This is Porcellio laevis "Orange" - a classic hardy species and one of the best beginner isopods available. The current description mentions coconut coir in the substrate section which I'll remove. At £3.50 for 10, this is excellent value for a genuinely useful, attractive species.
Porcellio laevis "Orange" (Giant Orange Isopods) is one of the hobby's most reliable and versatile species. This vibrant orange morph of the smooth-bodied laevis offers everything a keeper could want: hardiness, prolific breeding, attractive colouration, and genuine functionality as bioactive cleanup crew. Originally from Europe (possibly North Africa), they've become a worldwide staple in the isopod hobby for good reason. At £3.50 for 10, they represent outstanding value—particularly for keepers needing large populations for bioactive setups or as feeder colonies.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Europe (possibly North Africa originally)
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Scientific Name: Porcellio laevis "Orange"
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Maintenance required: Low
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Average Size: 1.8-2.3 cm
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Rarity: Low (widely available)
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Lifespan: Up to 2 years
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Temperature: 16-32°C (60-90°F)
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Ventilation: Medium to High
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Humidity: 55-75%
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Favorite food: Vegetables, decaying organic matter, leaf litter
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Supplements: Cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, oyster shell
Porcellio laevis Orange: Introduction
Porcellio laevis is one of the most established species in the isopod hobby, and the Orange morph combines that proven reliability with genuinely attractive colouration. The bright orange carapace with subtle white highlights makes them visually appealing while retaining all the hardiness that makes standard laevis so popular.
Their common name "Giant Orange" is slightly misleading—they're not giant compared to species like P. expansus or P. hoffmannseggii. At 1.8-2.3cm, they're moderate-sized. However, they're larger than many commonly kept isopods, and their robust, active nature makes them feel substantial.
What distinguishes laevis from many species is their combination of traits: they're hardy across a wide temperature range, breed prolifically, have large appetites that make them excellent cleanup crew, and their calcium-rich exoskeletons make them valuable as feeders for reptiles and amphibians. The Orange morph adds visual appeal without sacrificing any of these practical advantages.
They're sometimes described as "aggressive," which deserves clarification. They're not aggressive toward keepers or in a dangerous sense—they're simply bold, active isopods that compete effectively for food. Adult laevis will outcompete smaller or more timid species at feeding time. This assertiveness is actually advantageous in bioactive setups where you want effective waste processing.
Porcellio laevis Orange: Physical Traits and Characteristics
- Adults reach 1.8-2.3 cm
- Distinctive bright orange colouration with subtle white highlights
- Smooth, glossy exoskeleton (the "laevis" name means "smooth")
- Flat, rounded body shape
- Cannot fully conglobate—body shape prevents complete rolling
- Calcium-rich exoskeleton (important for feeder use)
- Fast-moving and active compared to many species
- Sexual dimorphism present: males more slender, females broader with visible brood pouch when mature
The smooth, flat body and bright orange colour make them immediately recognisable. Under good lighting, their glossy carapace is genuinely attractive.
Behaviour
Porcellio laevis Orange are notably active, bold isopods.
Activity patterns: Diurnal—unusually for isopods, they're active during the day rather than strictly nocturnal. This makes them more visible and enjoyable to observe than many species that hide constantly.
Temperament: Bold and confident. They don't hide as much as shy species and will actively explore their enclosure. They're assertive at feeding time—adults will push past smaller or more timid isopods to access food.
Feeding behaviour: Large appetites. They're enthusiastic eaters that process waste efficiently, making them excellent bioactive cleanup crew. Their willingness to eat makes them reliable—they won't ignore waste the way pickier species might.
Competition: Their bold, assertive nature means they can outcompete more timid species. In mixed-species setups, consider whether tank mates can hold their own at feeding time.
Speed: Fast-moving compared to many isopods. They're not sluggish—expect quick movements when disturbed or when food is offered.
Social behaviour: Social and tolerant of crowding. Large colonies function well together, though ensure adequate food supply for growing populations.
Diet
Porcellio laevis Orange have large, unfussy appetites.
Primary foods:
- Decaying leaf litter (oak, beech, and similar hardwoods)
- Rotting hardwood and white-rotted wood
- Decaying organic matter
- Shed skins from reptiles and invertebrates
Supplementary foods:
- Vegetables: sweet potato, carrot, courgette, squash
- Mushrooms
- Fish flakes for protein
- Dried shrimp
- Greens and vegetable scraps
Calcium requirements: Higher than many species due to their calcium-rich exoskeletons. Provide cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, oyster shell, or calcium powder generously. Adequate calcium is particularly important if breeding colonies for feeder use.
Protein requirements: Regular protein supplementation supports growth and breeding. Fish flakes, dried shrimp, or fish meal work well. Offer protein-rich foods at least twice weekly given their active metabolism.
Feeding approach: They eat enthusiastically and can consume significant amounts. Ensure adequate food supply, particularly in large or growing colonies. Adults may outcompete juveniles for food—distribute food in multiple locations to ensure all individuals can feed. Remove uneaten fresh food to prevent pest attraction.
Porcellio laevis Orange: Breeding
Laevis are prolific breeders—one of their key advantages.
Breeding rate: Fast. Once established, colonies grow rapidly. They begin reproducing before reaching full adult size, accelerating population growth.
Sexing: Males are more slender than females. Mature females display a visible white marsupium (brood pouch) between their legs. Males have enlarged reproductive organs visible on close inspection.
Breeding behaviour: Males engage in courtship behaviour before transferring sperm packets to females. Females carry fertilised eggs in their abdominal pouch, where embryonic development occurs. Fully developed juveniles emerge ready to explore independently.
Colony growth: Expect rapid population increase under good conditions. This makes them excellent for establishing large cleanup crews or feeder colonies quickly.
Tips for success: Maintain adequate food supply—growing colonies can outpace food availability. Ensure sufficient calcium for breeding females and developing juveniles. Their hardy nature means breeding success is reliable with basic care.
Porcellio laevis Orange: Habitat Setup
Their adaptability makes habitat setup straightforward.
Enclosure: Plastic containers with ventilated lids work well for culturing. Start with smaller containers for new colonies and upsize as populations grow. Good ventilation is important—they prefer airflow more than humidity-dependent species.
Substrate: Use a moisture-retaining substrate that supports their burrowing behaviour:
- Organic topsoil as a base (pesticide-free)
- Sphagnum peat moss mixed in for moisture retention
- Crushed limestone or calcium powder throughout
- Leaf litter layered on top
- Decaying hardwood pieces
Substrate depth of 8-10cm (3-4 inches) allows burrowing. They enjoy digging, so provide adequate depth.
Humidity: 55-75%—they prefer damp conditions but tolerate more variation than sensitive species:
- Maintain a moisture gradient (one side damp, one side drier)
- Mist one side of the enclosure to create the gradient
- Allow isopods to move between wet and dry areas as needed
- Good ventilation prevents stagnation while maintaining appropriate moisture
They need moisture for hydration but aren't as humidity-dependent as tropical Cubaris species.
Ventilation: Medium to high ventilation. They appreciate airflow. Small holes around container walls (above substrate level to prevent escapes) provide adequate ventilation while maintaining humidity.
Décor and hides:
- Cork bark pieces
- Coconut shell halves
- Egg carton sections
- Moss patches (serves as hiding spot and food)
- Multiple hides distributed throughout
Provide hiding options for both juveniles and adults. Multiple locations reduce competition for shelter.
Temperature: 16-32°C (60-90°F)—remarkably tolerant of temperature variation. They handle both cooler and warmer conditions than many species. Room temperature in UK homes works year-round without supplemental heating in most cases.
Springtails: Recommended companions. Springtails consume mould that can develop in humid areas, helping maintain enclosure hygiene. They coexist peacefully with laevis.
Bioactive Use
Porcellio laevis Orange excel as bioactive cleanup crew.
Ideal applications:
- Reptile bioactive enclosures (bearded dragons, leopard geckos, skinks, etc.)
- Amphibian setups
- Invertebrate enclosures
- Planted vivariums
- Any bioactive system needing efficient waste processing
Advantages:
- Large appetites mean effective waste processing
- Hardy across wide temperature and humidity ranges
- Prolific breeding maintains populations
- Active daytime behaviour increases visibility
- Attractive orange colouration
- Affordable pricing allows large starter populations
As feeders: Their calcium-rich exoskeletons make them excellent feeders for reptiles and amphibians. Prolific breeding supports sustainable feeder colonies. Their moderate size suits many predator species.
Considerations:
- Their assertive nature means they may outcompete timid species
- Fast movement may startle some animals initially
- Ensure adequate food supply to prevent them seeking alternative food sources
Suitability
Porcellio laevis Orange suit virtually any keeper.
Excellent choice for:
- Complete beginners (ideal first species)
- Bioactive setup cleanup crews
- Feeder colony establishment
- Keepers wanting low-maintenance species
- Anyone wanting attractive, affordable isopods
- Large-scale bioactive projects needing bulk populations
- Children's first isopod experience
Potential considerations:
- May outcompete timid species in mixed setups
- Bold, fast nature might not suit keepers wanting shy, slow species
- Not suitable if you want rare or challenging species
Care level: Very low difficulty. They're genuinely hardy and forgiving of mistakes. Temperature fluctuations, minor humidity variations, and occasional neglect won't devastate colonies the way sensitive species would suffer. Perfect for beginners learning isopod husbandry.
Value assessment: At £3.50 for 10 (with bulk pricing available), they're exceptional value. The combination of attractive appearance, practical utility, and prolific breeding makes them genuinely useful rather than just cheap. Keepers establishing bioactive setups can purchase larger quantities without significant expense, ensuring populations establish quickly.
Compared to other beginner species: Similar care requirements to P. scaber but with more striking appearance. More active and visible than many species. Larger than Dairy Cows (P. scaber "Dalmatian") but similar hardiness. An excellent alternative or complement to other beginner-friendly Porcellio.
Expectations: Expect hardy, active isopods that breed reliably and eat enthusiastically. Expect attractive orange colouration that adds visual interest to enclosures. Expect minimal problems—these are genuinely easy isopods that reward basic care with thriving, growing colonies. Don't expect them to hide constantly or be shy—their bold, diurnal nature is part of their appeal.
