Purple Dwarfs

10 Count

Purple Dwarfs are smaller, more docile types of isopods that like to spend most of their time burrowed underground.

They are given the scientific name Trichoniscus sp. and don’t have any distinguishing patterns or colors on their backs. They’re known to originate from Europe and parts of Asia.

An interesting fact about Purple dwarfs that makes them popular among breeders is that they are parthenogenetic. Females can reproduce without any male influence. 

This type of reproduction is considered a fluke in the animal world with most types of isopods unable to do this. This is why the Dwarf Purples is considered to be the most cultured type of isopod around.

They are also very active, making up for their small stature with their cleaning prowess. They are perfect additions to any Bioactive enviorments where you keep both animals and plants. You can expect a lively and clean environment. 

Below, I will be explaining further how to care for and breed Dwarf Purple isopods.

• They prefer warm and humid environments at around 75° Fahrenheit (23° Celcius) with 80% humidity to thrive.
• Purple Dwarfs are extremely small isopods. Typically, a terrestrial isopod can grow up to 2 cm (0.78 in)  in length when they reach adulthood (though there are exceptions).

• Their smaller sizes are preferred by many breeders. They aren’t easily seen inside ecosystems so they won’t be eaten by other reptiles or animals.Conversely, they are good food sources for smaller animals if used as feeders such as trantula slings.

• Isopods in general have a lifespan of 3 to 4 years.
• They are more partial to tropical ecosystems where it is hot and humid, but they can survive even outside these conditions.
• Containers made of either plastic or glass are great for this purpose. Glass is preferred as isopods aren’t great climbers and will not be able to climb out of it.

• For most isopods, a 5 Liter container should be enough as a starting point for around 20 isopods. Since Purple Dwarfs are smaller, you can easily fit around 30 in the same container. They also require plenty of ventilation so make sure you create enough air holes on the top of the enclosure.

• You can put a fine mesh over the top to prevent your Purple Dwarfs from climbing out as well as prevent other animals from entering their abode. 

• The substrate is one of the more important elements you need to maintain for isopods. For Purple Dwarfs , you will need to make it tropical, moist, and deep. The floor of your substrate should include items that can retain moisture and keep it cool. You can use moss, black earth, coconut fiber, and compost.

• The top layer acts as a shelter for isopods as well as a form of nutrition.This section of the substrate should then be covered by more dry products such as leaf litter and decaying organic matter. You can also use rotten wood and pieces of bark.