Food Guide

  • If you choose to collect your own leaves and wood, you must make certain that you are gathering from an area that has not been treated with any pesticides or chemical fertilizers. There is also a common misconception that produce labeled "organic" is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This is not true and it is very important to wash ALL fruits and veggies before feeding them to isopods.


    Additionally, any leaves, wood, or other items you collect outdoors should be sanitized before being added to your enclosures. This will reduce the chances of introducing predators and diseases into your cultures. You can sanitize wood and leaves by freezing them for 72 hours, boiling or steaming for fifteen minutes, or baking at 350F (180C) for 20 minutes.


  • Some isopod species are particularly protein-hungry and should frequently be given supplemental protein. If these cultures do not have protein provided, isopods may resort to cannibalizing mancae or weaker individuals. Porcellio laevis is an example of a species that needs extra protein to prevent cannibalism. Other species, such as Cristarmadillidium muricatum, will produce more, or larger, broods when protein is readily available.

    Food high in protein does tend to attract fungus gnats and mites, and will mold quickly. Do not overfeed protein, and remove any food that has started molding or has maggots. If food frequently begins to mold in your enclosure, this is indicative that you are overfeeding. 

    The List of Safe Foods below includes some good sources of protein for your cultures. If using live feeders like earthworms, mealworms, and crickets, dispatch the feeder before introducing it to the isopods.

  • These will be the staple diet for any species of isopods. One or more of these should always be available for your isopods.

    • Leaves (Hickory, Oak, Alder, Hibiscus, Sea Grape, Elm, Maple, Magnolia, Willow, Poplar, Birch, Ash, Almond, are some safe examples)

    • Rotten Wood

    • Lichen

    • Mushrooms (rule of thumb for mushrooms, if a human can safely eat it, your isopods can safely eat it)

  • These are safe foods to supplement your cultures with. As with all things, "variety is the spice of life." Each type of food listed below will provide different nutritional benefits for your isopods, so it is important to provide variety.


    • IsoParty Party Chow! (Buy it here!)

    • Carrots

    • Sweet potato

    • Celery

    • Spinach (excellent source of magnesium)

    • Kale

    • Lettuce (and other leafy greens)

    • Squash

    • Dandelions

    • Hibiscus

    • Pumpkin

    • Tomato (remove stems and leaves)

    • Apples

    • Peppers

    • Zucchini

    • Strawberries

    • Blueberries

    • Raspberries

    • Blackberries

    • Mango

    • Black soldier fly larvae (excellent source of calcium)

    • Insect frass and molts

    • Crickets

    • Mealworms

    • Peas

    • Parsley

    • Cilantro

    • Blood worms

    • Brine shrimp

    • Earthworms

    • Worm castings

    • Compost

    • Watermelon

    • Fish

    • Algae

    • Feathers

    • Snake and lizard sheds

    • Cucumber

    • Spirulina

    • Brewer's yeast

    • Shrimp

    • Krill

    • Silkworm larvae

    • Repashy Bug Burger

    • Repashy Morning Wood

  •  Do NOT feed the following:

    • Grain products and dog/cat food (not toxic to isopods, but will attract grain mites) (**lots** of grain mites)

    • Any fruit, bark, branches, or wood from these trees: cherry, avocado, yew, citrus, pine, eucalyptus

    • Any leaves or branches from nightshades (the tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes themselves are ok)