British terrarium enthusiasts buy isopods in UK online stores of reputable isopod breeders who offer unlimited varieties used as terrarium soil enhancers or kept as pets. Other consumers are animal keepers who use isopods as organic waste cleaners in enclosed substrates of feeder tanks. While breeding different species of isopods is now a popular business, much of the demand for the creatures can be attributed to the resurgence of terrarium crafting as a fashionable hobby.
Successful terrarium enthusiasts create stunning displays of miniature landscapes that add beauty to their home. The hobby though requires knowledge, not only in buying the right plants. containers, tools and materials; but also the right species of isopod to buy from online stores. Isopod breeders give advice that climate zone and country of origin are important indicators in determining the right isopod species to introduce in one’s terrarium
What Makes Isopods Important in Terrariums
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sopods actually perform important functions in different environments, whether terrestrial or aquatic. A terrarium is a good example of what makes isopods important components of a self-sufficient soil-based ecosystem. First off, know that isopods are not insects but are member species of the crustacean family. They are called detritivores that work with decomposers like mites, fungi, bacteria and worms.
Primarily, isopods feed on decaying plants and other organic wastes to break down the substances into useful nutrients, like minerals, chemical elements and gaseous matter. They then disperse the nutrients through the litter they produce, as they move and dig about inside the terrarium. The soil therefore becomes healthier and more fertile.
Isopods also act as clean-up crew and ground police by feeding on insects to prevent mite infestation; and ingesting fungi and bacteria to help keep the terrarium’s soil and interior mould-free.
Terrarium hobbyists are fascinated with the efficiency of the creatures in keeping the energy flowing inside their miniaturised ecosystem. Their communal activities and results of interactions make them a fascinating subject to watch, to collect and care for in enclosures.
Isopod Collecting and Breeding as a Fashionable Hobby
It’s notable that collecting isopods has been trending as a fashionable hobby in the UK at a time when terrariums re-emerged as a stylish diversion. Since 2019, online stores have been seeing an increase in demand for different cultures of isopods to keep as pets, and not necessarily for feeder tanks or terrariums. After all, studies say that there are more than 10,000 species of the terrestrial crustaceans in varying shapes, colours and behaviours.
Besides, isopod breeding is a low cost diversion. Enthusiasts need only to provide their captive breeds with sterilised or boiled dead leaves and water while providing them with sufficient substrate to burrow in as hiding places. Still, it’s important for breeders to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in enclosures. High temperatures are stress factors for the terrestrial crustaceans because they need to keep their gills constantly moist.
Some Examples of Isopod-Inspired Novelty Products in the Online Market
Ever since isopod breeding and collecting began trending as a hobby in the UK, novelty items with isopod features have been drawing their fair share of attention in the online market.
Not a few crafters of novelty items use the rolly polly and pill bug features as designs; from colourful plush animal toys, to T-shirts that proudly identify wearers as an isopod breeder and handmade leather sling bags that look like real-life versions of a giant pillbug.