These guys had a good run. There are still a lot of the big 'uns left, running around and devouring leaves like nothing happened. They were the offspring of a single pair of depressums I found outside years ago, and according to my records they were all born in early March 2024. The majority of them survived to this point. Two and a half years is very good for an isopod - some stats say they can live up to three or even five years, but these aren't averages, I'm trying not to fall into the extremes fallacy - and there wouldn't be room for the babies to grow if the adults didn't vacate that space eventually. But I still feel sad because I'm really attached to these guys, their gentle nature and bumbling demeanour brighten up all my days. It'll be a bittersweet day when the generational takeover is complete

THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY TO HEAR THANK YOU SO MUCH :((( this has fully made my day thank you

i'm gonna use this as an excuse to talk a little bit about arid and desert isopods now okay

okay so. most isopods live in damp and wet conditions. they are fans of moisture generally. however arid isopods differ from this as they prefer dry and harsh climates, such as deserts. the term 'arid isopod' doesn't refer to one specific species or genus, instead referring to a large variety.

this is Armadillidium Vulgare Orange Vigor Isopods they can also be called orange energy, they are dry environment roly polies from Mediterranean coast and their vibrant orange coat is bred in enclosures they are active and unlike shy species they are brave day walkers! they do have specialized hides, but you will constantly see them exploring the surface, foraging, and climbing on the barks!

Next are pure chaos polies! Merulanella sp. "Scarlet"! (they got changed to a Ardentiella family, which is in translation "burning" or "fire"), and those guys looks they were literally forged in the fires of the Hell by Satan itself! (perhaps satan love roly poly bugs too) They are from wet forests in Vietnam, and they need around 70%-80% humidity, they are constanly showing speed, and they absolutely love tо climb! they don't hide like other although they can hide. and also they look like they are angry all the time..