Bumblebee Isopods
Cubaris sp. "Bumblebee"
Bold black-and-yellow Cubaris — a striking striped morph.
Quick facts
- Genus
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- Humidity
- High (75–85%), cross-ventilate
- Adult size
- ~12 mm
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Temperament
- Shy, secretive
About this species
Bumblebee Isopods (Cubaris sp. 'Bumblebee') are instantly recognizable thanks to their vivid black-and-yellow banding. They thrive in the same humid, cross-ventilated setups as other Cubaris, with deep substrate, leaf litter, and a calcium supplement. One of the most popular Cubaris morphs in the hobby and a standout in any collection.
- Size:
- ~12 mm
- Enclosure:
- A well-ventilated plastic bin or glass terrarium with cross-ventilation to keep air from going stagnant.
- Diet:
- Leaf litter (oak, magnolia) and decaying hardwood as the staple, plus vegetables and a protein source like fish flakes. A constant calcium source such as limestone is essential.
- Temperature Range:
- Maintain temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or cold can prove detrimental.
- Reproduction:
- Slow breeders with smaller broods. Be patient and try not to disturb the colony.
- Substrate:
- Coconut coir or peat moss mixed with crushed limestone, kept consistently moist and topped with a deep layer of leaf litter.
- Humidity:
- Maintain high humidity (around 70–80%) paired with strong cross-ventilation. Keep one side moist to establish a gradient.
