Nesodillo sp. “Shiro Utsuri”

Nesodillo sp. “Shiro Utsuri”

Origin: Taiwan
Temperature: 22–26 °C
Humidity: 70–80 %
Adult Size: 1.5–2 cm
Difficulty: Easy
Rarity: Common
Lifespan: 2–3 years

Description:
Shiro Utsuri isopods are striking black-and-white terrestrial crustaceans, named after the Japanese koi term for a black koi with white markings. Their bold, high-contrast colouration makes them visually appealing and easy to observe. Hardy and prolific breeders, they are ideal for both beginners and experienced keepers.

Appearance & Behaviour:

• Adults 1.5–2 cm, with smooth, domed, black-and-white patterned bodies
• Ability to conglobate (roll into a tight defensive ball)
• Generally peaceful, non-aggressive, and cohabitate well with other isopods or terrarium species
• Reasonably active and visible once settled; burrow and use hiding spots
• Juveniles show the black-and-white pattern from an early age

Habitat & Care:

• Substrate: Moisture-retentive mix (organic topsoil + sphagnum moss), leaf litter, decaying hardwood, calcium sources
• Depth: 5–8 cm to allow burrowing and maintain humidity
• Humidity: 70–80 %, stable; avoid letting substrate dry out
• Ventilation: Low to medium; prevent stagnant air but retain moisture
• Temperature: 22–26 °C; room temperature is usually sufficient
• Décor: Cork bark, flat bark, leaf litter, hardwood pieces, sphagnum moss patches

Diet & Nutrition:

• Primary: Dried leaf litter, decaying hardwood, cork bark
• Supplementary: Fresh vegetables (carrots, courgettes, sweet potato), fish flakes, small amounts of fruit
• Calcium: Cuttlebone, crushed eggshells, oyster shell—constant availability is important

Breeding:

• Females carry eggs in a marsupium; release live young
• Reaches sexual maturity in 6–8 months
• Brood sizes are good; colonies grow steadily under proper conditions
• Requires stable humidity, temperature, hiding spots, calcium, and consistent food

Suitability:

• Excellent for beginners and bioactive setups
• Works well as a cleanup crew in humid tropical or subtropical enclosures
• Peaceful, prolific breeders that coexist with other isopod species and springtails
• Not suited for arid or low-humidity setups

Value:

• Attractive, easy-care species with reliable breeding
• Ideal for starting or expanding a collection and for functional bioactive purposes