Grey Isopods – Nature’s Little Custodians

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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.

• Pack Size: 10 grey isopods
• Coloration: Soft grey tones, sometimes showing brown, yellow, or orange hues
• Body Type: Flattened and segmented with a tough outer shell (carapace)
• Fun Fact: These critters are crustaceans — related to shrimp and crabs!

• 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

• 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

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. Their subtle grey appearance blends perfectly into naturalistic setups.

• 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

In outdoor gardens, slaters can sometimes nibble at tender seedlings, especially where there's heavy mulch or plenty of hiding spots. While generally harmless, if populations grow too large, natural controls like removing excess moisture or adding ducks or chickens can help!