Chimera

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured. Thanks for your answer! ?

So my interest in breeding isopods persists, but I'm having difficulty finding sources to learn about the finer points of it. Everything I find is too technical for me to understand, or not specific enough. I have one main question that I haven't been able to find the answer to. So I know different colors of isopods within species can be crossbred, but what about isopods that are different species but in the same genus? For example, breeding Porcellio dilatatus with Porcellio scaber? (Totally random examples.) I feel like it should be possible, but if it is, why haven't hobbyist pursued it? Thanks in advance! Also, any links to sources or papers about isopod breeding are appreciated ?

Huh, interesting! That would be awesome if you could isolate it. And nice work! ?

Heh, there are a surprising amount of completely unique-looking harvestmen. I'm surprised Opiliones don't get more attention. Alright, I wish you the best of luck!

I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of those legs! Subtle but quite pretty coloring. How gorgeous! So do they normally not have orange blotches?

That's a good idea. My mom's always going to Costco, I bet I could find a suitable container there.

Oh my gosh, those are gorgeous! I love their coloring. So Halloween-y ? If you succeed in breeding them, please let me know! I'd love to buy some if you decide to sell any.

Seriously though, this would be amazing to have in the hobby. http://petslady.com/article/creepy-cute-bunny-harvestman-could-give-arachnid-arachnophobia

Yeah, I considered one of those giant mason jars. It would have great visibility, but there would be so much wasted vertical space. Hang on, that gives me an idea! What is I got a really big mason jar (something like this: https://www.amazon.com/1-gallon-USDA-Fermentation-Glass-Jar/dp/B006ZRBGSC), and then turned it sideways and kept it on some sort of rack? It obviously wouldn't very efficient space-wise, but it could make a really cool display piece if you only had a few roaches! To keep it cheap, I could even use an old pickle jar or something.

That's a great idea, thanks!

So I'm hoping to get some Tiger Hissers, and having an escape-proof container to begin with sounds a great deal easier than having to deal with petroleum jelly on a glass aquarium. However, I want my hissers to be display pets, and even "clear" bins that you can get from Target or Walmart don't offer that great of visibility. Does anyone know of some super clear but secure bins? Or is there a way to modify the metal mesh lid I have to fit the aquarium more snugly, and make it secure?

Ah, okay. That's good info to know, thanks so much. The last thing I want to be is an irresponsible roach owner or breeder.

So, from what I understand, Gromphadorhina species can interbreed within their genus. I've heard that this can lead to lots of variation in color and markings. That seems like a plus to me, but people generally seem to only want pure strains. My question is: is there something inherently wrong with hybrids? Do they have health issues? Can they end up sterile? I know in some hobbies (like the dart frog hobby), it's considered irresponsible to breed hybrids because it compromises purity of certain localities or something? Is the same true with roaches? I posted a thread awhile ago, looking for a large roach species with lots of variation within that species. @BlattaAnglicana suggested hybrid Gromphadorhina portentosa, and I think that's a great idea. If there's nothing actually wrong with hybrids, I think that opens up a lot of interesting possibilities. On that note, can any Gromphadorhina species breed with any other Gromphadorhina species? Does anyone know of any good sources about breeding hybrids and how to isolate any desirable morphs that might result? I still have a lot to learn about roach genetics and breeding- any feedback would be greatly appreciated ?

So I really love the look of isopods and millipedes, but I want a pet I can see pretty much all the time. As they are burrowers that eat their substrate, I initially ruled them out. However, I recently came across a site that builds ant habitats- http://www.antscanada.com/. In their FAQ, they say, "Our formicaria are designed to mimic sub terrestrial habitats, so feel free to use our formicaria for your terrestrial spiders, beetles, larvae, worms, sow bugs, millipedes, centipedes, and all other insect pets you may adopt from under a rock outside." To give you guys an idea of what their habitats look like, I'll attach pictures. What I'm wondering is could this sort of habitat by modified to become a millipede or isopod home? Could I just put the substrate in the "outworld", and maybe a bit in each chamber as well? I would be really excited if I could make this work! Here are some examples of what AntsCanada has for sale:

You'll be missed, Hisserdude. I didn't know you for long, but you were always so helpful in answering my questions and making me feel welcome. I have dealt with anxiety and depression for years now, and it's just awful to live with. I know the feeling of loved hobbies starting to feel like chores. Take some time to take care of yourself. Eat chocolate. Take walks. Watch MLP (I'm making my way through season 7 right now ). The forum will still be around when you choose to return. I wish you the best of luck!

Ah, is that the only obstacle? *rubs hands together while chuckling evilly* That's a good point... I would have to wait for them to be fully grown before I could identify the largest specimens and breed them, even though they can produce young much earlier. Thanks for your feedback!

Ah, okay. Maybe I can get my library to purchase Orin's isopod book. Hmm, so what you're saying is it may be possible to breed cat-size hissers.... Kidding, though that would be kind of amazing.

Thank for chipping in, Hisserdude! I've never seen any for sale in the US, but hopefully they'll find their way into the US hobby soon!

I've got to add them to my wishlist! Imagine a big display tank with a ton of them, and dark decor to make their beauty stand out! I guess European hobbyists can't generally ship into the US though, huh?

Thanks for your reply! So what I'm gathering from that is that size isn't necessarily genetic? So selective breeding would be useless, it would be more effective to simply give individuals lots of space to grow? (As I said, a newbie here, so I just want to make sure I understand.) EDIT: For that matter, do genetics play a big part in roach size? I have so much to learn... Also, do you happen to know of any good sources for learning about the basics of isopod genetics? I really want to know more, but I don't know where to start.

So I have recently become more interested in isopods. In particular, selective breeding of isopods. It seems that many people culture and isolate morphs, all to do with color or patterning. However, I can find absolutely zero information of the concept of breeding isopods for (bigger) size. Is there an obvious obstacle to this? Perhaps not enough size variability within species to select parents? Because, I don't know about you, but I think a 3-inch isopod would be absolutely incredible! Any links or info would be appreciated. Please keep in mind that I'm just coming into this hobby and don't know much about isopod genetics... So sorry if this is a stupid question!

Good to know! Thanks for posting.

Oh my goodness, what beautiful roaches! I didn't know that particular Corydidarum species had been cultured yet. They look like little gemstones! @stanislas Where the heck did you get them from?

Thanks so much for posting that link! I'm jumping for joy right now. After some major life events, I only just got back into the idea of starting a roach collection. Just yesterday I finally checked out For the Love of Cockroaches (I suggested my library purchase it... and they did!). So seeing that Kyle's back in business seems like a sign Kyle: You don't really know me, but I'm so glad you're back and am looking forward to getting in contact with you!

It's "being processed" currently. I'm planning on going to the library and hopefully picking it up today, as I'm leaving on vacation tomorrow and would love a good book to read on the plane I've heard lots of good stuff about it. I can't wait to read it! Me too, I was worried because of the price and the fact I'd never requested a purchase. Hopefully I won't be the only one excited to see such a unique book in the library system