Care Guide

Miyako Island Cubaris sp.

A rare island-locality Cubaris from Japan with subtle earthy coloration and demanding care needs.

Miyako Island Isopod
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Adult Size
10-12 mm
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Humidity
80–90%
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Temp
74–82°F
Difficulty
Medium
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Origin
Japan (Miyako Island, Ryukyu chain)
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Overview

Cubaris sp. 'Miyako Island' originates from the subtropical Miyako Island in Japan's Ryukyu chain. This locality gives it slightly different preferences from mainland Southeast Asian Cubaris — it tolerates slight temperature variation but demands consistently high humidity and a rich tropical substrate.

Common Name
Miyako Island
Scientific Name
Cubaris sp.
Morph / Locale
Miyako Island
Family
Armadillidiidae
Lifespan
2–3 years
Behavior
Shy, communal
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Habitat & Setup

Min. Enclosure
6 qt+
Substrate Depth
3–4 inches
Ventilation
Low
Lighting
No direct light

Substrate mix:For best results, use Isopod Paradise Organic Substrate specifically formulated to support healthy colonies. If you would rather mix your own, we recommend a blend of 70% organic topsoil, 10% flake soil, 10% milled sphagnum moss, 8% organics(mushroom compost, earthworm castings and leaf litter) and 2% calcium

Hides & decor: Bark tubes and flats, leaf litter layer, moss patches, coco huts, lotus pods. Cuttlebone for calcium source.

Moisture: High gradient moisture — damp substrate 70/30 gradient. Mist weekly .

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Diet & Feeding

Subtropical diet — leaf litter-forward with moderate protein supplementation.

✓ Feed These

  • Indian almond & oak leaf litter
  • Squash, sweet potato
  • Dried shrimp, fish flakes
  • Powder formulas like Isopod Chow, Repashy Morning Wood, Bug Burger, etc.
  • Mushroom pieces (occasional)

Feeding frequency: Rotate foods on a weekly basis. Remove leftover food when food begins to mold.

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Breeding & Lifecycle

Slow, methodical breeder. Requires patience and stability. Not a high-output species.

Gestation
7–10 weeks
Brood Size
Small
Time to Maturity
5–8 months
Breeding Ease
Moderate

Mancae care: Very sensitive. Maintain high humidity and provide fine food particles at substrate level.

Colony tips: Stability is the key word for Miyako Island. Any significant change in temp, humidity, or diet can stall breeding for months. Establish conditions and don't change them.

🌿 Did You Know?

Miyako Island sits in a subtropical zone where temperatures rarely drop below 60°F year-round — consistent warmth is built into this species' biology.