Encyclopaedia
Terrestrial invert.TerrestrialExpert
Red Edge Isopod (Cubaris sp.)
Cubaris sp. 'Red Edge'
The 'Red Edge' Isopod (Cubaris sp. 'Red Edge') is an elegant Asian isopod species (1.3 - 1.5 cm) featuring a dark grey or black body bordered by striking red or orange edges.
Class:Malacostraca
Order:Isopoda
Family:Armadillidae
Genus:Cubaris
Species:Cubaris sp. 'Red Edge'
Share
Check out Red Edge Isopod (Cubaris sp.) on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 85 %
Day temperature
23 - 27 °C
Night temperature
20 - 23 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to Thailand and surrounding islands, where they inhabit mossy rock crevices and dark areas in tropical rainforests.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Armadillidae. Features a high-domed, armored body reaching up to 1.5 cm in length. The dorsal carapace is a glossy dark grey or deep black, bordered along the lateral flanges (epimera) by a bright cherry-red or fiery orange coloration.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily fossorial and nocturnal. They are relatively active compared to other Cubaris species but remain shy under direct light, preferring to burrow into the substrate rather than roll into a ball. They spend most of their life cycle under decomposing wood and leaf litter.
Morphology: Sexes are morphologically identical. Sexual dimorphism is not externally visible, requiring examination of pleopods under magnification to distinguish adults.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a tropical setup with deep substrate (7-10 cm) consisting of a moisture-retaining organic mix of soil, peat, and decayed wood. Provide limestone pieces, porous rocks, live moss, and a thick layer of oak leaves.
Lighting and Heating: Avoid direct light. Maintain stable tropical temperatures between 23 and 28°C. Supplementary heating is essential during winter, as cold conditions can halt feeding and colony growth.
Humidity and Hydration: Requires high humidity levels (75-90%). A fine balance is critical; the substrate must be damp but never waterlogged or muddy. Ensure good ventilation using fine mesh screens.
Feeding and Supplementation: Detritivores feeding on leaf litter, decaying wood, and moss. Supplement their diet with high-quality protein (such as krill or fish flakes) and a constant source of calcium (cuttlebone mixed into the soil).
Compatibility: Best kept in a species-only display setup. They are sensitive and should not be housed with predatory amphibians or faster, dominant European isopods that could outcompete them for resources.
Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to molting failure (ecdysis issues) if humidity levels drop or calcium is lacking. An incomplete molt can trap the isopod inside its old exoskeleton, leading to death.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to Thailand and surrounding islands, where they inhabit mossy rock crevices and dark areas in tropical rainforests.
Origin
Central America and CaribbeanSouth and Southeast Asia
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
