should I do when my isopods arrive?
We recommend opening your order immediately after it arrives and checking them over. For best results, put your isopods into their new home right away; we recommend gently tipping them in along with the contents of the tub.
If that’s not possible, isopods can stay in the tub they’re in for up to a week, provided they have a leaf litter supply and you open the tub up at least every 2 days minimum for air exchange.
Can isopods climb glass?
Generally speaking, isopods cannot climb glass. That said, some isopods are better climbers than others and may be able to climb cracks and/or dirty glass to some extent. So keep your glass enclosure clean and clear.
How many isopods do I need for a terrarium?
For most standard planted terrariums, a 20 count of these dwarf isopods is plenty. As they breed, they’ll naturally find a good population balance.
For larger installations and vivariums with predatory pressures, you may need to start with more isopods.
Do I still need springtails if I have isopods in a terrarium?
Springtails and isopods serve different functions in a terrarium, with springtails primarily tackling mold and isopods breaking down larger decomposing organic materials.
While neither are strictly necessary, they individually bring a number of benefits and offer even more as a bioactive combo working synergistically together.