Jupiter Isopods (Cubaris sp.)

What Do Cubaris Jupiter Isopods Look Like?

Cubaris Jupiter Isopods are small, colorful bugs with an average size of 0.2 to 0.6 inches in length. They have a segmented, oval-shaped body and long antennae.

Generally, they are brown or gray with orange speckles or stripes. Some isopods may have a more vibrant appearance, displaying shades of black, red, or yellow.

Cubaris Jupiter Isopods also have unique, colorful legs with the front pair being longer than the others. 

These isopods have an exoskeleton that provides protection and support for their delicate body. This exoskeleton also serves as a water reservoir for the isopod.

A layer of wax on the exoskeleton ensures the isopod stays hydrated. This wax naturally renews itself as the isopod matures, molts, and grows. 

Benefits Of Using Cubaris Jupiter Isopods

Cubaris sp. ‘Jupiter’ Isopods are a great addition to any vivarium setup. They are excellent janitors, eating droppings and other leftover food matter that accumulates on the floor and keeping the environment clean.

They also help to aerate the terrarium soil and mix up the substrate in the vivarium. This helps to keep things aerated and the microorganisms in the soil healthy.

Furthermore, their presence serves as a natural form of pest control, as they feast on mold and algae.

Finally, they are interesting and visually appealing little creatures that add to the overall aesthetic of the terrarium.

Cubaris Jupiter Isopods Facts

Cubaris Jupiter Isopods are small, peaceful crustaceans with oval-shaped bodies, ranging from 1 to 2 centimeters in length. 

They live for one to two years and need special temperature and humidity levels as well as a foraging diet for optimal health.

Habitat

Jupiter Isopods (Cubaris sp. ‘Jupiter’) are sometimes referred to as Jupiter White Isopods and are native to Thailand and various other places around Southeast Asia.

In their natural habitat, they live primarily in moist and humid areas with organic soil, decaying wood, and foliage. They are also sometimes found in self-made soil nests or small burrows.

They are nocturnal, which means they are active mostly at night. During the day, they like to hide in their soil nests or burrows to stay cool and avoid predators.

Replicate their natural habitat perfectly with our Bioactive Isopod Substrate Blend, designed to provide the ideal moisture and organic content for your isopods.

Diet

In their natural habitat, Jupiter Isopods feed on algae, decaying plant material, and fungi. They are mostly scavengers, but they can also supplement their diet with decaying insects and small invertebrates.

These isopods also display detritivores, consuming live plants and fruits that are small enough for them to consume. 

Temperament

Jupiter Isopods are among the kinds of isopods that are incredibly timid and skittish around other creatures. If you’re keeping them as pets, they will usually hide when they sense other animals near them.

They prefer not to be touched and may freeze and become unresponsive if they feel threatened

That being said, they are still curious and will come out of their hiding places to investigate strange noises or to snatch some food.

These isopods also don’t make good tankmates, as they can cannibalize each other if kept together in too small of an area. 

That’s not to say that Jupiter Isopods don’t do well with people. On the contrary, these isopods can be quite friendly and inquisitive – especially if you start feeding them their favorite foods.

With a bit of patience, you may even be able to train them to come out for hand-feeding!

Lifespan

Jupiter Isopods have a relatively short lifespan with an average life span hovering near three years.

They have a complex life cycle, with both juveniles and adults occupying different stages as they grow. 

These isopods are equipped with curious survival skills. They can enter a state of diapause for up to seven months when environmental conditions become challenging.

During this time, their metabolism slows down, allowing them to survive through periods of drought and cool weather.

The parents of Jupiter Isopods tend to leave the young independent once they hatch, leaving the juveniles to make their way in the world.

As they reach adulthood, they may begin reproducing and perpetuating the species. 

Breeding

Jupiter Isopods mate and reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis, meaning a female can lay eggs without the presence of a male. This process is common among arthropods, particularly isopods.

Once the female has produced an egg capsule, the process is started. She will then deposit the egg capsule, typically in damp, moist environments.

Depending on the species, each capsule can contain anywhere from 1 to 21 eggs. After hatching, the young isopods take around 6–7 weeks to reach adulthood.

During the early stages of their lives, the nymphs will molt about four times. After reaching adulthood, the Jupiter Isopods enter the reproductive cycle and can reproduce after about three weeks.

Where To Find Cubaris Jupiter Isopods

Cubaris Jupiter Isopods can often be found in tropical regions throughout the world, including some southern states in the US.

While you may be able to find them in wetlands, shallow streams, and ditches, these isopods tend to inhabit damp soils in places that are rich with organic matter, like piles of leaves and rotting logs.

The best way to find these isopods is to take a nighttime walk and use a flashlight to search for them; you may be able to spot them hiding under logs, leaves, and other debris.

If you’re looking for an easier way to catch them, consider buying specimens online. Online stores offer isopods that are already raised and cultured in captivity.

They can be purchased and added to your terrarium with ease. In addition, buying from an online store will guarantee the quality of the specimens, since the health of wild-caught isopods can be difficult to guarantee.