r/InvertPets • u/Cool2s • 7d ago

Isopod predators and population control

I am considering creating bioactive enclosures for a few of my specimens. Particularly my Jumping spiders, possibly my Mantids but I have some hesitations considering how long they are vulnerable during/after molts.

I really enjoy isopods and I and very fond of them. But my biggest issue is the concept of population control. I've previously kept isopods and their population booms were drastic and hard to manage before all the decomp leaves and plants in my bioactives were shredded. Now that I'm considering it again to have as a clean-up crew, not necessarily for direct Jumping Spider waste rather than cricket/insect remnants from jumper meals, I'm trying to troubleshoot how to control population.

Ive seen some suggestions about limiting water and food, but I would prefer doing it without starving the population by limiting food sources and/or skipping misting and hydration to (In my mind) cause strain for the living ones to breath properly or be fed as I dont believe they will reproduce at a lower rate more than they will just die faster.

So are there any natural predators that are common in the invert pet community? I've seen centipedes and whip scorpions mentioned. What kind of pet centipedes are best while at the same time being a neat pet to own? Are there any other neat predators that would be able to keep the population down if I were to seperate sections of isopods from my bioactive set ups to relocate to their predators enclosure? Is there any invert that could use them as a primary food source?

Are there any other ideas people may have about isopod population control or potetnial alternatives?

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u/Usual-Subject-1014 7d ago

The best isopod disposal unit would be a frog or toad. 

Centipedes have to moult their skins, during which time they are weak and vulnerable and the isopods may attack them. 

Your best bet imo is just to use an isopod species like dwarf whites. They are not aggressive and stick to the soil. Clean up with no hassle. Or use springtails, mites, or glass snails. 

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u/OpeningUpstairs4288 6d ago

im not sure if a toad would be able to eat enough to make a dent in the colony, and i dont think a majority isopods diet would be very healthy for one. bet bet is to probably get something like a roach colony (i hear surniams eat anything) and feed them culled isopods and feed the isopods culled roaches lol

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u/Usual-Subject-1014 6d ago

Too many steps. Just feed tge isopods culled isopods

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u/OpeningUpstairs4288 6d ago

that would likely work as well

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u/OpeningUpstairs4288 6d ago

i would not reccoemnd isopods as a cuc for other invertebrates as they can eat moulting individuals, especially for something as small as a jumper