In the world of quirky pets, Wesley Bryan has found his niche with isopods, those little critters often mistaken for insects. Based in Sacramento, Bryan is the proud owner of The World of Isopods, where he breeds and sells over 173 species of these fascinating crustaceans. These tiny creatures are popping up in terrariums everywhere, proving that the pet industry isn’t just about cats and dogs anymore.
Bryan’s journey started at a young age when he dabbled in selling reptiles but pivoted to isopods due to their soaring popularity. He quickly discovered that these little roly-polies aren’t just cute; they serve a vital role in maintaining clean habitats, making them a must-have for terrarium enthusiasts. With prices ranging from $15 to $200 for rare morphs, Bryan has built a lucrative business by catering to this unusual market.
Weighing in at about 100,000 bugs in his stockroom, Bryan emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding. His most prized possession? The Ardentiella “Red Scarlet” morph, which looks like it could serve as Iron Man’s pet! With daily operations involving organic feeding and careful climate control, Bryan and his two employees deal with high demand, shipping out dozens of orders each week. It seems that whether you’re looking for a unique pet or just a conversation starter, isopods have found their place in today’s pet culture!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
