{"title":"Big Isopods","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for giant isopods?\u003c\/strong\u003e Let's get one thing out of the way: the famous giant isopods from the deep ocean live thousands of feet underwater and are not pets. (Please don't try.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut if you want the biggest isopods you can actually keep at home, these are the heavyweights of our collection:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/giant-canyons-isopods-porcellio-dilatatus\"\u003eGiant Canyon\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e a large, nocturnal Porcellio and a great feeder colony.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMilkback:\u003c\/strong\u003e one of the largest species we keep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dairy-cow-isopods-porcellio-laevis\"\u003eDairy Cow\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e a larger, fast-breeding species with bold black-and-white patterns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSilver Ghost:\u003c\/strong\u003e a medium-to-large Cubaris and a great breeder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSold out? Tap \"Notify me when available.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"giant-canyons-isopods-porcellio-dilatatus","title":"Giant Canyon Isopods (Porcellio dilatatus)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiant Canyon Isopods for Sale (Porcellio dilatatus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe night shift crew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Canyons are a large, nocturnal species that hide in moist, dark areas during the day, then come out at night to devour and clean. You might not catch them at work, but you'll definitely see the results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eP. dilatatus\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America and many other regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPI Preferred Habitat Targets:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e70–78°F\u003c\/strong\u003e; supporting relative humidity around \u003cstrong\u003e40–65%\u003c\/strong\u003e; keep roughly one-third of the substrate consistently moist with the remaining two-thirds drier, and provide moderate-to-high cross-ventilation. Maintain a moist sphagnum or hydration retreat for molting but avoid a uniformly damp enclosure. Recommended substrate depth 3-4\"; cork bark provides useful hides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bearded Dragon enclosures, feeders (for larger animals).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e As with most isopod species, their main diet should be lots of leaf litter, decaying wood and a calcium supply. Supplement with organic fresh veggies \u0026amp; protein 2x weekly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReproduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast (Brood size ~20-30)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bearded dragon keepers, drier bioactive setups, and feeder colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrdering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Priced per isopod, with a minimum of 3 per species. Starting a new colony? We recommend 6–20 (see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopod-care-tips\/how-many-isopods-should-i-get\"\u003eHow Many Isopods Should I Get?\u003c\/a\u003e). Bulk discounts apply automatically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eRestrictions\u003c\/u\u003e: Due to state permitting requirements, we are not allowed to ship these isopods to Florida, Louisiana.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holy-Poly Isopods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46453250916650,"sku":"","price":1.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0824\/4114\/2570\/files\/GiantCanyon-966f2883-ab6b-4c83-be46-804e80c08dcc-_1.png?v=1702098225"},{"product_id":"dairy-cow-isopods-porcellio-laevis","title":"Dairy Cow Isopods (Porcellio laevis)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDairy Cow Isopods for Sale (Porcellio laevis)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoo-ve over, other isopods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDairy Cows are one of the most popular species in the hobby, and for good reason. Their bold black-and-white pattern, impressive appetite and fast reproduction make them a favorite for bioactive enclosures, composting projects and educational activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePorcellio laevis\u003c\/em\u003e are believed to have originated in North Africa (though they were first described in Southern Europe). They are a larger species that adapts well to a variety of environments and is known for rapidly processing decaying organic matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPI Preferred Habitat Targets:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e70–80°F\u003c\/strong\u003e; supporting relative humidity around \u003cstrong\u003e50–75%\u003c\/strong\u003e; maintain roughly a 50\/50 moisture gradient with one side consistently damp and the opposite side progressively drier, plus good cross-ventilation. Keep a moist sphagnum retreat available for hydration and molting without making the entire enclosure swampy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBioactive terrariums and vivariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCleanup crews for suitable larger animal enclosures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeginner isopod colonies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNature studies and classroom observations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHomeschool science lessons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScience fair projects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScience teachers love these ones for Halloween pumpkin decomposition experiments!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir enthusiastic feeding behavior makes Dairy Cows especially fun to watch as they break down leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables and pumpkins, showing off the important role decomposers play in healthy ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood:\u003c\/strong\u003e Like most isopods, their primary diet should consist of plenty of leaf litter and decaying hardwood. Supplement with protein for rapid growth—we’ve found they especially enjoy freeze-dried minnows, carrots, cucumbers, powdered eggshells, and cuttlebone. Unlike many species, they show less interest in calcium carbonate powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReproduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy and fast to breed. Under proper conditions, your herd can grow quickly, making them an excellent long-term colony for both hobbyists and educational use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrdering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Priced per isopod, with a minimum of 3 per species. Starting a new colony? We recommend 6–20 (see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopod-care-tips\/how-many-isopods-should-i-get\"\u003eHow Many Isopods Should I Get?\u003c\/a\u003e). Bulk discounts apply automatically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eRestrictions\u003c\/u\u003e: Due to state permitting requirements, we cannot ship this species to Louisiana.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDairy Cow Isopod FAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Dairy Cow isopods good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. They are hardy, active and adapt well to a variety of setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast do Dairy Cow isopods breed?\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy and fast. With protein, warmth and a moisture gradient, a colony can grow quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Dairy Cows good for classrooms?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Their big appetites make them great for decomposition demos, science fair projects and Halloween pumpkin experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you ship Dairy Cows to my state?\u003c\/strong\u003e We ship to the contiguous US except Louisiana, due to state permitting requirements. Live animals ship on Tuesdays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fast-breeding-isopods\"\u003efast-breeding isopods\u003c\/a\u003e or all \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/porcellio\"\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThanks for rolling with us!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holy-Poly Isopods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46453213954346,"sku":"","price":1.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0824\/4114\/2570\/files\/Dairy_Cows.png?v=1723430356"},{"product_id":"milkback-isopods-porcellio-laevis","title":"Milkback Isopods (Porcellio laevis)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMilkback Isopods for Sale (Porcellio laevis)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGot milk? These guys do. On their backs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilkbacks are one of the largest species we keep, and they're hard to miss. They're a good clean-up crew (if a little easily scared), they reproduce quickly once established, and they've got opinions about calcium: they pass on limestone powder but go through powdered eggshells and cuttlebone like crazy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPI Preferred Habitat Targets:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e70–80°F\u003c\/strong\u003e; supporting relative humidity around \u003cstrong\u003e50–75%\u003c\/strong\u003e; maintain roughly a 50\/50 moisture gradient with one side consistently damp and the opposite side progressively drier, plus good cross-ventilation. Keep a moist sphagnum retreat available for hydration and molting without making the entire enclosure swampy. Recommended substrate depth 2-3+\". They enjoy Lotus Pod hideouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monitor enclosures, feeders (for larger animals).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e As with most isopod species, their main diet should be lots of leaf litter, decaying wood and a calcium supply. Supplement with some protein (2x per week). We noticed they do not prefer the calcium carbonate (limestone) powder like other isopods but enjoy the powdered eggshells and cuttlebone offerings (and lots of it)!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReproduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reproduce quickly once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monitor keepers, feeder colonies, and anyone who likes their isopods big.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrdering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Priced per isopod, with a minimum of 3 per species. Starting a new colony? We recommend 6–20 (see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopod-care-tips\/how-many-isopods-should-i-get\"\u003eHow Many Isopods Should I Get?\u003c\/a\u003e). Bulk discounts apply automatically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eRestrictions\u003c\/u\u003e: Due to state permitting requirements, we are not allowed to ship these isopods to Louisiana.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holy-Poly Isopods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46664206450986,"sku":"","price":1.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0824\/4114\/2570\/files\/Milkback.png?v=1723430230"},{"product_id":"silver-ghost-isopods-cubaris-sp","title":"Silver Ghost Isopods (Cubaris sp.)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSilver Ghost Isopods for Sale (Cubaris sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoo! (Sorry. We had to.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver Ghosts are a medium-to-large Cubaris and some of the best breeders we keep. They're very prolific once settled in a warm, humid home. One small warning: they love live plants a little too much, so keep your prized greenery somewhere else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPI Preferred Habitat Targets:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e72–78°F\u003c\/strong\u003e; supporting relative humidity around \u003cstrong\u003e70–85%\u003c\/strong\u003e; maintain consistently humid substrate with a dependable damp refuge and covered, slightly less-wet ground. Use moderate ventilation to prevent stagnation while avoiding rapid drying. Keep the enclosure warm and humid, but never waterlogged. Recommended substrate depth 2-3\"+.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e As with most isopod species, their main diet should be lots of leaf litter, decaying wood and a calcium supply. Supplement with organic fresh veggies \u0026amp; protein. \u003cstrong\u003eBeware: Loves live plants.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReproduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Great breeders, very prolific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keepers who want a productive Cubaris colony, plant-free or sparsely planted enclosures, and anyone building a spooky collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrdering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Priced per isopod, with a minimum of 3 per species. Starting a new colony? We recommend 6–20 (see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopod-care-tips\/how-many-isopods-should-i-get\"\u003eHow Many Isopods Should I Get?\u003c\/a\u003e). Bulk discounts apply automatically.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holy-Poly Isopods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46770584846634,"sku":"","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0824\/4114\/2570\/files\/Silver_Ghost.png?v=1723429763"}],"url":"https:\/\/holypolyisopods.com\/collections\/big-isopods.oembed","provider":"Holy-Poly Isopods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}