The Magic Potion Isopod: Care Secrets All Spell-ed Out

The Magic Potion Isopod really is an enchanting sight.

A unique combination of a pale carapace contrasting electric yellow and black coloration. It makes for an exciting visual spectacle.

That being said, the original scientific species that it belongs to (Armadillidium vulgare) is actually just the common woodlouse… So there’s definitely some alchemy gone on here to produce this crazy-looking specimen!

In this guide, we’re going to reveal all the secrets of these wonderful critters so you know how best to care for them and to employ their bioactive wizardry in a terrarium.

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There’s no mistaking the characteristic appearance of the Magic Potion Isopod.

The result of a unique expression of the common “dalmatian gene” (that’s responsible for producing a lot of popular isopod species, e.g. Dairy Cow Isopods).

Each isopod is wonderfully unique, but they will also differ depending on which lineage they come from. There’s both an American and a Japanese line that both have their own nuances.

Both are medium to large-sized species, measuring up at 1-2 cm, and they both make fantastic options.

However, the Japanese line is often noted to have slightly smaller spots and bodies but to be much more prolific breeders.

So which you choose will depend on your priorities.

The Japanese are arguably the more beginner-friendly, though, so I’d personally start there.

Overall, Armadillidium vulgare ‘Magic Potion’ is an easy isopod species to keep.

Which is to be expected from the cousin of the “Common Pill-Bug.” These are made of hardy stock!

Super adaptable and forgiving on many fronts, they’re a great fit for terrariums and habitats of all kinds. Though they do have their preferences.

Habitat & Conditions

For an isopod of this size, a starter culture should do fine in a shoebox-sized container. 

You’ll need to provide some ventilation (as with all isopods) but breeders have found the Magic Potion Isopod to not be overly sensitive to it. A few holes on the sides of the container should help to get the air moving.

In a similar vein, though Armadillidium species tend to prefer a dryer environment (particularly their Clown Isopod cousins, and to a lesser extent Armadillidium nasatum too) these don’t seem quite as fussy. They’ve been known to thrive in wet and humid vivarium setups too.

A moderate moisture gradient should do in a culture environment, with recommendations online ranging from 1/4 to 1/3 wet-to-dry ratio.

In a wider bioactive terrarium, you’d think they’d be more suitable for more arid setups, but they’re often recommended for tropical terrariums. 

In truth, it sounds like Magic Potion Isopods can thrive just about anywhere!

These adaptable critters can reportedly handle a broad temperature range, but most breeders recommend a more typical household range of around 15-27°C (60-80°F).

Humidity is much the same; they’ll handle almost anything but a balanced 50% relative humidity is ideal.

Substrate

As far as the substrate itself, there are two things to consider. 

1. The substrate helps to regulate an isopod‘s moisture levels. So it’s important that it can retain moisture (at least in some areas).
2. One of the primary food sources for isopods is their substrate. They’ll feed on any decomposing organic material, so it’s helpful to make sure your mix contains something of nutritional value.

Honestly, a typical tropical terrarium substrate is always a good starting point.

You can’t go wrong with a variation of the classic ABG mix. Using sphagnum moss and coco coir as a base, then supplementing with orchid bark and earthworm castings for those fertilizing nutrients. 

It’s a two-way street with these isopods, though. They make great bioactive cleaners and their burrowing activities (and pooping activities) help to refresh and replenish the substrate in a terrarium.

Food

Besides the substrate, larger decomposing natural materials form the backbone of an isopod’s diet.

Think rotting softwoods (like cork bark) and leaf litter. These are essential whether you’re culturing Magic Potion Isopods on their own or as part of a terrarium setup. 

Of course, if these isopods are part of a bioactive setup complete with animals like lizards or snakes, they can use another food source too… So you’ll probably have to refresh their organic food sources a lot less if they’re able to feed on animal waste instead. 

You can also supplement with vegetable scraps and such. Just add a little at a time so any excess doesn’t mold over. Or you can use a premade mix like this Isopod Superfood Blend.

Finally, Magic Potion Isopods will do best with protein and calcium supplementation too. Fish food flakes, cuttlefish bones, and eggshells are just a few easy ways to boost their diets.  

Magic Potion Isopod Breeding

The Japanese line is well known for breeding well and producing large broods. However, American Magic Potion Isopods can be slow to start and can often struggle to create a healthy population. 

For isopods destined for bioactive terrariums, I always think it’s best to have a dedicated separate culture first. At least to seed with a large enough population, but also as a backup.

I’d definitely recommend this if you go for the American lineage.

Magic Potion Isopods used to be quite hard to source, but these days they’re a lot more common online now.

You can find both the Japanese and American varieties over at Rubber Ducky Isopods.

Our Top Pick

"Magic Potion" Isopods - Japanese Line (Armadillidium vulgare) 10-100 Count

Securely shipped in a culture start-up system that contains: Organic Sphagnum Moss, RDI House Blend Superfood, and Sprinkled Oak Leaves.

From our partners, Rubber Ducky Isopods. (Shipping included).

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Well, are you as bewitched by Magic Potion Isopods as I am?

If not, you might find these other cool isopod species are more appropriate for you.