26 replies to this topic

[Ernteameise]

How do Isopods mate?

Is it like in crabs that they mate face to face (because the gonopods are below)?

Or do the males deposit spermatophora?

Just mounting does not seem to me very effective?

I want to know more.

[ANTdrew]

I found this from smug-bug.com:

 

"Isopods typically will not be “caught in the act” of breeding; most will hide away when exposed to light as they are a prey animal. There is always an exception to the rule, and the species A. maculatum readily will breed without fear or shame. While breeding, a male will be seen mounting a female, and the female arches up her hind end to assist. Isopods breed once sexually mature, and for some species this is quite young and small. An isopod will complete 5 molts to reach adulthood, but some species are observed gravid in as little as 2 molts. Young females will mate with large males, and large females will allow small males to mate with them as well. They are not picky animals. An interesting behavior observed in some larger Spanish species is a large mature male can be observed guarding a single female to prevent fertilization from other males."

[Ernteameise]

Ah, okay, so the females must have receptabula at the hind end and not twin "vaginas" as crabs and shrimps have.

Intriguing.

[ANTdrew]

Update 7-15-24

My zebra isopods have really taken off now. I have several hundred in this box and another large colony in a five gallon aquarium. The A. klugii are hanging on, but they have not multiplied anywhere near as fast as the A. maculatum. I plan to start selling the zebras, so message me if you are interested in a starter colony.

Zillions of zebras:

[Zzz]

This is really awesome. I really want to breed isopods but I don’t really have any access to cool species, expect one that is pink. On an unrelated topic, could you explain the prov. 30:25 in your bio. I might be stupid but I don’t really understand! 

[ANTdrew]

This is really awesome. I really want to breed isopods but I don’t really have any access to cool species, expect one that is pink. On an unrelated topic, could you explain the prov. 30:25 in your bio. I might be stupid but I don’t really understand!

Thank you. That verse is from a list of things that are small, but very wise. It praises ants for the fact that even though they are tiny creatures, they prepare all they need in the summer. A similar theme is portrayed in Aesop’s fable of the ant and the grasshopper.

[Zzz]

 

This is really awesome. I really want to breed isopods but I don’t really have any access to cool species, expect one that is pink. On an unrelated topic, could you explain the prov. 30:25 in your bio. I might be stupid but I don’t really understand!

Thank you. That verse is from a list of things that are small, but very wise. It praises ants for the fact that even though they are tiny creatures, they prepare all they need in the summer. A similar theme is portrayed in Aesop’s fable of the ant and the grasshopper.

 

Very cool! Thanks for your reply!