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The 10 Best Cubaris Isopods for Collectors in 2026

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:50:00 GMT

The 10 Best Cubaris Isopods for Collectors in 2026

If you've spent any time in the isopod hobby, you've almost certainly heard of Cubaris isopods . Over the past few years, these fascinating terrestrial crustaceans have become some of the most sought-after species in the exotic invertebrate world. Their unusual body shapes, incredible colours, and rarity have made them highly desirable among collectors, breeders, and bioactive enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're searching for your first Cubaris colony or looking to add another rare species to your collection, this guide covers ten of the best Cubaris isopods currently available in the UK.

What Makes Cubaris Isopods So Popular?

Unlike many common isopod species, Cubaris are renowned for their distinctive appearance. Most species possess a heavily armoured body, unique facial structures, and colour patterns that range from bright white to deep reds, blues, creams, and yellows.

Collectors value Cubaris isopods because they offer:

Exceptional display value
Rare and unusual colour morphs
Fascinating behaviours
Unique body shapes
Premium breeding projects
Long-term collector appeal

Many keepers consider Cubaris species to be the crown jewels of the isopod hobby.

1. Cubaris 'Rubber Ducky'

The species that helped launch the modern isopod boom.

Rubber Ducky isopods are instantly recognisable thanks to the distinctive markings on their heads that resemble a tiny yellow rubber duck. Their unique appearance has made them one of the most famous and sought-after isopods in the world.

Why collectors love them:

Iconic appearance
High collector demand
Excellent display species
One of the most recognisable isopods available

Even experienced keepers often list Rubber Duckies among their favourite Cubaris species.

2. Cubaris 'White Shark'

White Shark isopods combine elegance with rarity. Their bright white colouration creates stunning contrast against dark substrates, cork bark, and leaf litter.

Reasons for their popularity:

Striking white appearance
Premium collector appeal
Fantastic display value
Highly sought after by enthusiasts

A well-established White Shark colony can become the centrepiece of any isopod collection.

3. Cubaris 'Red Tiger'

Few Cubaris species command attention quite like Red Tigers.

Featuring vibrant red and orange tones with striking patterns, these isopods are among the most visually impressive species currently available.

Highlights include:

Exceptional colouration
Strong visual contrast
Increasing popularity
Excellent display colonies

For keepers who enjoy bold colours, Red Tiger is an obvious choice.

4. Cubaris 'Panda King'

Panda Kings have earned a reputation as one of the best entry points into the world of Cubaris.

Their distinctive black-and-white patterning, combined with relatively straightforward care requirements, makes them ideal for hobbyists looking to keep their first premium isopod species.

Benefits include:

Attractive markings
Good breeding rates
Beginner-friendly compared to many Cubaris
Affordable introduction to rare isopods

It's easy to understand why Panda Kings remain one of the most popular Cubaris species worldwide.

5. Cubaris 'White Side'

White Side isopods offer a subtle yet striking beauty that appeals to both new keepers and experienced collectors.

Their unique colour contrast and elegant appearance have helped them become increasingly popular among enthusiasts.

Why they're worth considering:

Unique appearance
Growing rarity
Excellent display potential
Highly collectible

They look particularly impressive in naturalistic terrarium setups.

6. Cubaris 'Caramel'

Named for their warm caramel-like colouring, these beautiful isopods are rapidly growing in popularity.

Their earthy tones blend perfectly into bioactive and naturalistic environments while still standing out enough to attract attention.

Collectors appreciate:

Rich warm colours
Attractive body shape
Strong display value
Increasing demand within the hobby

7. Cubaris 'Opal'

Opal isopods are one of the most elegant Cubaris species currently available.

Their subtle pearlescent appearance creates a beautiful shimmer under natural lighting, giving them a premium look that many collectors find irresistible.

Why Opals are gaining popularity:

Unique iridescent appearance
Rarely available in large numbers
Excellent collector appeal
Beautiful display colonies

As more keepers discover this species, demand continues to increase.

8. Cubaris 'Crabby'

Crabby isopods are among the most unusual species available to collectors.

Their distinctive appearance and fascinating behaviour make them an increasingly popular choice among enthusiasts looking for something different.

Reasons collectors love them:

Unique body structure
Rarely seen in average collections
Interesting behaviours
Excellent conversation piece

Crabby isopods are perfect for collectors who enjoy unusual species.

9. Cubaris 'Latte'

Latte isopods are named for their beautiful coffee-and-cream colouration.

Their soft neutral tones create a sophisticated appearance that looks stunning against leaf litter, moss, and cork bark.

Key features include:

Beautiful creamy colouration
Excellent display value
Increasing popularity
Highly desirable breeding project

For many collectors, Latte represents one of the most aesthetically pleasing Cubaris species available.

10. Cubaris 'Lemon Blue'

Lemon Blue is one of the most distinctive Cubaris species currently found in the hobby.

The unusual contrast between its colours creates an appearance unlike almost any other isopod available today.

Why collectors seek them out:

Exceptional colour combination
Rare and unusual appearance
Premium collector appeal
Strong demand among enthusiasts

If you're looking for something truly different, Lemon Blue is difficult to beat.

How to Care for Cubaris Isopods

While care requirements vary slightly between species, most Cubaris thrive when provided with:

Deep Substrate

A quality substrate allows isopods to burrow naturally and maintain humidity levels.

Leaf Litter

Leaf litter forms a major part of their diet while also providing shelter and security.

Cork Bark Hides

Cork bark creates essential hiding places and encourages natural behaviour.

Calcium Sources

Calcium is vital for healthy moulting and exoskeleton development.

Consistent Humidity

Most Cubaris species prefer stable humidity levels with adequate ventilation.

White Rotten Wood

Many Cubaris species actively feed on decaying hardwood and benefit greatly from its inclusion.

Why Cubaris Isopods Are Worth Collecting

The growing popularity of Cubaris is easy to understand. Few invertebrates offer such an incredible combination of rarity, beauty, behaviour, and breeding potential.

Whether your goal is to create stunning display colonies, establish breeding projects, or simply enjoy observing some of the world's most fascinating terrestrial crustaceans, Cubaris species deliver an experience unlike any other.

Shop Rare Cubaris Isopods at MicroExotics

At MicroExotics, we're proud to offer a growing selection of premium Cubaris species for collectors across the UK. From iconic Rubber Duckies to increasingly sought-after species such as Opal, Crabby, Latte, and Lemon Blue, we stock some of the most desirable isopods available in the hobby.

Alongside our live isopods, you'll also find premium substrates, leaf litter, cork bark, calcium supplements, and bioactive supplies to help your colonies thrive.

Final Thoughts

Cubaris isopods continue to dominate the collector market for good reason. Their remarkable diversity, unusual appearance, and rarity make them some of the most exciting animals available to hobbyists today.

If you're looking to start a new breeding project or add a centrepiece species to your collection, any of the Cubaris isopods featured in this guide would make an outstanding choice.

Terrarium Workshops in Cornwall – Build Your Own Miniature Jungle at MicroExotics HQ

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:02:42 GMT

Terrarium Workshops in Cornwall – Build Your Own Miniature Jungle at MicroExotics HQ

Looking for a hands-on terrarium workshop in Cornwall? Join us at MicroExotics HQ in Par, where you’ll step into a jungle-inspired space filled with thriving tropical displays and expert guidance. Our workshops are perfect for beginners, hobbyists, plant lovers, or anyone wanting to build a stunning closed or open terrarium.

We run small, relaxed sessions focused on creativity, learning, and building something beautiful to take home.

Workshop Details

When: Every Wednesday, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Where: MicroExotics HQ, Par, Cornwall (South West UK)

Booking: £10 non-refundable deposit (deducted from your final balance)

Capacity: Maximum 3 people per session for a personal, relaxed experience

Discount: 20% off everything you use during the workshop — plants, glassware, décor, substrates & more

Bring Your Own: You’re welcome to bring your own glassware if preferred

What You’ll Learn

Our Cornwall terrarium workshops guide you through every step of building a thriving miniature ecosystem:

Substrate layering for long-term success

Choosing the right plants for terrariums

Humidity & moisture management

Hardscape placement & naturalistic design

Finishing touches to make your terrarium uniquely yours

Whether you’re new to terrariums or a seasoned builder, our in-store sessions offer a chilled, supportive environment to grow your skills.

Why Choose MicroExotics Workshops?

Hosted by passionate specialists with years of experience

Immersive, jungle-themed environment

Small groups for 1:1 support

Ideal for bioactive terrariums, closed terrariums, tropical builds & more

Perfect for plant lovers across Cornwall and the South West

How to Book

Select your preferred date from the drop-down menu on the booking page in store.

Isopods for Sale UK | MicroExotics Shop Celebrates One Month

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:47:57 GMT

MicroExotics Shop: One Month Open and Thriving!

It’s hard to believe, but our MicroExotics HQ shop in Par, Cornwall has already been open for a whole month! The response from both local customers and online enthusiasts has been overwhelming, and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported us so far.

When we opened our doors, our goal was to create a dedicated space for invertebrate keepers, plant lovers, and hobbyists to find everything they need under one roof. From rare isopods, to live invertebrates, spiders, mantis, scorpions, snails, cockroaches, and livefood, the shop has quickly become a hub for exotic pet enthusiasts across the UK.

Isopods for Sale UK – Why Choose MicroExotics?

If you’ve been searching for isopods for sale in the UK, MicroExotics is the place to go. We specialise in a wide range of species, including popular favourites like:

Cubaris sp. “Rubber Ducky”

Porcellio species including Werneri and Expansus

Unique and rare morphs for collectors

Beginner-friendly species for new keepers

What makes us different? Every isopod we sell is captive-bred with care. That means healthy, thriving colonies you can build with confidence, rather than worrying about the risks of wild-caught stock.

Beyond Isopods – So Much More in Store

While isopods remain our passion, our physical shop also offers much more than you’ll currently find on our website. Visitors can explore:

Leaf-cutter ants (Acromyrmex octospinosus) in a live display colony

Exotic spiders and mantis species

Tropical plants perfect for terrariums

Essential equipment and substrates

A huge variety of livefood for reptiles and invertebrates

Visit Us in Cornwall – Or Shop Online

Whether you’re local to Cornwall or visiting from further afield, we’d love to welcome you to the shop and show you what we’ve been building over the past month. If you can’t make it in person, our online store makes it easy to browse and order isopods for sale UK straight to your door.

We’re only just getting started, and we’re excited about what the next few months will bring. Thank you again to everyone who has visited, shopped online, or supported us on social media. Here’s to the future of MicroExotics!

MicroExotics HQ Opening day Sunday August 24th

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:10:46 GMT

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*Welcome to Microexotics HQ: Bring Nature Home*

We're thrilled to announce the grand opening of Microexotics HQ, your ultimate destination for all things terrariums, rare plants, and pet invertebrates. Our mission is to bring the wonders of nature into your home, and we're dedicated to providing top-notch products and expert advice to help you succeed.

*A World of Miniature Marvels*

At Microexotics HQ, we're passionate about the tiny, often-overlooked creatures that inhabit our planet. From the intricate beauty of isopods to the majestic grandeur of tarantulas, our selection of pet invertebrates is unmatched. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out, our knowledgeable staff will guide you every step of the way.

*Terrariums: A Window into a Miniature World*

Our terrariums are carefully crafted to showcase the beauty and diversity of plant life. With a vast array of rare and exotic species to choose from, you'll be able to create your own miniature ecosystem. From lush, tropical environments to arid, desert landscapes, our terrariums will transport you to a world of wonder and discovery.

*Rare Plants: The Jewel of Our Collection*

At Microexotics HQ, we're proud to offer a stunning selection of rare and unusual plants. Whether you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your home or office, or simply want to expand your knowledge of botany, our plants are sure to delight. From carnivorous plants to flowering species, our collection is a true treasure trove of botanical wonders.

*Expert Advice and Support*

At Microexotics HQ, we're committed to providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always on hand to offer advice and support, whether you're setting up your first terrarium or caring for a delicate invertebrate. We're passionate about sharing our knowledge and helping you succeed.

*Bring Nature Home*

At Microexotics HQ, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the beauty and wonder of nature. That's why we're dedicated to providing high-quality products and expert advice to help you bring the natural world into your home. Visit us today and discover a world of miniature marvels.

*Opening Offers and Promotions*

To celebrate our grand opening, we're offering a range of special promotions and discounts. From discounts on our terrariums and plants to free advice sessions with our experts, we've got something for everyone. Don't miss out – visit us today and start bringing nature home!

*Get in Touch*

Ready to bring nature home? Visit us at Microexotics HQ today and discover a world of wonder and discovery. Contact us at info@microexotics.co.uk to learn more about our products and services. We can't wait to meet you!

*Where?*

Situated in Par just an 8 minute drive from the Eden project (The UK's Largest terrarium)

you can find us at

Unit 9, Patio furniture site

Par moor Road

Par

PL24 2SQ

*When*

Opening on Sunday the 24th August, opening hours as follows -

Mon - 10am - 4pm

Tue - 10am - 4pm

Wed - 10am - 7pm

Thur - 10am - 4pm

Fri - Closed

Sat - Closed

Sun - 10am - 4pm

Treasure Hunt Clue no.2

With crystal walls and clever locks,

These builds don’t come flat-packed in a box.

Where glass and craft go side-by-side,

The next clue likes to lurk and hide…

Exciting Collaboration with the FrogFather

183:816554154 (Adam Webb) — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 08:46:10 GMT

Creating a Natural and Geographically Accurate Dart Frog Habitat with Microfauna

The world of poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) is one of vivid colours, fascinating behaviours, and highly specialised ecological needs. When setting up a vivarium for these captivating amphibians, the focus often revolves around plants, humidity control, and creating an aesthetically pleasing environment. However, an often-overlooked aspect of vivarium design is the incorporation of microfauna and invertebrates that naturally coexist with dart frogs in the wild.

The Importance of a Naturalistic Approach

At Microexotics, we specialise in providing a wide array of invertebrates, including isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches, many of which are perfect candidates for creating a balanced and self-sustaining dart frog vivarium. Likewise, The Frogfather (https://www.frogfather.co.uk) is a specialist in poison dart frogs and their habitats, making a collaboration between the two an exciting prospect for the reptile and amphibian community.

By considering microfauna and invertebrates beyond just the commonly used springtails and dwarf white isopods, we can build bioactive vivariums that not only support the health of our dart frogs but also better emulate the natural ecosystems in which they thrive.

Selecting the Right Microfauna for Your Dart Frog Vivarium

Microfauna play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy vivarium by acting as natural decomposers, breaking down organic waste, and keeping fungal and bacterial growth in check. The most commonly used microfauna species include springtails (Collembola) and isopods (Oniscidea), but many exotic species of isopods and other invertebrates can enhance both the function and aesthetics of a vivarium.

Isopods: More Than Just Clean-up Crew

While traditional choices like Trichorhina tomentosa (Dwarf White Isopods) are excellent for dart frog vivariums, more exotic isopods can also be introduced under the right conditions. Here are some of the more striking and unusual species available from Microexotics that can complement a geographically specific vivarium:

• Cubaris murina – A hardy species that thrives in humid conditions, making them ideal for tropical dart frog enclosures.

• Cubaris sp. 'Panda King' – A stunningly patterned isopod that can add visual interest while also performing a vital role in waste breakdown.

• Porcellio laevis 'Dairy Cow' – Larger than many other isopods, these are better suited for bigger vivariumswhere they have plenty of substrate to burrow in.

• Armadillidium gestroi – Found in rainforest environments, these make excellent additions to a bioactive setup with high humidity.

• Cubaris sp. 'Rubber Ducky' – A highly sought-after species that requires more care but thrives in high-humidity environments, making them perfect for a well-maintained dart frog vivarium.

Each of these isopods not only contributes to the bioactive process but also helps create a visually diverse and dynamic vivarium. Choosing the right species should be based on the native environment of your dart frogs to ensure compatibility.

Millipedes and Other Invertebrates

Millipedes can also be a valuable addition to a bioactive dart frog habitat. Species such as:

• Dendrostreptus macracanthus – A striking black and white banded millipede that thrives in humid leaf litter.

• Anadenobolus monilicornis (Bumblebee Millipede) – Naturally found in tropical forests and an excellent detritivore.

• Oxidus gracilis (Greenhouse Millipede) – A small, adaptable millipede that contributes to soil health.

While these species won’t interact with dart frogs directly, they help maintain the natural decomposition cycle within the vivarium and contribute to overall ecosystem balance.

Creating a Geographically Accurate Dart Frog Vivarium

One of the most exciting challenges in vivarium design is replicating a specific geographical location. Many hobbyists are already accustomed to choosing plants that match their dart frogs’ native regions, but microfauna should also be a consideration in this process.

For example, if setting up a vivarium for:

• Ranitomeya variabilis (Amazonian Poison Dart Frog) – Consider incorporating Cubaris murina and Armadillidium gestroi, which thrive in rainforest leaf litter.

• Dendrobates tinctorius (Dyeing Poison Dart Frog) – Larger isopods such as Porcellio laevis could be used in a well-established vivarium with plenty of leaf litter and decaying wood.

• Oophaga pumilio (Strawberry Poison Dart Frog) – A setup with Cubaris sp. 'Panda King' and Anadenobolusmonilicornis millipedes could mimic the Central American tropical environments these frogs are found in.

By selecting microfauna that share ecological zones with specific dart frog species, we can move towards vivariumsthat are not only functional but also truly representative of nature.

The Role of Microflora and Decomposing Matter

Beyond the animal inhabitants, microflora and organic matter are also key to a thriving vivarium. Leaf litter, rotting wood, and living plants all contribute to a dynamic environment that supports both microfauna and dart frogs.

Key elements to include:

• Leaf litter from native regions – Such as Indian Almond Leaves or Magnolia Leaves.

• Moss and epiphytes – To maintain humidity and provide natural cover.

• Rotting wood – Essential for isopod and millipede survival.

These components not only help in replicating the natural rainforest floor but also create an interactive space where dart frogs can exhibit their natural behaviours.

Conclusion: Towards a More Naturalistic and Sustainable Hobby

The integration of exotic invertebrates into dart frog vivariums represents an exciting step forward in the hobby. Rather than just aiming for aesthetically pleasing setups, we should strive for ecosystems that function as close to nature as possible. This approach benefits the frogs, enhances biodiversity within the vivarium, and promotes sustainable and ethical reptile and amphibian keeping.

At Microexotics, we are excited about pushing the boundaries of what is possible within bioactive setups. With expertise from The Frogfather (https://www.frogfather.co.uk), we believe the community can work together to create more ecologically rich and geographically accurate vivariums. By considering every aspect of our dart frogs’ natural world, from plants to microfauna, we can provide them with the best possible captive environments.

Are you ready to take your dart frog vivarium to the next level? Explore the exotic invertebrates available at Microexotics, and let’s build truly remarkable natural habitats together!

April News

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 03:21:49 GMT

What's New in April

So April has been a busy month, despite the current lockdown situation I have moved to a bigger house, added several new products and made a whole host of new terrariums, as well as still holding down my full time job as a night support worker for adults with autism and raising a 1 year old!

April has been a fantastic month in terms of growth for our micro business, we launched out first social media competition and saw our numbers grown on both facebook and insagram nearly 4 fold! So a massive thank you for everyone who took part in that and to everybody who is following us on social media, I will continue to keep your feeds updated with interesting content and news of what's going on here.

Moving to a larger house has given me more room to grow the business, I have built a new racking system fitted with plant grow LED Lights to grow out terrariums and cultivate mosses and plant cuttings for terrarium builds and to supply on the website.

The isopods now have their own room and we have added 8 new species to the collection which have already started to produce young.

This month we have launched a full range of substrates and terrarium necessity's such as drainage balls, drainage mesh and activated carbon and a full DIY kit that contains everything you need to get started on your own terrarium builds. We are now working on an aquatic terrarium kit with an expected release date in may.

During the lockdown I set myself a challenge to create a terrarium everyday for a whole week, and boy was it a challenge trying to fit my full time job in aswell as keeping up with all our orders. Below is a sample of a few of the terrariums we made for this challenge.

I would just like to say a big thank you to all our customers for their support a and feedback over the past few months, we have so much more planned for the year and cannot wait to share it with you all.

Adam

Welcome, To Micro Exotics

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 00:03:28 GMT

We love life, only on a slightly smaller scale

Welocme to Micro Exotics, we are a small family run business based in sunny Cornwall, UK. We aim to provide everything for the needs of amateur to advanced terrarium hobbyists . We breed our own livestock and aim to propagate most of our own plants within a few years.

we have many years experience in the exotics pet trade and hope to use our knowledge and experience to help grow the terrarium hobby within the UK.

We are only small at the moment but aim to roll out new products monthly as well as attending many craft fairs and specialist exotic pet shows throughout the year. If you need any assistance please feel free to contact us.

Many thanks for visiting our site

Adam, Marie and Penny.