Aphiloscia annulicornis "Checkered"

Aphiloscia annulicornis "Checkered" isopods for sale!

An easy to care for species that was previously known as Anchiophila or Anchiphilocia, but have since been properly identified as Aphiloscia and have recently been identified as being native to the western islands of the Indian Ocean.  They are on the smaller size but aren't a dwarf species, have a chunky body, grow and reproduce quickly.  Their nickname "checkered" comes from the unique patterning on their back. They are docile tankmates and can safely be housed with sensitive animals living in semi-arid to very humid environments.

Origin: Western Islands of the Indian Ocean

Humidity: Semi-arid to tropical

Ventilation: moderate  (See our ventilation guide in the isopod care sheet under the "Care Sheets" tab.)

Housing and Care:  A 6 quart shoe box or similar is sufficient to start a 10 count culture in and get established, and then will need to be moved to a larger enclosure once their population outgrows it. Provide a humidity gradient of about 70% moist and 30% dry, use sphagnum moss at one end of the enclosure to help retain moisture between spraying (frequency of spraying will depend on amount of ventilation you provide and atmospheric conditions, just as long as the moss if kept moist at all times and aim to spray down the sizes and make sure the water is reaching the bottom layer to make it last longer), a couple inches of substrate is sufficient, they looove leaf litter so make sure to provide plenty and replenish on a regular basis, a hide such as cork bark or edible hardwood bark, a calcium source such as a cuttlefish bone is a healthy addition for all isopod species.  Rotting wood is also highly encouraged for all isopods. You can supplementally feed them once a week with a small piece of sweet potato, carrot or squash and a protein source such as our own Bug Buffet Haus Blend, fish flakes, freeze dried shrimp/minnows or other commercialized isopod diet (small enough amount that they can consume it within 2 days to help minimize mites and mold.