Shiro Utsuri Isopods (Nesodillo archangeli) 10 Count
Shiro Utsuri isopods are among the liveliest and friendliest isopods in the hobby. Seriously underrated as a species, they’ve quickly become our favorite isopod pet pick. Named after an ornamental breed of Japanese koi fish, they’re visually stunning with a vivid white skirt and dark mottled spots. Overall, they’re pretty easy to care for in both cultures and terrariums.
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Shiro Utsuri Isopods
Care Specs & Uses
Tropical | Temperate
Pet
70-80º Fahrenheit
High
1.5cm
Intermediate
How your culture arrives 📦
FAQ
Shiro Utsuri 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 these isopods?
See the care specifications above and check out our full guide to Shiro Utsuri Isopods for more nuanced care advice.
Do I need to feed my isopods? How much/how often?
A staple diet of leaf litter is essential, so you’ll need to provide a regular supply. Shiro Utsuri Isopods demonstrate a strong feeding response and will appreciate a regular pinch of our Superfood powder (recommended every 4 days).
If keeping these in a bioactive terrarium, you can likely reduce your feeding frequency. See our full guide to isopod food for more information.
How much space do isopods need?
A standard 10 count will need at least a 3 gallon terrarium container or a shoebox-size isopod enclosure.
Do isopods need ventilation?
For isopods in closed terrariums we always recommend looser fitting lids and regularly opening for feeding to maintain some level of air exchange.
When kept in culture boxes, our isopod partners, RDI, suggest 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 makes it more difficult to maintain the necessary humidity levels (and brings an increased risk of pests).
Do these isopods need water/moisture?
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 isopods are a species that prefer a high-humidity setup, so they will lean towards more regular watering.
Naturally, isopods in tropical terrariums should have no need for extra moisture top-ups beyond watering your terrarium (as long as you’re maintaining tropical conditions).
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.
What’s the difference between a pet isopod and a clean-up-crew isopod?
Clean up crew isopods are species selected for their large appetites and high activity, making them particularly good at breaking down and recycling organic matter in a terrarium.
Pet isopods are those that are especially interesting to look at, but waste management skills and terrarium suitability vary from species to species.
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.
See our collection of springtails for sale.