Cubaris sp. “Red Edge Orange”

Technical Sheet of Isopod Cubaris sp. “Red Edge Orange”

Main Features:

• Scientific Name: Cubaris sp. “Red Edge Orange”
• Common Name: Red Edge Orange Isopod
• Origin: Tropical Asia (likely Southeast Asia regions).
• Adult Size: Between 1.2 cm and 2 cm.
• Coloration: Light gray or brown base with intense red and orange edges on the exoskeleton, creating a striking visual contrast.

Maintenance Conditions:

• Humidity: High (70-90%). Keep the substrate slightly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
• Temperature: 22-28 °C. Sensitive to temperatures below 20 °C.
• Ventilation: Moderate. A lid with small holes is recommended to prevent mold buildup.
• Lighting: Indirect light. They prefer dark or low-light environments.

Habitat:

• Substrate: A mix of coconut fiber, leaf litter, and sphagnum moss for moisture retention.
• Decoration: Add logs, bark, and dried leaves as shelters and cellulose sources.
• Moist Zone: It’s ideal to include a moister area in the terrarium for them to rest.

Feeding:

• Diet: Omnivore. Feeds on decaying organic matter, dried leaves, decomposed wood, and occasionally fruits and vegetables (carrot, pumpkin, zucchini).
• Supplement: Add calcium (crushed cuttlebone) to strengthen their exoskeletons.

Reproduction:

• Type: Ovoviviparous. The offspring are born directly from the female’s marsupium.
• Cycle: Reproduction is constant under good conditions, with litters of 10-30 offspring.

Advantages and Curiosities:

1. Visual Appeal: Its unique coloration makes it a highly valued species in decorative terrariums and as an ornamental isopod.
2. Care: Although it requires specific conditions, it is relatively easy to care for once established.
3. Behavior: Active at night and shy during the day, it tends to hide under shelters.

Additional Recommendations:

• Keep in groups to reduce stress.
• Avoid excessive handling, as they are sensitive to drastic temperature and humidity changes.

Note: Cubaris sp. “Red Edge Orange” is ideal for bioactive terrariums and provides benefits to the terrarium ecosystem by decomposing organic matter.