Description
The Cubaris murina “Papaya” isopod is prized for its soft tropical coloration, blending creamy shades of peach, orange, and pink across its rounded armored body. These warm tones create a striking contrast against mosses, leaf litter, and darker substrates.
Fun fact, Papayas were isolated from generations of albinos within a “Little Sea” Cubaris colony raised by Smug Bug. It’s considered one of very few true albino morphs.
Papayas are generally shy at first, and spend much of their time beneath bark or partially burrowed in substrate. As they get comfortable, established colonies may become more visible during feeding periods. They thrive in stable, humid conditions with plenty of hiding spaces and minimal disturbance.
Breed Rate: Rapid
Origin: Isolated in North Dakota, USA
Adult Size: 10-15 mm, 1-1.5 cm, .4-.6 in
Temperature: 70-80F
Habits: Reclusive burrowers that prefer humid hiding spaces beneath cork bark and moss. Most active at night. Can conglobate (roll into a ball) when threatened.
Husbandry: Moderately High Humidity (60-80%), Deep Substrate with a Moisture Gradient, 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
