Unlock Nature's Little Custodians!
Introducing our carefully selected pack of 10 Grey Isopods (Porcellio scaber / Armadillidium vulgare – Your Bioactive Basics) —an eco-friendly, chemical-free solution to help keep your terrarium or garden in perfect balance. These low-key legends of the soil quietly break down decaying matter, enrich the substrate, and support your plants’ root systems. Whether you’re creating a lush terrarium world or simply supporting a healthy garden bed, these isopods are your go-to clean-up crew.
Note for Gardeners:
n outdoor gardens, slaters can sometimes nibble at tender seedlings, especially where there's heavy mulch or lots of hiding spots. While generally harmless, if populations grow too large, natural controls like removing excess moisture or adding ducks or chickens can help!
Care Tips:
Substrate: Use coco-peat or soil with plenty of leaf litter and hideouts
Moisture: Keep one side of the enclosure damp to maintain humidity
Food: Offer vegetable scraps, dried leaves, and occasional protein sources
Temperature: Ideal range is 20–24°C
Lighting: Indirect light is best—they prefer darker, hidden spots
Role in Bioactive Setups:
These hardworking isopods are vital members of any bioactive terrarium or vivarium. They reduce mold, break down waste, and create a natural, living substrate that helps your plants and pets thrive. Plus, their subtle grey appearance blends perfectly into naturalistic setups.
Habitat & Diet:
Thrive in moist, dark places—under logs, stones, and mulch
Feed on decaying plant material, leaf litter, and organic debris
Support natural decomposition and soil health by recycling nutrients
Species You Might Spot in the Mix:
Porcellio scaber – Common slater, pale grey, and widely distributed
Armadillidium vulgare – Classic pill bug, rolls into a ball for defense
Armadilidae (Skeletor morph) – A native Aussie species with skeletal grey markings
Key Characteristics:
Pack Size: 10 grey isopods
Coloration: Usually a soft grey, but may also show brown, yellow, or even orange hues
Body Type: Flattened and segmented with a tough outer shell (carapace)
Defense Mechanism: Some species can roll into a tight ball when disturbed or in dry conditions
Fun Fact: These critters are crustaceans—related to shrimp and crabs!
About the Species:
Grey isopods—commonly known as slaters, pill bugs, or woodlice—are crustaceans (not insects!) that are widely found throughout Australia. Originally from Europe, species like Porcellio scaber and Armadillidium vulgare are now familiar residents of Aussie gardens, compost piles, and even indoor corners.
Shipping & Pickup:
Shipping: Orders will be sent via express post the following Monday after your order is completed (not placed). We need time to gather the goods, so please note the shipping timing.
Delivery Note: If you choose to have your little critters posted, we cannot be liable for any delays in delivery or any unfortunate loss during transit. Our critters are packed with the utmost care, but once they’re sent, the process is out of our control. Please be aware of this before making your purchase.
Pick-up: Available at The Makers Den in Clifford Gardens. Pickup times can be selected at checkout
Whether you’re adding to a thriving terrarium or encouraging natural balance in your garden, Grey Isopods are a classic, effective addition to any bioactive environment.