Isopods For Sale (185)

Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods, commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies in layman language, is loved by the majority of the hobbyists and nature enthusiasts because of them being exotic creature and unusual appearance. Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods are easy to maintain and have fewer care requirements when compared to other in the same species, which is why keeping them as pets is easy. A Glimpse Origin: Mediterranean Basin and Europe Scientific Name: Armadillidium Vulgare Difficulty: Relatively easy Rarity: Common Temperature: 22–23°C Size: Up to 1.8 cm Humidity: Medium Favourable Foods: Rotting white wood, calcium, lichen, and decaying leaf litter An Overview Native to the Mediterranean region and Europe, Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods are now found in numerous other areas. Their trait is unique creatures, rolling into a ball for protection, making them smarter than other isopod species. As natural decomposers, Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods play a vital role in ecosystems. Breaking down organic, helping improve soil quality and nutrient content is what these little creatures do. From forests to coastal areas, Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods thrive in various environments. You must moisten the terrarium and use logs, rocks, and leaf litter so your isopods stay healthy and happy. Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods: Basic Care Keeping Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods as pets requires following these care tips so they can thrive and reproduce better. Use a secure container like plastic or glass enclosure to create a proper environment for them. Make tiny holes so there’s adequate airflow within the enclosure. A temperature range between 22–23°C is essential so your isopods live stress-free. Maintain medium humidity levels, which is important for your isopods’ health. Feeding As natural decomposers, Armadillidium Esteralanum isopods commonly consume decaying organic matter. Make a diet, including items like rotting white wood, decaying leaf litter, calcium, and lichen as these are a good source of nutrients for them. Also, don’t overfeed, as it is harmful to their health. Appearance and Behaviour Small, oval-shaped creatures, segmented bodies Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods have, which feature colour variation and exotic patterns. Armadillidium Esteralanum isopods have a unique defense mechanism: They can roll into a ball, a process known as conglobation. This helps protect them from predators and other threats. Being nocturnal in nature, they are more active at night but move more slowly than other isopods.  As social creatures, Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods thrive in groups. Habitat Essential is creating a suitable habitat for Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods. For space, a 12-inch-long container with good ventilation is fine. Other than that, a moist and dry side within the enclosure is necessary. This helps maintain the right moisture levels. Also, add hiding places like pieces of bark, cork, or small rocks so they match their natural environment. Armadillidium Esteralanum Isopods: Substrate Mix A well-prepared substrate is essential so your isopods live comfortably. Mix coconut coir, decayed hardwood, leaf litter, sand, and calcium carbonate to create the perfect substrate mix for your isopods. Also, check the substrate’s moisture levels regularly. This way, you can prevent it from drying out.

Nicklesi Tang is a rare species popular among isopod enthusiasts and hobbyists. Known for their striking appearance, they feature vibrant orange coloration and intriguing behavior. Many keepers find these isopods attractive. But despite the appeal, caring for Nicklesi Tang is not easy and includes moderately challenging requirements. This makes them suitable for enthusiasts who are experienced in isopods. A Glimpse Origin: Spain Scientific Name: Porcellio Nicklesi Difficulty: Moderate Rarity: Rare Temperature: 22-25 °C Size: Up to 3 cm Humidity: Low Favoruable Foods: Veggies, fruits, fish food, rotting white wood decaying leaves, and molting of reptiles and invertebrates. An Overview Terrestrial crustaceans native to Spain are Nicklesi Tang Isopods. Adapted to low-humidity environments, keeping these isopods is challenging and requires maintaining the right setup. This ensures your isopods are happy and healthy. Low humidity and temperature requirements make Nicklesi Tang Isopods different from other species. Usually, most isopods thrive in high-humidity environments, but Nicklesi Tang Isopods don’t. A prized possession for hobbyists, choosing Nicklesi Tang Isopods is a good decision, especially for those who want to diversify their collection with rare and visually appealing species. Orange coloration makes these isopods eye-catching, which other isopod species lack. So, if you wish for gorgeous-looking isopods, go for Nicklesi Tang Isopods. Nicklesi Tang Isopods: Basic Care Originating from low-humidity regions, creating a similar environment is necessary to keep Nicklesi Tang Isopods as pets. A few simple tips and you are ready to be an isopod keeper. The ideal temperature for these Nicklesi Tang Isopods is between 22°C and 25°C, which ensures comfort and activity. Installing good ventilation ensures great airflow and leaves no room for excess moisture build-up or fungal growth within the enclosure, which is a good way to keep your isopods strong and healthy. To give them the comfort of their natural habitat, install good lighting. Creating a gradient with a dry area and a moist section is essential because it helps the isopods to self-regulate their hydration needs. Feeding As omnivorous scavengers, providing a diverse diet to Nicklesi Tang Isopods is essential. Their natural diet includes decaying organic matter, vegetables, and fruits, which provide vital nutrients. A well-balanced diet is what you should offer to your isopods. It promotes growth, and also helps in reproduction and vibrant appearance. They like feeding on fish food and molting invertebrates, which is a good idea for high-protein. This helps meet their dietary protein needs. Nicklesi Tang Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Nicklesi Tang isopods are visually striking. Their body structure features intricate patterns and coloration, which makes them appealing. Nicklesi Tang Isopods grow up to 3 cm, which makes them larger than various common isopod species.  Segmented, armored exoskeleton protects them from predators and makes them look attractive. Active during the day, exhibiting fascinating social behaviour is common for Nicklesi Tang Isopods. Nicklesi Tang Isopods: Habitat Replicating the natural habitat and keeping Nicklesi Tang Isopods is easy. These isopods need a spacious enclosure and sufficient hiding spots to thrive and grow. Proper humidity and temperature levels are also necessary. Use a plastic or glass terrarium for the enclosure, but ensure it has good ventilation. Add pieces of cork bark, stones, and leaf litter for hiding spots. Substrate Mix A crucial part of the isopod enclosure is the substrate mix. Mimicking their natural environment, a good substrate mix helps these isopods live comfortably. To fulfill this need, use coconut coir, sand, leaf litter, and white rotting wood. Also, provide crushed eggshells or cuttlebones so they can meet their calcium requirement.

A large Spanish Porcellio displaying the natural wild-type grey colouration with impressive uropods and a distinctive bumpy texture. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Spain Scientific Name: Porcellio nicklesi Difficulty Level: Medium Size: Up to 20mm body length (30mm including uropods) Rarity: Medium-High Temperature: 18°C to 28°C Humidity: 45% to 55% (low humidity species) Favorite Foods: Decaying hardwood, leaf litter, vegetables, fish food Supplements: Calcium sources (cuttlebone, limestone), protein twice weekly Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: An Overview Porcellio nicklesi is a Spanish cave-dwelling species that was originally described by Dollfus back in 1892. For a while, they were considered a subspecies of Porcellio bolivari, but they're now recognised as their own species. The "True Form" designation refers to the natural wild-type colouration, distinguishing these from the various selectively bred morphs like Rubivan, Tang, and Dark that have become popular in the hobby. These are one of the larger Porcellio species available, and their most distinctive feature is their impressively long uropods (the tail-like projections at the rear). Males have noticeably longer uropods than females, making sexing adults relatively straightforward once you know what to look for. They're not the easiest species to keep. P. nicklesi comes from dry mountainous regions and Spanish caves, and they have specific requirements around humidity and ventilation that catch out a lot of keepers. If you've successfully kept other large Spanish Porcellio, you'll probably do fine. If this is your first venture into "giant" Porcellio territory, be prepared for a learning curve. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: Appearance The True Form displays the natural grey to brown-grey colouration of wild specimens. They lack the striking whites, oranges, or high-contrast patterns of the selectively bred morphs, but there's something appealing about keeping the original wild-type form. The body has a slightly bumpy, textured appearance typical of the species. Adults reach around 20mm in body length, but including those characteristic uropods, total length can reach an impressive 30mm. They're chunky isopods with presence, and watching a group of adults moving around an enclosure is genuinely impressive. Unlike Armadillidium species, Porcellio nicklesi cannot roll into a ball. They're surface-dwelling isopods that rely on their speed and ability to wedge into tight spaces for protection. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: Basic Care This is where things get a bit tricky. There's a common misconception in the hobby that P. nicklesi and other large Spanish Porcellio should be kept bone dry. This isn't quite accurate and has probably killed more of these isopods than any other mistake. The Reality of "Dry" Species Yes, they prefer lower humidity than many other isopods. No, they don't want to be kept completely dry. In their natural habitat within Spanish caves and rock crevices, humidity can actually be quite high in the microhabitats where they shelter, even if the surrounding environment is arid. All isopods breathe through modified gills on their undersides, and these need moisture to function. Keep them too dry and they'll desiccate. The key is providing excellent ventilation alongside access to moisture. Temperature: Room temperature works well, anywhere from 18°C to 28°C. They're not fussy about temperature as long as it's stable. Humidity: This is the critical factor. Keep overall humidity low (45-55%) but provide a localised moist area they can access. About one-fifth of the enclosure should have damp moss or substrate. The rest should be dry. Never let the moist area dry out completely, but never let it get waterlogged either. Ventilation: Essential. These isopods need good airflow to prevent stagnant, humid conditions. Cross-ventilation with vents on opposite sides of the enclosure works best. Stale air combined with moisture will cause problems quickly. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: Feeding P. nicklesi are detritivores with a preference for decaying hardwood and leaf litter. They're not fussy eaters once established, but getting the diet right supports healthy moulting and reproduction. Primary Food Sources: Hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech) Decaying white rotting wood Flake soil Rotting hardwood seems particularly important for large Spanish Porcellio. Many keepers find that providing plenty of decaying wood makes a noticeable difference to colony health and breeding success. Supplemental Foods: Vegetables (carrot, courgette, sweet potato) Fruits occasionally Fish flakes or freeze-dried shrimp for protein (1-2 times weekly) Calcium: Important for healthy moulting. Provide: Cuttlebone Limestone pieces Crushed oyster shell Place protein-rich foods on the dry side of the enclosure as they spoil quickly in moist conditions. Remove uneaten food within 24 hours. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: Substrate A well-draining substrate mix works best. You want something that won't hold excessive moisture but still provides the right texture for burrowing and hiding. A suitable mix might include: Organic topsoil as a base Coconut coir for moisture retention in the damp area Sand for drainage Rotting hardwood pieces throughout Leaf litter covering the surface Limestone or calcium sand mixed through Substrate depth should be around 5-6cm. Add pieces of cork bark and hardwood for additional hides and climbing surfaces. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: Enclosure Setup Size Matters Large Porcellio need space. A minimum of 6 litres for a starter colony, but larger is better. Males can be territorial, and crowding causes stress that leads to die-offs. 12+ litres is preferable for an established colony. Ventilation Setup This is critical. Use large mesh vents rather than drilled holes. Position vents on opposite sides of the enclosure to encourage air movement across the setup. Leave a gap of at least an inch between the top of the substrate and the lid to prevent stagnant air pooling. Humidity Gradient Set up your enclosure with approximately 80% dry area and 20% moist area. The moist corner should have damp sphagnum moss covering bark and leaf litter. Water can be added directly to the moss rather than misting the whole enclosure. The rest of the setup should stay dry. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: Breeding P. nicklesi are seasonal breeders and won't reproduce year-round like some easier Porcellio species. Expect most breeding activity during warmer months. They're not especially prolific compared to species like P. laevis, and colony growth is steady rather than explosive. Mancae (juveniles) are particularly sensitive to conditions and need reliable access to moisture without the substrate being wet. Many colony crashes happen because the mancae dry out. Maturity takes around 6-9 months depending on conditions. Once a colony is established and breeding well, they can produce medium to large litters. But getting to that point requires patience and attention to their specific needs. Porcellio Nicklesi (True Form) Isopods: Common Mistakes Keeping them too dry: The number one killer. They need moisture access despite being a "low humidity" species. Poor ventilation: Stagnant humid air causes mould, mites, and die-offs. Cross-ventilation is essential. Too small an enclosure: Large Porcellio need space. Cramped conditions stress them and lead to problems. Wet substrate: They can't tolerate soggy conditions. The moist area should be damp, not wet. No rotting wood: Seems to be important for these species. Don't skimp on decaying hardwood in the setup. Who Are These Isopods For? P. nicklesi True Form are a good choice for: Keepers with experience in large Porcellio species Those interested in the wild-type form rather than selectively bred morphs Hobbyists who can provide the specific ventilation and humidity requirements They might not suit: Complete beginners to isopod keeping Those wanting a set-and-forget species Keepers looking for rapid population growth Anyone without the ability to provide good ventilation If you're newer to isopods, consider starting with more forgiving species like Porcellio scaber or Porcellio laevis before tackling P. nicklesi. Once you've got the basics down, these can be a rewarding step up in complexity. What's Included Each order contains healthy specimens selected from our breeding stock. We include a mix of sizes to give your colony the best start. A care sheet is provided with every order covering the specific requirements for this species.

One of the largest terrestrial species, the Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods originate from the Spanish region. These huge Porcellio isopods are not very rare isopods that thrive in less humid environments. They make great fit for collectors who can indulge in medium-level maintenance. They have to be kept in dry and low humidity conditions. They are not beginner-friendly pets. The substrate mix of Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods should include sphagnum moss and hardwood leaves. Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods are fond of burrowing deep into the substrate mix.  A Glimpse Origin: Spain Scientific Name: Porcellio Hoffmannseggi Difficulty: Medium Rarity: Rare Temperature: 20-26C Size: 4 cm Humidity: 30 to 50% Favourable Foods: Cuttlebone, Calcium Carbonate An Overview Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods are medium-level maintenance isopods when compared to other isopods. These Spanish isopods have been categorized by their enormous size amongst Porcellio genus creatures. The hardy nature and impressive size of these isopods add to their appeal.   Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods do not make easy pets. As Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods come from the Spanish region on the Iberian Peninsula, they will thrive in a dry and semi-arid environment.  The notable thing about Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods is that they can produce offspring in different colors because of their genetics. They look huge but consume little feed so owners should not make the mistake of overfeeding them.    This large isopod is easily distinguishable by the length of its tail. It cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and high humidity. The Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods are usually found on the cliffside in Spain.    Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods spend most of their burrowing within the substrate. They need extra care. Ventilation within the enclosure is also necessary to sustain healthy balance within the enclosure.  Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods. Use coco coir and sphagnum moss to form the base of the substrate mix for Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods. You can use a standard-sized large enclosure to house the Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods.  Keep the temperature of the container within 65 to 90℉. Avoid keeping the enclosure in direct light.  Humidity should be limited and not more than 50 percent in the Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods vivarium setup. Feeding Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods feed on dead organic matter and calcium. You can also feed rotten leaves and protein to these Porcellio isopods. Use dried shrimp and fish food to feed the Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods. Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods’ main source of diet is cuttlebone and egg shells. You can also feed them calcium powder.  Appearance And Behaviour Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods have unique needs.  Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods can grow up to 4 cm in size.  These Porcellio isopods are distinguishable by the length of their tail.  These isopods like to burrow deep in the substrate.  These isopods cannot survive extreme temperatures and need a low-humidity environment.  They produce quickly and easily with an average-sized brood.  These isopods protect their offspring for the first two moltings. Habitat Hoffmannseggi Isopods prefer dry environments. You can use a standard-size 15 litre terrarium to store the Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods. The natural habitat of Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods is composed of good ventilation and less moisture. These isopods tend to enjoy thriving in low humidity setups. They are the perfect choice for terrarium setups with both wet and dry areas to regulate hydration level.  Substrate Mix The substrate of these Isopods should be a combination of sphagnum moss, topsoil (we personally use topsoil from Wix for most of our collections) Arcadia earth mix and also leaf litter. Don’t make the substrate mix completely dry. This might not favour the Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods because they cannot survive extreme temperatures. Their enclosure should be majorly dry but a little humid. The substrate mix should include hardwood leaves and wooden bark to supply continuous nutrition to Hoffmannseggi Yeti Isopods. 

Like most other Armadillo Officinalis species, the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods prefer a moist environment to thrive. They are commonly gifted isopods to isopod collection enthusiasts because of their interesting and companionable nature. These strikingly beautiful brown-coloured isopods originate from Eastern Spain. These brown pill bugs are exotic and most fascinating Armadillo species, amongst others. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods make valuable and beloved pets. This hissing isopod can make a likeable addition to your terrarium setup. The elegant and good-natured isopods can be a little challenging to raise for beginners, but not impossible. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Spain, Mediterranean Basin, Greece Scientific Name: Armadillo Officinalis Duméril Difficulty: Medium Rarity: Low Temperature: 65 to 75℉ Size: 2 cm Humidity: 60 to 75% Favourable Foods: Crushed eggshells, cuttlefish An Overview Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are Spanish natives that can be delightful to raise. These brown-coloured Armadillo isopods with orange spots are calm species that are large in size. These affable isopods need a medium level of maintenance and care.    Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods grow large really fast. They are rolly polly isopods that turn themselves into a ball when threatened. These Armadillo isopods rub their legs on their exoskeleton and end up producing a hissing sound. This is why the Armadillo Officinalis Brown are called the hissing isopods.    The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are also Mediterranean Basin natives. They will thrive in enclosures that have one-third wet part and the rest normal. The best thing about the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods is that they are friendly-natured.   The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are even Greek isopods. These humming isopods can make a splendid addition to your isopod collection. They will thrive in a moist terrarium setup. These isopods grow well in a humid environment.  These Spanish isopods are not at all rare species. They are highly socialising isopods that need a spacious environment to move around. Isopod collectors can shop for a terrarium with 5 litre capacity to store the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods. These exemplary isopods will not reproduce in a terrarium setup that is not spacious.   Isopod collectors can add white rotten wood and lime to their substrate mix. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods’ substrate mix can also include a soil and leaf litter mixture.   Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods is a brown-coloured morph that will thrive in a substrate mix, which includes pieces of bark and mosses. All the new collectors can take extra care of waterlogging within the terrarium. They can feed them cuttlefish and crushed eggshells to help Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods grow their shells faster. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Armadillo Officinalis Brown isopods.   Use a bioactive setup of 5 litre capacity to house the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods. Keep the temperature within 65 to 75℉. Avoid keeping the enclosure in direct light. Maintain 60 to 75% humidity levels because the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods thrive in medium to high humidity environments. Regularly spray the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods terrarium setup to maintain adequate humidity levels. These fairly large isopods are easy-to-breed pets.  Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods will only reproduce in spacious terrarium setups. Keep the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods moist always.  Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Feeding Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods is a charming isopod that benefits from eating crushed eggshells, limestone, and cuttlefish. These isopods are fond of eating white rotten wood.    Feed the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods leftover animal products, especially bones. They can be fed foliage in their substrate mix. The brown isopods also consume flowers and fruits.    Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods even feed on dead wood and leaf litter. Give the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods feeding foliage and white rotting wood to help them thrive.   Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are nocturnal species that readily consume fish food and greens. You will also see them eating the moulting of invertebrates inside the terrarium setup. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Appearance And Behavior Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are medium-sized isopods. These brown isopods can grow as large as 2 cm. The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods have orange spots on a brown body. Their brownish colour makes them a more attractive option over the Armadillo Red Brick isopods. These isopods curl themselves up in a ball and make a hissing sound.  These Armadillo isopods will only reproduce in a spacious terrarium setup.  Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are active and social species. They can be seen thriving in groups within a terrarium setup.  Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods count amongst the longest-living isopods and can live up to 9 years.   These crepuscular isopods love hiding themselves during the daytime.  Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Habitat Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are medium sized isopods that thrive in mediumly humid environments. These isopods take 9 months to turn from a juvenile into an adult.    The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are convenient to breed. They can have up to 300 young woodlice litters per year. They can survive only in tanks where humidity is maintained religiously.    The Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods are readily found on the western Black Sea coast. Enthusiasts can even look for the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods across the Mediterranean Sea. Many people love giving the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods to their loved ones. Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods: Substrate Mix The substrate mix of the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods can consist of sphagnum moss and leaf litter. The presence of sphagnum moss, as well as leaf litter within a substrate mix, can help retain the moist environment within a terrarium setup.   You can even add white rotten wood and pieces of bark at the base of the terrarium setup. You can also add lime inside the substrate mix to help the Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods produce their shells faster.    The substrate mix of Armadillo Officinalis Brown Isopods can include feeding foliage. This ingredient is essential and includes things such as fallen leaves and decaying organic matter.

Porcellio magnificus is one of the largest and most visually striking species available in the hobby. Native to the mountainous regions of southern Spain, these isopods display a natural bright orange colouration that isn't the result of selective breeding—it's simply how they look in the wild. This particular locale originates from the Almería mountains, where they inhabit dry cliff faces and rocky terrain. They require drier conditions than many other species and more space than typical isopods, but for keepers willing to accommodate their needs, they offer some of the most interesting behaviour you'll find in any isopod species. A Glimpse Origin: Spain (Almería mountains - new locale) Scientific Name: Porcellio magnificus Maintenance required: Medium to High Average Size: 2-2.5 cm (up to 3 cm for large females) Rarity: High Lifespan: 2-4 years Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F) Ventilation: High Humidity: 40-60% (with moist area available) Favorite food: Decaying hardwood, leaf litter, vegetables Supplements: Cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, eggshells Porcellio magnificus: Introduction There's a reason these isopods carry the name "magnificus"—they are genuinely impressive animals. Among the largest readily available species in the hobby, adult females can reach up to 3 cm, making them substantial enough to observe individual behaviours that get lost with smaller species. Their bright orange colouration is completely natural, not a colour morph or the result of line breeding. In the wild, they inhabit the hot, dry cliff faces and rocky outcrops of southern Spain's mountain regions. This particular locale comes from the Almería mountains and may show slight variation from other magnificus populations, though the care requirements remain similar. These aren't your typical "set and forget" isopods. They need lower humidity than most species, excellent ventilation, and more space than you might expect. But if you're prepared to meet those requirements, magnificus offer something most isopods don't: genuinely engaging behaviour that you can spend hours watching. Porcellio magnificus: Physical Traits and Characteristics One of the largest Porcellio species commonly available, with adults reaching 2-2.5 cm and large females occasionally exceeding 3 cm Natural bright orange colouration across the entire body, with some individuals showing darker or lighter variations Robust, oval body shape typical of the Porcellio genus Cannot conglobate (roll into a ball) like Armadillidium species—they rely on speed and finding cover when threatened Active and fast-moving compared to many other isopod species Males and females can be distinguished by body shape (females broader) and uropod length Behaviour This is where magnificus really stand out. Once established and comfortable in their enclosure, they display territorial and social behaviours that are genuinely fascinating to observe. Maternal care: Female magnificus dig burrows for their young and actively guard the entrance. They will physically defend their offspring against other colony members, sometimes to the point of causing injury. This level of parental investment is unusual among isopods and makes watching a breeding colony genuinely engaging. Male behaviour: Males will posture and display to one another, establishing territories within the enclosure. You'll see them sizing each other up and occasionally chasing rivals away from preferred areas. Activity patterns: These are relatively bold isopods once settled. Unlike shy Cubaris species that hide constantly, magnificus will often be visible foraging, interacting, and going about their business—particularly in the evenings and at night, though they're not strictly nocturnal. Territorial nature: Because of their territorial behaviour, magnificus need more space than most isopods. Overcrowding leads to stress, aggression, and poor breeding outcomes. This isn't a species you can cram into a small container and expect to thrive. For keepers who enjoy observing animal behaviour rather than just maintaining a colony, magnificus offer hours of entertainment. You might find yourself forgetting these are "simple" invertebrates when you watch a female defending her burrow or males squaring off over territory. Diet Porcellio magnificus are detritivores with hearty appetites befitting their size. Primary foods: Decaying hardwood (they prefer this over leaf litter, unlike many species) Dried leaf litter (oak, beech, and similar hardwoods) Cork bark (serves as both food and shelter) Supplementary foods: Vegetables: carrot, courgette, butternut squash, sweet potato Occasional fruit in small amounts Protein sources: fish flakes, dried shrimp, freeze-dried insects Calcium: Essential for healthy moulting and particularly important for breeding females. Provide a constant source of calcium such as cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, or powdered eggshells. Their Spanish mountain habitat means they've evolved with access to calcium-rich substite, so don't skimp on this. Feed regularly but appropriately—their size doesn't mean they need enormous quantities. Provide portions that will be consumed within a day or two and remove uneaten fresh foods promptly. Porcellio magnificus: Breeding Magnificus breed well once established, though their territorial nature means colony management requires some thought. Breeding basics: Females brood eggs in a marsupium and release fully formed juveniles Mothers actively guard their young for the first few moults—this is unusual and worth observing Brood sizes are moderate; don't expect the explosive reproduction of dairy cows or powder blues Colony management: Because of their territorial behaviour, overcrowding causes problems. If your colony grows successfully, you may need to split it into separate enclosures or provide a larger habitat. Watch for signs of stress or aggression, particularly among males. Conditions for success: Maintain the dry conditions they prefer (don't make the enclosure too humid) Ensure good ventilation Provide enough space and hiding spots for territories to form Keep calcium available at all times for breeding females Porcellio magnificus: Habitat Setup Getting the enclosure right is crucial for magnificus. Their requirements differ significantly from humidity-loving species. Enclosure: These isopods need space. A minimum of 15-20 litres is recommended for a starter colony, and larger is better as the population grows. Good ventilation is essential—use mesh lids or multiple ventilation holes. Stagnant, humid air will cause problems with this species. Substrate: Use a substrate that drains well and doesn't hold excessive moisture. A suitable mix includes: Coco coir as a base (well-dried) Organic topsoil mixed in Sand for drainage (optional but helpful) Crushed limestone or calcium powder worked through Leaf litter and hardwood pieces on top Substrate depth should be at least 5-8 cm to allow for burrowing, particularly important for females creating brood chambers. Moisture gradient: This is important. Magnificus need drier conditions than most isopods, but they still require access to moisture. Keep approximately one quarter of the enclosure slightly damp (using sphagnum moss or by misting one corner) while the majority stays dry. The isopods will move between zones as needed. Overall humidity: Aim for 40-60% ambient humidity with good airflow. Avoid the high humidity levels (70-80%+) that work for Cubaris or tropical species—magnificus won't tolerate it. Décor and hides: Cork bark pieces and tubes (essential—they love cork) Flat stones or slate pieces Hardwood branches and pieces Leaf litter coverage Decaying hardwood chunks Provide plenty of hiding spots and potential territory markers. The more structure in the enclosure, the more natural behaviours you'll observe. Temperature: They tolerate a reasonable range (20-28°C) but avoid extremes. Room temperature in most UK homes works well. Good ventilation helps prevent temperature spikes in summer. Suitability Porcellio magnificus are best suited to intermediate keepers who can provide the space and conditions they need. They're not difficult in terms of day-to-day care, but their requirements differ from "standard" isopod husbandry, and they won't thrive if kept like humidity-loving species. Good choice for keepers who: Have space for a larger enclosure Want to observe interesting behaviour rather than just maintain a colony Can provide drier, well-ventilated conditions Are patient with territorial species that need room Perhaps not ideal for: Complete beginners (start with something hardier like P. scaber or P. laevis) Those wanting a compact, low-space setup Keepers looking for rapid colony growth They can work in bioactive setups for arid or semi-arid species (bearded dragons, leopard geckos, etc.) where their drier requirements align with the enclosure conditions. However, many keepers maintain them as display animals in their own right—the behaviour is engaging enough to justify dedicated enclosures. If you want a display species that offers more than just sitting under bark, magnificus deliver. The combination of impressive size, natural colour, and genuinely interesting social behaviour makes them one of the more rewarding species to keep—provided you give them what they need.

Like most other Porcellio species, the Bolivari Lemonade Isopods prefer a less moist environment in comparison to other isopods. These fascinating isopods originate in eastern Spain. They are becoming very popular for their unique lemon and yellow hues; thus, quality Bolivari Lemonade Isopods are some of the most in-demand large species right now. These isopods make exotic pets. They breed readily in a basic isopod setup. They make a good option for beginners as well as seasoned terrarium enthusiasts. They are mostly found in caves with arid environments.  A Glimpse Origin: Eastern Spain Scientific Name: Porcellio bolivari "Lemonade" Difficulty Level: Medium Size: 3cm Rarity: Rare Temperature: 70°F to 80℉ Humidity: 50% to 70% Favorite Foods: Lichens, Banana Leaf, Dead Wood, Cuttlebone An Overview Bolivari Lemonade Isopods are quite rare in the uK hobby still at this time. These isopods are well-known to be a great addition to terrarium setups. They are low-maintenance pets that thrive in a less moist environment.    These natives to Spain are characterized by their completely yellow color variation, flat and broad bodies. They have a lemonade-like colouration with strong yellow highlights.    The best thing about the these Isopods is that they decompose organic matter. They can be a perfect addition for maintenance of bioactive terrariums.    They cannot tolerate stale and musty air. They should only be added to terrariums with generous ventilation areas.   These isopods feed on many different types of food, such as feeding foliage, dead wood, cuttlebone, pollen, beetle jelly, etc. They can make a captivating breed for your collection. Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to Bolivari Lemonade Isopods. Use forest moss and feeding foliage as a ground substrate for your Bolivari Lemonade Isopods. You can use a terrarium for housing Bolivari Lemonade Isopods. Keep the temperature of the container within 70°F to 80℉. Add curved cork bark works into the terrarium to give Bolivari Lemonade Isopods something to cling to. Humidity should be no more than 50 to 70%. Avoid keeping the enclosure under direct sunlight. Bolivari Lemonade Isopods: Feeding Bolivari Lemonade Isopods are primarily detrivores. These isopods love to consume decaying wood and calcium sources such as limestone and cuttlefish bone. They are fond of forest materials such as leaf litter. They also consume cocoa leaves, Indian almond leaves, and dandelion flowers. They even feed on vegetables, salads, lichens, and banana leaves. Appearance And Behavior They are large and with elongated uropods.  Their unique appearance looks similar to large trilobites. They can make a unique highlight of your terrarium setup. These isopods come in remarkable combinations of colors and even patterns. These isopods prefer the humid mossy corner of a terrarium for recurring molting process. They can maintain a balanced ecosystem within a terrarium by their contribution to soil health and the nutrient cycle. Habitat Bolivari Lemonade Isopods prefer a less moist environment, but you will have to maintain proper ventilation for them to thrive. These classic large Spanish isopods require plenty of airflow. They are extraordinary creatures that can add a touch of natural beauty to any terrarium. These skeleton-like isopods will slowly die off in a humid environment. Substrate Mix You can add forest hummus and flake soil to the ground substrate mix. You can use a natural substrate that includes lime granulate, dead wood, shell grit, feeding foliage, and forest moss. The ground substrate for Bolivari Lemonade Isopods can also include Sphagnum moss and natural moss.

I can not stress how perfect these isopods are. Easy to take care of, amazingly adaptable, happy to feed on a wide variety of foods, large enough to be seen, and stunning with the extra yellow on their carapace. Not only that they will be more than happy in a warm room, so unless your house is really cold there is no need to have extra heat for them.    • Origin: Spain     • Scientific Name:  Armadillidium granulatum     • Difficulty Level: Low     • Size: 2.5cm     • Rarity: Low     • Temperature: 18ºC- 28ºC     • Humidity: 75% to 80%     • Diet: Leaf Litter, Repashy Bug Burger They do make a great clean-up crew, but with their larger size and bright colouration they are easy prey, but for planted terrariums, you would struggle to find a better custodian. Or set something up just for them. They are an appealing species visually, and with the right enclosure, you will have a fantastic display.  These are an isolated morph, rather than one that has occurred due to a single morph. That means that the brightest of several generations has been chosen to improve each line. As your colony increases you can also select the more colourful individuals to improve the colours in your own lines. As with all our isopods, they are captive-bred in our own home so you know you are getting good quality stock.

Highly sought-after species with dramatic yellow colouration and bold black markings. Thrives at a wider range of temperatures than most.     • Origin: Southeast Asia - largely found in tropical forests in Thailand     • Scientific Name: Cubaris. sp Yellow Tiger     • Difficulty Level: Medium     • Size: 1.2-1.5cm     • Rarity: Very Rare     • Temperature: 72-78F     • Humidity: 75-85%  Another relative newcomer to the world of isopod-keeping Yellow Tiger Isopods should be on any moderately experienced or experienced keepers' list of must-have isopods. With their stunning colours and growing to about 22mm, they're larger than many other species.  They need a higher humidity than some other isopods, and this may point to their origin location in caves or deep undergrowth. Coming from Thailand they share many similarities with other Cubaris species and can be shy and retiring at first, but once their numbers start to grow they will start to come out more. Get as large a group as you can, and they will start to multiply, giving you a large colony faster than you might think.  Aim to keep over half the enclosure humid and feed a varied diet based on leaf litter, Yellow Tiger Isopods are a true tropical isopod. When you think of these think of the humid jungles of Thailand, caves so big they have their own microclimates, and lush vegetation that still to this day hides secrets. Think of all the food sources that they would have access to in the wild, and try to provide something close to that. Although I'm sure you can skip the Durian.  Many isopod keepers have been introduced to the hobby by Cubaris species, but these seem to fly under the radar compared to others. They’re well worth the investment to add something a little more dramatic to your collection.