Porcellio Isopods (29)

An excellent addition to an isopod collection is Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods because of their unique care requirements and interesting behavior. Different from other isopod species, a low humidity environment is what Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods need to thrive and grow. Proper temperature and ventilation are required to boost your isopods’ healthy life and a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced keeper, keeping Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods as pets is a rewarding experience. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: France and Spain Scientific Name: Porcellio duboscqui troglophila Difficulty: Easy Rarity: Not Rare Temperature: 22–26°C Size: Up to 2.8 cm Humidity: Low Favourable Foods: Alder leaves, dried river shrimp, and forest humus An Overview Native to France and Spain, Duboscqui Troglophila isopods are nothing less than fascinating terrestrial crustaceans. They are not difficult to care for and are ideal for beginners and novices.  They grow up to 2.8 cm in size and prefer low humidity. To ensure they thrive better, maintain a temperature range between 22°C and 26°C.  Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods are rare, but their unique coloration makes them stand out from other isopod species. A red or orange skirt is common in most, but not all, Duboscqui Troglophila isopods.   Although care requirements are less, a well-maintained environment is essential for them to thrive. Their natural habitat boasts rocky terrains, dry leaf litter, and decomposing organic matter, so you should provide them, too. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods: Basic Care Following the right care tips helps create a comfortable life for your isopods. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods like a warm environment. So, maintain the temperature range between 22 °C and 26°C and keep it stable. Maintain low humidity levels, but use sphagnum moss so your isopods stay hydrated. A well-ventilated terrarium is essential for Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods. Use bark, rocks, and dried leaves to create a naturalistic habitat and hiding spots. Proper airflow prevents excessive moisture buildup, so mold or bacteria don’t grow. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods: Feeding Decomposing organic material is essential for Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods to grow and reproduce. Provide alder leaves to mimic their natural diet and provide important nutrients. Dried river shrimp is the best choice for protein because it enhances their overall growth. Forest humus, rich in minerals, helps in digestion and general health. As for occasional supplements, give cuttlebone, as it strengthens their exoskeleton. Providing these food items regularly ensures your isopods receive the necessary nutrients. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods: Appearance And Behaviour Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods grow up to 2.8 cm, which is large for other isopod species. Their bodies have a muted grey or brownish hue, which helps them blend into their surroundings. Some of these isopods may also have an orange or red skirt. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods have a rough exoskeleton, which protects them from threats and also retains moisture. Active scavengers constantly searching for organic matter is what Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods do. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods: Habitat Recreating their natural habitat helps you maintain a thriving colony. In the enclosure, mimic these conditions using the right substrate mix so your isopods are happy and healthy. Also, a dry environment and plenty of hiding spots are essential. These isopods prefer nocturnal creatures, dim lighting, or darkness. A well-structured habitat ensures your isopods are secure and exhibit natural behaviors without stress. Duboscqui Troglophila Isopods: Substrate Mix A well-balanced substrate mix provides nutrition and the right environmental conditions. The mixture should support their health and promote natural burrowing behaviors. A recommended mix includes organic compost, alder pellets, pesticide-free hardwood leaves, and oak leaves. Also, add some cork bark pieces and coconut fiber brick so your isopods live comfortably.

One of the most popular Porcellio isopods, the Porcellio Echinatus isopods also known as Pill Bugs originate from the European region. These spikey isopods are Portugal natives and make a great option for isopod collectors who want to house medium-sized isopods. They are prolific breeders and easy to keep isopod species. These high-end Porcellio isopods have a bumpy and drastically textured appearance. They are ultimate clean up crew members. The Porcellio Echinatus Isopods are even more bumpy than the Porcellio Scaber species.  A Glimpse Origin: Portugal, Europe Scientific Name: Porcellio Echinatus Difficulty: Low Rarity: Low Temperature: 72 to 82℉ Size: 8mm Humidity: 70 to 80% Favourable Foods: Leaf litter, decaying wood, fish food, calcium An Overview Porcellio Echinatus isopods are beginner-friendly isopods well-known to be an easy to care addition to terrarium and vivarium setups. These spiky isopods are acclaimed by collectors as well as enthusiasts for their distinctive appearance.    Porcellio Echinatus isopods make an excellent choice for beginners. These textured Porcellio isopods have a rugged and charming appeal. They have a hardy texture that can add a touch of intrigue to your isopods’ collection.    Porcellio Echinatus isopods can be low-maintenance pets. These hardy isopods are smaller than scaber isopods. They are excellent cleaners. These European isopods can tolerate semi-arid environments.    These Porcellio isopods can also thrive in moist tropical environments. The Porcellio Echinatus isopods can grow up to a length of 8mm. The Porcellio Echinatus isopods look like someone took the Scaber isopods and compressed them.    These European Porcellio isopods feed on leaf litter as well as dead insects. You can regularly feed these Porcellio isopods rotting wood as well as shrimp. Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Porcellio Echinatus isopods. You can use terrariums with semi-arid setups to house the Porcellio Echinatus isopods. Maintain the container’s temperature within 72 to 82℉. Don’t keep the enclosure in direct light.  The Porcellio Echinatus isopods can also tolerate moist and tropical setups. You can feed them a balanced diet which includes different types of forest materials and additional supplements of calcium. Feeding Porcellio Echinatus eat materials such as decaying wood as well as decaying matter like leaf litter. You can also feed them additional supplements such as calcium and fish food. Porcellio Echinatus isopods are cuttlefish bone lovers. Food items like limestone can help isopods grow. You can always feed the Porcellio Echinatus isopods ample sources of calcium.  Appearance And Behavior The Porcellio Echinatus isopods are medium-sized isopods. It can grow up to 8mm. Porcellio Echinatus isopods have a spiky appearance. Their dark brown colored bodies with a textured appearance resembles the Scaber isopods a lot.  These Porcellio isopods are the ultimate clean-up crew members.  Porcellio Echinatus isopods are easy to maintain. Porcellio Echinatus isopods have a prolific nature. Habitat Porcellio Echinatus isopods prefer semi-arid to tropical environments. They need moderate ventilation in order to thrive. These Porcellio isopods grow well in groups. You can house the Porcellio Echinatus isopods in warm as well as dry environments. These little creatures love hiding spots in a terrarium setup.  Substrate Mix The substrate mix of Porcellio Echinatus isopods include leaf litter and decaying wood. These Scaber-like isopods can thrive in a bioactive setup with a substrate mix that includes sphagnum moss. You can also add coconut fiber as well as organic compost in the substrate mix of the Porcellio Echinatus isopods. Add sufficient sources of calcium inside the enclosure, like limestone, as well.

Porcellio hoffmannseggi, or the Titan Isopods, are one of the most enormous terrestrial creatures. These are huge compared to other Porcellio genus creatures. These creatures live in dry and less humid environments. Their huge size and features make them unique from other isopods. Due to this, Porcellio Hoffmannseggii is widely sought after and appreciated among isopod enthusiasts. Summary Origin: Spain Common Name: Titan Isopods Maintenance: Medium Temperature: 65℉ - 90℉ Size: 4 cm Rarity: Low to Medium Humidity: 30% to 50% Diet: Fruit, vegetables, dried leaves, fish food Supplements: Cuttlebone or calcium carbonate Porcellio hoffmannseggii orange Isopods: Abstract The Titan Isopods (Porcellio hoffmannseggi) are one of the largest terrestrial isopod species, admired for their impressive size and hardy nature. Known for their distinctive appearance and ability to thrive in drier environments, they are a favorite among isopod enthusiasts. These isopods are ideal for more advanced hobbyists due to their territorial behavior and specific care requirements. Their size and unique characteristics make them a standout addition to any bioactive enclosure Porcellio Hoffmannseggii Isopods: Morphs Though these hoffmannseggii isopods have regular grey exoskeletons, they can still produce offspring in different colours due to genetics. The types of isopods based on colour are: Porcellio hoffmannseggii (Black):- The commonly known isopod colour. Porcellio hoffmannseggii (Brown):- The chocolate morph is its light colouration. Porcellio Hoffmannseggii (White):- The rarest colour among the above. They're completely white in colour. Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Traits They are one of the largest terrestrial isopods and grow to 4 cm. They prefer dry and less humid conditions with a lot of ventilation. These species are very territorial in nature and chase off other males. They are detritivores in nature, and they prefer decaying hardwood over leaves. They have a hard carapace, with a dark hue and white colour on the skirts. Compared to other isopods, they are not beginner-friendly, as these species are not tolerant to extreme temperatures. The young offspring form their own colony once they breed and produce their offspring. They need a protein-rich and nutritious diet. Nutrition Titan isopods feed on almost all types of food. Primarily, they are detritivores and feed on dead organic matter. But when breeding in an enclosure, providing a balanced nutritional diet is crucial. Unlike other isopods, these critters prefer rotten wood rather than leaves. Vegetables and greens can be included in their diet, along with their primary food. These isopods require a lot of protein and calcium in their diet, especially during mating season. For calcium and protein, dried shrimp, fish food, cuttlebone, and egg shells are great for these species growth and development. Calcium powder is also good to give as a substitute. Most isopod owners make the mistake of overfeeding hoffmannseggiis. These isopods may look huge, but they consume little. Feeding should be limited to enough to finish in a single sitting, ensuring optimal nutrition without unnecessary excess. Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Breeding and Offsprings Male and female Porcellio Hoffmannseggii can be easily distinguished by the length of their tails, which are also known as uropods. If the temperature and humidity of the enclosure are stable, they will produce quickly and easily with average brood size. After the offspring are hatched, the mothers protect their offspring for the first two moltings. When breeding these isopods, it is crucial to divide the colonies as they are territorial in nature. Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: Artificial Habitat Setting Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods from the Mediterranean area prefer less moisture with good ventilation. The common mistake made by owners of these isopods is providing a dry, moisture-free enclosure. Lack of moisture will make isopods perish; therefore, it is crucial to offer a steep moisture gradient in the enclosure. Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods thrive in dry and humid environments. Maintaining the substrate with wet and dry areas allows them to regulate their hydration level. For these isopods to get familiar with artificial enclosure, it is better to keep the Porcellio hoffmannseggii isopods in a small container. Acclimatise to the atmospheric conditions before moving them into a well-ventilated plastic container. They need a big container and a lot of cross-ventilation in the enclosure. Additionally, it provides a lot of options and substrates for these critters to burrow deep and hide. Provide the species with a wide range of materials such as dead wood, dried leaves, sphagnum moss, etc and hardwood pieces for the species to hide and form colonies. These isopods don't tolerate high humidity and extreme temperatures. It is important to maintain a stable temperature of 70℉ and humidity of the enclosure around 30%. Porcellio Hoffmannseggii Isopods: Substrate Mix The moisture-retaining substrate mix for hoffmannseggii isopods should be deep. These animals live around the cliffside in Spain; hence, it is important to create an environment that mimics their natural habitat. A 15L standard-sized large enclosure is needed. However, having a larger plastic enclosure with enough outlets for ventilation is always ideal. A combination of coco coir, hardwood leaves and sphagnum moss will form the base. The substrate mix has to be five centimetres in depth. Porcellio Hoffmannseggii are fond of burrowing, which makes it quite good for them. Adding a few rotten hardwoods makes a perfect home for isopods with their babies inside. The elements, such as wooden bark and dried leaves, create a closer look to their natural environment. The wooden bark is preferred because it decays slowly over time, supplying continuous nutrition. This bark gives cover to the isopods, thereby enhancing the terrarium's appearance. Apart from these basic components, adding a small patch of sphagnum moss will increase moisture retention and preserve the terrarium's microenvironment. This is very important for the Porcellio Hoffmannseggii isopods to get moisture. Ventilation is needed to sustain a healthy balance within the enclosure. Holes are made for ventilation to avoid excess humidity in the enclosure. The substrate's humidity gradient should be set to ¼ area moist and the rest of its size dry. Cuttlebone or calcium supplements are added to the substrate, and these creatures need a lot of protein. A proper balance of these elements helps with the physical health and breeding of Porcellio hoffmannseggii. This captive environment makes the Titan Isopods flourish in this artificial one.  

Origin: Spain (specifically the Baetic mountain ranges) Scientific Name: Porcellio baeticensis Difficulty Level: Low Size: Medium to large (around 1.5 to 2 cm as adults) Rarity: Low Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F) Humidity: 60–70%, with some drier areas preferred Diet: Leaf litter, decaying wood, vegetables (e.g., carrot, courgette), and calcium sources like cuttlebone or eggshell   Under the right light, you will see the almost purple colouration of these larger-than-average isopods. They take some time to get settled and willing to come out and about, but give them some time to get their bearings, as these are thoroughly unusual in terms of crustaceans. The females will defend, feed and take care of her young in all ways, until they are several weeks old. Once they've decided that they are safe you will see them out and about even during the day.  Porcellio isopods are highly adaptable to living in captivity, although due to their large size, and territorial behaviour, they do need larger enclosures. But they can live alongside selected isopods and other terrarium inhabitants. As with all isopods they thrive on leaf litter and a varied diet, with access to calcium. A decent substrate and plenty of hiding places are important, and plants, moss, and other living decorations are a fantastic addition to the vivarium or terrarium.

A giant isopod that makes a great clean-up crew, or pet on their own. A real talking point, or something large enough to be easily seen on photos and videos. A must-have for any dedicated collector.     • Origin     • Scientific Name: Porcellio Expansus La Senia     • Difficulty Level: Medium     • Size: 5cm!     • Rarity: Rare     • Temperature: 70-82F     • Humidity: 50-60%     • Diet:  I can not stress how much larger these are than most of the species you will see, no they’re not ‎Bathynomus giganteus, the giant isopod that is famed for attacking sharks in the deep ocean trenches. But they’re a chunky isopod that can get to the size of a matchbox.  This makes them a great choice for a pet isopod. A group of these in the right-sized enclosure will be something to watch, study, enjoy, and a real talking point. With their dark carapace fringed and dotted with lighter patches, they look just as stunning as many of the more popular brighter species.  If you are looking for the perfect pet for children or a great inhabitant for a centrepiece terrarium, look no further. Be warned these sell out quickly when we release our homebred individuals for sale.  They need slightly higher care than some, but they’re by no means difficult to keep. Have one end of the enclosure humid and the other end dry and they’ll choose the right humidity for themselves. Being such large adults then you will need a larger space, but also, as with most Porcellio species,  they can fight, especially adult males. Ensure they have plenty of space to get away from each other. They will happily live alongside other isopods, so you can fill in the gaps with a variety of other species.  They need things on the drier side so have an area of damp leaves, but plan on a lower humidity overall. Give them plenty of dried wood and places to hide, as well as access to cuttlefish bone or another calcium source.  Breeding can be a challenge, although not too difficult. If you are at the stage of your journey as a keeper then these could be your next challenge.  

Bioactive enclosures have become increasingly popular recently, especially among reptile enthusiasts and herpetologists. The good thing about these enclosures is that they are self-sustaining, meaning they use natural microfauna and plants to create a more natural habitat for captive animals. Speaking of which, isopods are a key component of bioactive enclosure. If you plan to include these tiny creatures in your bioactive terrarium, consider Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods. These isopods are known for their beautiful bright colour and flat body. Plus, they are drier than other isopod species. A Glimpse Origin: Coros, Sardinia Scientific Name: Porcellio Spatulatus Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate Size: Up to 20 mm Rarity: Rare Temperature: 18°C - 28°C Humidity: 45-55% Favourite Food: Fruits, greens, veggies, decaying leaves, fish food An Overview Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods are comparatively rarer than other isopod species. They are mostly found in Coros, Sardinia and boast an impressive, flat body. But the most unique thing about these isopods is the bright colour that is unlike any other. These terrestrial crustaceans belong to the Porcellionidae family and are known for their spatula-shaped bodies. Many people prefer to keep these isopods because they are excellent decomposers. They feed on organic matter and play a crucial role in breaking down decaying plant materials in their natural habitat.  Due to their unique appearance, they make a great addition to a bioactive enclosure. Additionally, they contribute to nutrient cycling, which is another great reason to have these isopods. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros Isopods: Basic Care Keeping these isopods can be a great experience. But before you get them home, you should educate yourself about their care requirements. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods require a slightly drier setup than other isopods. So, you can use a well-ventilated container or terrarium to house these isopods.  Ensure the enclosure is large enough for the isopods to move around and provide hiding spots using bark, leaves, and logs. The ideal temperature for these isopods is between 18°C and 28°C. By maintaining this temperature range, you can ensure that your isopods are happy and stress-free. Since these isopods require less humidity, the ideal range is between 45 and 55%. To maintain the correct humidity level, you can lightly mist the enclosure. It is important to maintain adequate airflow inside the enclosure at all times. Failure to do so can lead to mould growth, harming your isopods. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros Isopods: Feeding Whether it is Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods or any other species, providing them with a balanced diet is important. Speaking of which, these isopods feed primarily on decaying plant material. But they also like fresh fruits, greens, and vegetables. You can provide them with decaying wood and leaf litter for primary food. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods love rotting white wood, so offer plenty for those who don't know. These organic materials mimic what they consume in the wild and are also good for their health. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods also enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits. It's a good idea to provide them in small amounts so they don't get wasted. You can add fish food, dried shrimp, and fish flakes to their diet for protein. This is important to ensure that they receive a balanced nutrition. Also, don't forget to add different forms of calcium, like limestone granules and oyster seashells. Last but not least, remove uneaten food to prevent bacterial and mould growth inside the enclosure. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros Isopods: Appearance And Behaviour Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods are visually striking creatures and can grow up to 20 mm. Besides the bright colour, Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods have a unique body shape, which makes them stand out from other isopods. The uropods found at the end of their bodies are wide and flat, which helps them to balance and move with ease. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods have a hard, segmented exoskeleton that protects them from predators. Additionally, they exhibit a wide range of colours, which makes them even more appealing. These isopods are highly active in the night. They will likely explore their surroundings, especially during dusk or dawn.  Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods are known to cluster together under leaf litter or bark. That's where they seek shelter during the day. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros Isopods: Habitat Porcellio Spatulatus Coros requires a suitable environment to thrive and grow. To replicate their natural habitat in a terrarium, mimicking the forest floors they are accustomed to is important. When setting up their habitat, you should start with hiding spots. You can use bark, stones, and wood pieces to create hiding areas for your isopods. These tiny creatures use hiding spots to seek shelter and feel safe when threatened. You must also add a layer of leaf litter to make them feel more comfortable inside the enclosure. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods use leaf litter as food and also to burrow in. As mentioned, Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods don't require high humidity levels. This means you can use damp moss to slightly moist the enclosure. Also, make sure that there are dry parts inside the terrarium. This way, you can provide a range of humidity levels to your isopods. Porcellio Spatulatus Coros Isopods: Substrate Mix It is essential to use a proper substrate mix, be it Porcellio Spatulatus Coros isopods or any other species. That's because it helps maintain the correct humidity and temperature levels inside the enclosure. A suitable substrate mix can provide your isopods with a comfortable environment to live and reproduce. Coco fibre is a great base substrate for isopods because it allows them to burrow and retain moisture. Adding a layer of leaf litter on top of the substrate can provide your isopods with food and shelter. Decaying wood is essential as it mimics their natural habitat and provides additional food. Additionally, you can add crushed eggshells or cuttlebone to give a rich calcium source for your isopods. This is essential for the development of their exoskeleton.