12 Cool Types of Isopods to Collect (Species + Color Morphs)

If Andy Warhol was an animal, I think he might be an isopod

Just like his bold pop art creations, these little critters come in a huge variety of vivid colors and patterns. But they’re not mere walking canvases – they’re valuable cleaning custodians in terrariums and vivariums.

Not to mention many people like to collect these for fun. Like pokemon cards, but better.

In this article, we’re going to run down 12 of the isopods with the funkiest designs (in a loose order of increasing rarity). 

So, stay till the end to see the rare masterpieces.

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A Quick Primer on Isopods

Just like Pokemon cards, there are going to be situations where some isopods are better than others.

In terrariums and vivariums, this means they might need more or less airflow, humidity, or moisture to thrive. Not to mention more specific diets or care requirements.

Of course, some isopods are super adaptable and will fit nicely into just about any setup (a Charizard, perhaps?) but others are going to be more niche picks.

So, all of this just to say – please do your research! (Even if that means starting with What is an Isopod?)

Otherwise, let’s get some inspiration.

Entry-Level Isopod Species 

These species are all widely used in the industry, making them relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

That said, some of these were the “hot new thing” once upon a time, so you can bet they’re still pretty funky!

1 | Zebra Isopod (Armadillidium maculatum)

Zebra Isopod (Armadillidium maculatum)
Zebra Isopod (Armadillidium maculatum) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

We’re starting the animal-themed trend here with the characteristic black and white stripes of the Zebra Isopods.

These guys are as active as they are bold.

So, you can expect to see them present and correct on your terrarium surfaces throughout the day. Plus, their busy nature make them an effective cleanup crew.

They’re super easy to care for and to breed – making them a perfect beginner isopod.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Zebra Isopods

2 | Dairy Cow Isopods (Porcellio laevis)

Dairy Cow Isopods (Porcellio laevis)
Dairy Cow Isopods (Porcellio laevis) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

Resembling a cow with its white body and brown spots, the Dairy Cow Isopod is a true staple.

Much like their bovine namesakes, they’re really active feeders… and much more active movers.

Dairy Cow Isopods are on the larger side, so they’re probably better for bigger tanks. Not to mention the fact that they are prolific breeders, so it won’t be long till you have a lot of them!

Check out the Giant Canyon Isopods for another large contender.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Dairy Cow Isopods

3 | Dalmatian Isopods (Porcellio scaber)

Dalmatian Isopods (Porcellio scaber)
Dalmatian Isopods (Porcellio scaber) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

See a theme here? This is the last animal-themed one.

These subtly polka-dotted Dalmatian Isopods are large, active, and hardy. 

The coloring actually comes from the same genetic mutation as the Dairy Cow, just a slightly different expression.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Dalmatian Isopods

4 | Lava Isopods (Porcellio scaber)

Lava Isopods (Porcellio scaber)
Lava Isopods (Porcellio scaber) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

The stunning mottled black and burnt orange carapace of the Lava Isopod comes in all sorts of patterns and shades.

Truly, there’s something unique for everyone!

They’re also great all-rounders – so an easy pickup for both pet isopods and cleanup crews too.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Lava Isopods

5 | “Oreo Crumble” Isopods (Porcellionides pruinosus) 

"Oreo Crumble" Isopods (Porcellionides pruinosus)Β 
“Oreo Crumble” Isopods (Porcellionides pruinosus) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

A fresh take on the popular Powder Blue Isopods, the “Oreo Crumble” isopod has a milky white body with random black markings.

This versatile species can handle a variety of terrarium conditions and they tend to adapt pretty quickly. 

πŸ‘‰ Shop ‘Oreo Crumble’ Isopods.

6 | Clown Isopods (Armadillidum klugii)

Clown Isopods (Armadillidum klugii)
Clown Isopods (Armadillidum klugii) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

No “Funky Isopod Species” article would be complete without the species that are literally referred to as the Clown Isopod!

Take one look at you’ll see why.

With contrasting white and yellow polka dots and an orange skirt, these isopods are bursting with color and character.

πŸ‘‰ Shop “Dubrovnik” Clown Isopods

Honorary Mentions:

Though these aren’t necessarily the flashiest of the isopod species, they’re great beginner ones. 

Rare Isopod Species

Okay, now we’re getting onto the more “obscure” works of art.

Partly because they have some of the more unique markings but also because they’re often much fewer in number and, therefore, difficult to source.

That being said, being rare often just makes them more popular – right?

7 | Rubber Ducky Isopods (Cubaris sp)

Rubber Ducky Isopods (Cubaris sp)
Rubber Ducky Isopods (Cubaris sp) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

The isopod, the myth, the legend.

Honestly, the Rubber Ducky Isopod has been taking the industry by storm recently and it’s showing no sign of slowing down.

With their cute little yellow faces and tails, this highly sought-after species really does look like a rubber ducky. Which is perhaps what gives them such universal appeal.

They’re brand new on the scene and so breeders are only just discovering how to optimize their development and reproduction. So, be sure to grab these whenever you can!

Check out their cousins, the “Panda King Isopods,” and some of the many other Cubaris isopods while you’re at it.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Rubber Ducky Isopods

8 | Japanese “Magic Potion” Isopods (Armadillidium vulgare)

Japanese "Magic Potion" Isopods (Armadillidium vulgare)
Japanese “Magic Potion” Isopods (Armadillidium vulgare) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

Surprisingly, these Magic Potion Isopods are technically the same species as the common pill bug.

But, one look will show they’re clearly special.

With luminous yellow splashes piercing through their translucent white carapaces, there are some serious sci-fi vibes coming off for me.

These medium-sized androids isopods are easy to take care of and so they’re perfect for your average terrarium/vivarium.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Japanese “Magic Potion” Isopods

9 | Sabah Isopods (Cubaris sp)

Sabah Isopods (Cubaris sp)
Sabah Isopods (Cubaris sp) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

Sabah Isopods have a stunning gold-flecked camo-looking appearance. 

Still, despite their aesthetic disguise, their subtle gilded coloration makes them really stand out as a unique species worth your attention.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Sabah Isopods

10 | Shiro Utsuri Isopods (Cubaris sp)

Shiro Utsuri Isopods (Cubaris sp)
Shiro Utsuri Isopods (Cubaris sp) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

Following on with all the hot new Cubaris species, Shiro Utsuri Isopods are one of the latest to come from Japan.

With “Shiro Utsuri” referring to the markings of a black and white Koi fish, these bright white isopods (particularly around their edges) with black flecks really fit the name.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Shiro Utsuri Isopods

11 | “High Yellow” Isopods (Porcellio haasi) 

"High Yellow" Isopods (Porcellio haasi)Β 
“High Yellow” Isopods (Porcellio haasi) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

Possibly the brightest of the bunch, Porcellio haasi is famed for its distinctive acid-yellow colors and extra-long tail.

In fact, these “High Yellow” Isopods can reach a few cm in size – so definitely one for the larger vivarium tanks!

πŸ‘‰ Shop “High Yellow” Isopods.

12 | Papaya Isopods (Cubaris murina) 

Papaya Isopods (Cubaris murina)
Papaya Isopods (Cubaris murina) – Image Credit: Rubberduckyisopods.com

What’s not to love about an isopod named after a fruit?

Saving the best till last, these dusty pink critters are perhaps my favorite colored isopod. Sometimes less is more, and their delicate pink/amber hues really caught my attention.

Plus, Cubaris murina make a great cleanup crew and they’re super easy to keep.

πŸ‘‰ Shop Papaya Isopods

Honorary Mentions:

There seems to be a new variety of Cubaris species coming out all the time, so if the above aren’t quite right for you – check out these:

Over to You

There are so many more cool-looking isopod species, I couldn’t name them all. 

But, hopefully, this list has piqued your interest.

Check out my guide on choosing from the many isopods for sale online. Or, for more on how to use these terrarium custodians – check out my cleanup crew guide to Isopods and Springtails.

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