Blue Pigeon Isopod (Cubaris sp.)
Cubaris sp. 'Blue Pigeon'
The Cubaris 'Blue Pigeon'. An astounding Asian isopod (0.6 inches) exhibiting an incredible color pattern. The name derives from the dusty blue/ash gray opalescent background, heavily speckled or topped with large symmetrical black and white spots that resemble the marbled plumage of a pigeon or an Asian pearl. Extremely sought after, it requires a perfect balance of humidity and deep calcareous forest soils to thrive without aborting.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
70 - 85 %
Température diurne
23 - 27 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 23 °C
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Elite selection derived from the deep karst faults and rotting alluvial jungles of Thailand.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Armadillidae. (Asian Marbled Isopod). Like the Pak Chong or the Shiro Utsuri, the Blue Pigeon does not belong to a scientifically validated species, but its genetic mutation is extraordinarily fixed. It combines the bluish gradients of the Lemon Blue family with the split bands typical of the Panda King, but diluted in an inimitable dusty ash blue/dirty white.
Behavior and Habits: Terrified asphyxiating marble marbles. Agoraphobic to excess. They spend most of their long and passive lives buried or glued upside down under heavy blocks of wet living stone. Extremely sensitive to flashes of light: if surprised, they clumsily flee trying to frantically dig to sink, or they close in impenetrable bluish marble spheres and do not reopen for hours.
Morphology: Total perfect thick enameled dome (Up to 0.6 inches / 1.5 cm). Very smooth opalescent carapace Ash Blue, Powder Blue or Pearl Gray color. The center of the back is often split by large dark gray or faded black saddles, and the lower segments shine with diaphanous ivory white edges. The large black eyes stand out on the spotted head. Perfect barrel conglobation.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: Guidance about terrarium setup for Cubaris sp. 'Blue Pigeon' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Lighting and Heating: Guidance about lighting and heating for Cubaris sp. 'Blue Pigeon' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Humidity and Hydration: Guidance about humidity and hydration for Cubaris sp. 'Blue Pigeon' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Feeding and Supplementation: Guidance about feeding and supplementation for Cubaris sp. 'Blue Pigeon' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Guidance about compatibility and coexistence for Cubaris sp. 'Blue Pigeon' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Health and Common Diseases: Guidance about health and common diseases for Cubaris sp. 'Blue Pigeon' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Elite selection derived from the deep karst faults and rotting alluvial jungles of Thailand.
Origine
Sélection et cultivarsAmérique centrale et CaraïbesAsie du Sud et du Sud-Est
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Detritivore
- This species thrives on a varied diet rich in decaying organic matter. They primarily consume high-quality leaf litter and soft rotting wood. Supplemental calcium and occasional vegetable scraps are essential for maintaining proper health and a strong exoskeleton.
- Taille adulte
- 1.9 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- They are robust terrestrial invertebrates that thrive in a well-maintained terrarium environment. A distinct moisture gradient is crucial to prevent both fatal dehydration and harmful fungal infections. They spend the vast majority of their time navigating the complex microhabitats of the damp forest floor.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- This species is primarily active during the night and the dimmer crepuscular hours. They typically remain hidden during the peak daylight hours to conserve vital moisture and avoid predators. Providing a natural day-night light cycle helps regulate their natural foraging and resting behaviors.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- They are exceptionally social creatures that do best when kept in substantial, thriving colonies. They exhibit clustering behavior, gathering together in damp microclimates, which not only aids in preventing moisture loss but also plays a crucial role in stimulating regular reproductive activity among the adults.
- Reproduction
- Marsupial
- Reproduction occurs consistently throughout the year when kept under optimal terrarium conditions. Females incubate their developing eggs within a specialized ventral brood pouch known as a marsupium. The young emerge as fully formed miniatures and require stable moisture to survive their initial delicate molts.
- Venimeux
- No
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Tolerant
- Handling should be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid causing unnecessary stress. Their incredibly delicate bodies and limbs can be easily injured by improper or forceful grasping. If relocation is absolutely necessary, gently move them by scooping up the bark or leaf they are resting on.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- They generally do not require any brumation period when kept in a controlled captive environment. Maintaining stable and appropriately warm temperatures ensures continuous year-round activity and breeding success. It is important to avoid extreme cold to prevent potential and sudden colony crashes.
- Mue
- Periodic
- Molting occurs in two very distinct phases to allow the isopod continuous mobility during the process. Adequate environmental humidity is absolutely essential for them to successfully shed their old exoskeleton without complications. They will usually consume their freshly shed skin in order to rapidly reclaim lost calcium.
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