A vast majority of isopods are tiny and are only a couple of centimeters long. Still, it is not the same for Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa Isopods, as they can grow up to 3.5 cm and are among the largest species. Also known as Spanish Giant isopods are primarily found in Spain's western region and appear bolder than any other isopod species you have ever seen. For anybody who wants to add a fascinating species to their collection, Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa is a good choice because of its large size, bright orange color, and active personality.
Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa Isopods: A Glimpse
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Origin: Spain
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Scientific Name: Porcellio expansus
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Rarity: Medium rare
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Size: Up to 3.5 cm
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Humidity: 60-80%
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Temperature: 20-25°C
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Favorable Foods: Leaf litter, vegetables, fruits, fish flakes, and shrimp pallets
An Overview
Originating from Spain, Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa is very different from other isopod species, which is why they are so popular among keepers. Their large size is one of their best features, but can be a problem as well as most keepers are better in keeping small sized isopods as pets. You may have to put more effort than you do with your other isopods.
Apart from their size, Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa stands out because of its unique coloration, rarely seen in other isopods. If you want to own one as a pet, a large enclosure is a must so it can have enough space to move and crawl freely.
Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa Isopods: Basic Care
These tips will surely help you to raise them healthy:
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It might make an impression of difficult to keep, but it is quite the opposite and you can raise them with doing the minimum. Just invest on the stable environment and ensure the temperature and humidity levels don't fluctuate much.
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Keep the humidity levels between 60-80% so they don't experience molting issues, a common problem in the species.
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You need a big terrarium with plenty of space and good ventilation so your isopods can breathe, live, and breed without complications.
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Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa isopods need moisture, so mist the enclosure regularly, but don't overdo it; otherwise, it can cause issues.
Feeding
The good thing is that Porcellio Expansus Orange Tortosa is not as picky as other isopods, so you can feed them a range of things as long as they are nutritious and good for their health. Preparing a healthy diet is not that difficult and you just need to put leaf litter, veggies, and fruits and feed them in small portions so they don't overeat and fall sick. For protein, you can give fish flakes and shrimp pellets occasionally, but a limited portion.
Appearance & Behaviour
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One of the main reasons people find them attractive is their large size and bright orange bodies, which stand out beautifully against dark soil or leaf litter.
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They are active and bold but not as aggressive as many believe because of their size.
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Since they are strong burrowers need a thick substrate that encourages their natural behavior and lets them dig and hide whenever they feel threatened.
Habitat
You can keep your isopods healthy and happy only if you can mimic their natural habitat in captivity; otherwise, there can be problems. Add cork bark, leaf litter, moss, rocks, and softwood to create a proper habitat, providing the shelter and food your isopods need. Also, avoid overwatering the habitat and use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels if required.
Substrate Mix
The substrate is a big part of their habitat; you cannot mess it up at any cost. A balanced substrate mix, filled with all nutrients, must include add organic topsoil, leaf litter, coconut fiber, crushed limestone, and decaying wood pieces free from chemicals and pesticides. For calcium supplies, add cuttlebone powder for calcium, as it helps with their exoskeleton and development.
