Isopods as Chameleon Feeder
When it comes to feeder variety, I like to throw in something unexpected—something rarely associated with a chameleon's natural menu.
Isopods.
Yes, those humble, armored crustaceans that scuttle through leaf litter. And they're not just a novelty—they're a natural part of the diet for some small, terrestrial chameleons.
Field Observations from the Forest Floor
In my own fieldwork, I've documented isopods as part of the diet in several species:
Rhampholeon temporalis and Rieppeleon brevicaudatus in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
Brookesia therezieni, B. superciliaris, and B. stumpffi in Madagascar
Their presence in these species—and absence in larger, arboreal chameleons—is ecologically logical. Isopods are forest-floor dwellers, active in the leaf litter where small chameleons forage. They don't climb into the higher canopy during the day, so they remain inaccessible to larger, tree-dwelling species.
Nutritional Profile & Practical Use
One species I particularly recommend is Porcellionides pruinosus. They're:
Easy to breed in large numbers
Agile and soft-bodied
Readily climb a stick placed in a feeding bowl, making them more visible and enticing to chameleons
Nutritionally, they're:
Low in fat and protein
High in fiber and calcium
Rich in iron, magnesium, trace elements, taurine, and flavor-enhancing amino acids
However, they're not perfect. Their essential amino acid profile is unbalanced, and they contain relatively low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). So, like any feeder, they should be part of a diverse, well-rounded diet—not the sole staple.
Beyond Chameleons
Isopods aren't just for chameleons. Many other lizards—agamas, lacertids, skinks, and geckos—absolutely love them. Their texture, movement, and mineral content make them a valuable enrichment item as well as a nutritional supplement.
In short: Isopods, especially Porcellionides pruinosus, are an underrated but meaningful addition to the feeder lineup. They reflect the natural foraging behavior of many small chameleons and offer a unique nutritional profile that complements more conventional feeders.