Description
The Cubaris sp. “Emperor Bee” isopod is admired for its striking patterning and impressive adult size. Their rounded, heavily armored bodies showcase beautiful contrasting colors while maintaining the classic Cubaris appearance that has made them so popular among hobbyists.
Despite their impressive appearance, Emperor Bees are generally calm and spend much of their time tucked beneath cork bark or partially buried in the substrate. They become more active after dark as they forage for decaying organic matter. When disturbed, they readily conglobate into a tight ball, using their armored shell as protection.
With their larger size and preference for consistently warm, humid conditions, Emperor Bees are a rewarding species for keepers looking to add an impressive display animal.
Breed Rate: Slow
Origin: Thailand
Adult Size: 18-20 mm, 1.8-2 cm, .7-.8 in
Temperature: 75-80F
Habits: Calm, mostly nocturnal foragers that prefer humid hiding places during the day. Will readily roll into a ball when threatened.
Husbandry: High Humidity (80-90%), Damp and Deep Substrate, Live Moss, Offer Plenty of Cover like Flat/Cork Bark, Leaf Litter, Wood Rot, Limestone, and Seed Pods (Magnolia, Sweet Gum, Lotus)
Primary Diet: Decaying Organic Matter, Leaf Litter, and Wood Rot
Supplemental Diet: Fish Flakes, Dried Shrimp, Cuttlebone or Egg Shells, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Butternut Squash, Freeze-Dried Peas, Dried or Dead Insects, Zucchini, Cucumber, Commercial Food like Repashy Morning Wood
