Oniscus Isopods (2)

You won’t realize the depth of the world of crustaceans unless you dive down, and it is dominated by the extensive variety of isopods living in different corners of the world. While the physical features are not distinct, the same cannot be said about their coloration as it depends on various factors like genetics, diet, substrate, and environmental conditions. If you are looking for a colourful species, Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods is a good choice because of their vibrant orange shade and beautiful appearance that most keepers like. Also, they make a great addition to any isopod collection you have in your home and want to expand. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: British Columbia, Canada Scientific Name: Oniscus asellus Difficulty: Easy Rarity: Not rare Temperature: 18-25°C Size: Up to 16 mm Humidity: 50-70% Favorable Foods: Leaf litter, rotting wood, fruits, vegetables, eggshells, fungi, dead crickets.  An Overview Originating from British Columbia, Canada, Oniscus Casellus Orange isopods are a colorful species unique because of their bright orange bodies and hardy exoskeletons, which protect them from predators in the wild. They grow up to 16 mm and are easy to maintain as they have minimal requirements and care needs, which is usually not the case with other isopods. Even better, they are not rare and are easily found in the pet trade, or where they sell isopods, so you don’t have to search a lot to have them in your collection. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Basic Care Here are some essential care tips for your isopods: Adaptable in nature, Oniscus Casellus Orange isopods has a tendency of tolerating a range of temperatures as long as it is between 18-25°C and don’t swing much. Also, they are made with robust physical appearance and strength.  Maintaining the humidity between 50-70% without not making it excessively wet to avoid mold growth or shedding issues. You can use a plastic tub to ensure good ventilation so your isopods enjoy smooth airflow and do not have trouble breathing. Since Oniscus Casellus Orange isopods are shy creatures, add plenty of leaf litter or cork flats, so they have enough hiding spots within the enclosure. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Feeding As they have in-built hunting tendency and feed on a large variety of things, like leaf litter, rotting wood, mushrooms, dead insects, and fungi that are available easily in the wild. However, they also need calcium sources like eggshells and cuttlebone to have a stronger exoskeleton and protect themselves from predators. To make their diet more appetizing, add fresh fruits and vegetables, but not too frequently, as it can cause health problems. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods’s striking orange feature sets them apart from their brown or grey relatives of the same genus. Although more active at night, they also move around during the day if they feel safe and have no predators to attack them. They are not aggressive and prefer to live in groups, so you see them piling together under moist bark or leaf litter. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Habitat Setting up a comfortable home is essential to owning isopods, regardless of the species or difficulty level. You can use a simple 5 to 10-litre plastic container and add moist and dry zones so your isopods can live and breed happily without struggling for survival. Since they thrive in a forest-floor-like environment, they cannot tolerate bright lights and strong airflow, so you need to remember these things before getting them. Oniscus Casellus Orange Isopods: Substrate Mix Your isopods spend most of their time on or under the substrate, so you must get this part right and not mess it up to cause problems. A good substrate mix contains coconut fiber, peat moss, leaf litter, and rotting wood chunks because they are good at retaining moisture and don’t let the environment dry even hours after misting the terrarium. Just stir the substrate occasionally so it stays fresh for a long time and prevents mold or pests from destroying the setup.

Discover the rare beauty of our exceptional Oniscus Asellus Occidentalis! These magnificent "Skirted Woodlice" represent one of the most genetically distinct and geographically restricted subspecies in the European isopod world. Smaller, more colorful, and more highly arched than their common cousins, these Atlantic relicts showcase stunning metallic flecks across their distinctive skirted bodies. Perfect for collectors seeking something truly special and scientifically significant in their bioactive setups. Oniscus Asellus Occidentalis: A Glimpse Origin: Southwestern England, Wales, Ireland, Western France Scientific Name: Oniscus asellus ssp. occidentalis Common Names: Western Skirted Woodlouse, Atlantic Woodlouse Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium Size: Up to 16 millimeters (smaller than nominate subspecies) Rarity: Very Rare (geographically restricted) Temperature: 59°F to 77°F Humidity: 60% to 75% Favourite Foods: Decaying leaves, rotting wood, organic vegetables, protein supplements An Overview Originally discovered in the far western reaches of Europe, Oniscus asellus occidentalis represents a fascinating example of ancient genetic divergence and geographic isolation. This remarkable subspecies has evolved separately from the common Oniscus asellus for millennia, developing into a smaller, more colorful, and more highly arched form that has captured the attention of both scientists and hobbyists alike. What sets these occidentalis specimens apart is their stunning visual appeal and unique body structure. Unlike their widespread relatives, these Atlantic relicts display more vibrant coloration with distinctive metallic flecks that seem to shimmer across their characteristic "skirted" exoskeleton. Their more pronounced arch and compact build give them an elegant, almost prehistoric appearance that must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. These genetic treasures represent an ancient Atlantic lineage, largely restricted to damp woodlands where they have persisted as relict populations since before the last ice age. Their natural rarity and restricted distribution make them incredibly valuable to serious collectors and researchers studying evolutionary biology and biogeography. Habitat Requirements Substrate Mix: 35% high-quality coco coir 30% composted leaf litter (deciduous mix preferred) 20% sphagnum moss for moisture retention 10% rotting white wood pieces 5% forest soil or earthworm castings Create a moisture gradient with approximately half the enclosure maintained moist while allowing good drainage. These subspecies prefer the damper conditions typical of their Atlantic woodland origins. Basic Care Enclosure Setup: Minimum 10-gallon container for small colonies (5-8 individuals) Excellent ventilation with multiple air holes Deep substrate layer (4-5 inches) to accommodate their burrowing tendencies Cork bark flats and natural wood hiding spots Thick layer of mixed leaf litter throughout Moss patches for microclimate creation Shallow water dish in the humid zone Environmental Conditions: Maintain temperature between 59°F to 77°F (they prefer cooler conditions) Keep humidity between 60% to 75% Provide natural lighting cycle Ensure excellent airflow to prevent stagnation Monitor regularly as they can be somewhat shy initially These easy-care isopods are surprisingly hardy and adaptable despite their rarity. They become more active when kept in larger groups and appreciate the cooler, more humid conditions that reflect their Atlantic woodland origins. Feeding Primary Diet: Mixed deciduous leaf litter (their primary nutrition source) Rotting white wood pieces (essential for gut health) Fresh organic vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, cucumber) Forest moss and lichen when available Decaying organic matter of all types Essential Supplements: Protein sources twice weekly (fish food, freeze-dried shrimp) Calcium sources (cuttlebone, eggshells, limestone) Occasional treats (fruits, specialized isopod foods) Shed skin from reptiles and invertebrates Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times per week with varied offerings. These isopods have hearty appetites and are not particularly picky eaters, showing average feeding response to most organic materials. Always ensure abundant leaf litter is available as their staple food source. Breeding Information Oniscus asellus occidentalis are moderate breeders that establish reliable colonies once settled into their environment. Their reproduction rate is fair but not exceptionally fast, making colony establishment a patient process. Breeding Requirements: Stable, cool temperatures (65-70°F optimal) Consistent moisture levels with good drainage Abundant hiding spots for gravid females Rich substrate with diverse organic matter Minimal disturbance during breeding seasons Adequate space for colony expansion Females carry their young in brood pouches until well-developed, releasing miniature versions of adults that grow steadily under optimal conditions. The species reaches maturity in 8-12 months, and established colonies can persist for many years with proper care. Scientific & Conservation Value These subspecies represent far more than just attractive isopods - they're living pieces of evolutionary history. The occidentalis subspecies is considered a relict Atlantic taxon, meaning it represents an ancient lineage that has survived in isolated pockets while the main species spread across Europe. Conservation Considerations: Threatened by habitat fragmentation in the wild At risk from hybridization with common O. asellus asellus Represents unique genetic diversity requiring preservation Limited to specific damp woodland habitats Important for understanding European biogeography Perfect for: Advanced collectors seeking rare subspecies Educational displays demonstrating subspecific variation Bioactive setups requiring efficient decomposers Research projects studying genetic diversity Enthusiasts passionate about European fauna Scientific Significance: The distinction between occidentalis and the nominate subspecies was confirmed through molecular studies showing ancient genetic divergence. Males can be definitively identified by their forked first endopod tip (simple in regular asellus), making this subspecies particularly valuable for taxonomic studies and genetic research. Whether you're a serious collector fascinated by rare European fauna or a researcher interested in evolutionary biology, our Oniscus asellus occidentalis represent an unparalleled opportunity to work with one of Europe's most scientifically significant isopod subspecies. These Atlantic treasures bring ancient genetic heritage and stunning beauty to the most discerning collections, showcasing the incredible diversity hidden within even familiar species!