Porcellio Isopods (43)

Isopods as pets are becoming extremely popular among the masses.  But if you want an easy-to-care species, choose Ying Yang isopods. Found rarely in other species of isopod, Ying Yang isopods can adapt to different environments, making it ideal even for a novice to have it as a pet. **Ying Yang Isopods: A Glimpse & Distribution Porcellio Scaber** Origin: Europe Scientific Name: Porcellio Scaber “Ying Yang” Difficulty: Easy Temperature: 18–26°C Rarity: Not rare Size: Up to 1.7 cm Humidity: 70-80% Prefer damp habitats with high ground moisture Thrive in a cool environment Seek out areas with humid air to avoid desiccation Preferably cold-loving and do best in lower temperatures within their range Favorable Foods: Leafy Greens, Mushrooms, Carrots, Decaying wood Ying Yang isopods originated in Europe, but they are not rare like other species. They also have striking black, orange, and red patterns that are uncommon in the isopod world. You can find them in pet shops or online sites that deal with these creatures easily. Though the size of isopods depends on their ideal environment, Ying Yang isopods survive in any ambiance and grow up to 1.7 cm long. They instinctively avoid harmful environments, such as dry or hot areas, by seeking out moist, sheltered locations. Their ability to adapt to unfavorable environments helps them maintain health and longevity. Looking like molten lava, these species become a more fascinating creature, which can be kept a terrarium if the moisture level is thoroughly maintained. The life expectancy of adult Porcellio scaber is approximately two years under optimal conditions. Ying Yang Isopods: Basic Care We have detailed a few tips that you should follow to care for your isopods. Feed them leafy greens and other decaying matter because it is essential for their development. Use a paludarium or terrarium to keep your isopods. But ensure it has a secure lid to trap moisture and heat. Set up a semi-moist vivarium where your isopods can live comfortably. But maintain the right temperature and humidity. You should use the right substrate mix for your isopods. For Ying Yang isopod, anything which retains moisture like peat moss and coconut coir. You must ensure the terrarium receives proper lighting as it is essential for their bioPeatate hiding spots. Using leaves or bark for Ying Yang isopods, your isopods feel safe. Porcellio scaber uses several mechanisms to adapt to changes in their environment, such as altering their movement and moisture retention strategies. They can scaber alter factors like speed and turning rate to maintain optimal living conditions. **Ying Yang Isopods: Feeding Porcellio Scaber** Ying Yang isopods need a balanced diet to maintain their health and stay healthy. You can feed them various organic foods like fruits, mushrooms, decaying plant matter, and vegetables that benefit their health. Besides that, please provide them with protein-rich foods like organic plant scraps and dried vegetables twice a week. **Ying Yang Isopods: Description Porcellio Scaber & Behaviour** Ying Yang isopods are smaller than other isopods. They are only 1.7 cm, making them suitable for small enclosures. These isopods are among the best-looking creatures. Their exoskeletons have attractive black, orange, or red patterns. They have 14 legs to move fast and climb rough surfaces in their natural habitat. Ying Yang isopods thrive in low to moderate humidity. But they can adjust to different environments. As a nocturnal species, they prefer to live in the dark during the day and come out to come at night. Porcellio scaber's behaviour leads them to respond to environmental stimuli such as moisture levels and predator threats. The behaviour Porcellio scaber respond with includes orthokinesis, klinokinesis, thigmokinesis, and turn alternation, which help them avoid desiccation and escape predators. When threatened, bold woodlice may stay immobile for shorter periods, while shy individuals exhibit longer tonic immobility (thanatosis behaviour found). The reflex exhibited by Porcellio scaber, such as turn alternation during klinokinesis, helps them evade harmful environments. Observed increasing speed in dry or hot conditions is also part of their escape strategy. **Ying Yang Isopods: Habitat Porcellio Scaber** These isopods need an environment that mimics their original habitat, which is dark and humid. Maintaining the habitat is even more important than creating one. To preserve their habitat, add moist soil, damp leaf litter, and decaying wood. The substrate mix is equally important for regulating their natural habitat. Ying Yang Isopods: Substrate Mix Isopods need a good substrate mix. You cannot make your isopods healthy unless you meet this requirement. Items like coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, peat moss, and leaf litter help them to thrive. Also, add plant matter and decaying wood for added nutrition. This will allow them to thrive and reproduce faster. By maintaining their habitat, you can keep your isopods active.             Ying Yang Isopods: Ecology and Ecosystem Role The common rough woodlouse Porcellio scaber is more than just a fascinating pet—it’s a key player in the health of natural ecosystems. As a detritivore, Porcellio scaber is essential for breaking down decaying leaf litter and rotting plant matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting the broader web of life. This species is widespread, with the distribution Porcellio scaber covering much of Central and Western Europe, and it has successfully colonized other regions, often hitching a ride through human activity. Its adaptability makes it a hardy species, thriving in a variety of environments, from gardens to forests, wherever there is enough ground moisture. When it comes to the habitat Porcellio scaber prefers, these woodlice seek out cool, damp places with plenty of organic material. You’ll often find them under stones, logs, or within rich leaf litter, where humidity is high and the risk of drying out is low. The description Porcellio scaber is distinctive: an oval, slightly flattened body with a rough, tuberculate exoskeleton, usually slate-grey but sometimes showing a range of colour forms—hence its common name, the common rough woodlouse. Feeding Porcellio scaber is all about finding decaying organic matter. Thanks to their very sensitive receptors, these woodlice can detect the scent of microbial activity, helping them efficiently locate food sources. Their diet may have limited nutritional value, but it’s crucial for soil health and nutrient cycling. The life cycle of Porcellio scaber is equally fascinating. Females carry fertilized eggs in a fluid-filled sac on the ventral side of their short abdomen, protecting the young until they’re ready to emerge. Juveniles grow quickly, reaching maturity in just a few months, and adult animals can live for up to two years under favorable conditions. Porcellio scaber’s unique behaviors have even inspired scientific innovation. The Porcellio scaber algorithm is a novel optimization algorithm based on the species’ ability to solve constrained optimization problems in nature. By mimicking the way these woodlice explore and adapt to their environment, researchers have developed new methods for solving complex problems in computer science and engineering. In response to certain stimuli, such as a dry or hot environment, Porcellio scaber exhibits remarkable survival strategies. One such reflex is thanatosis behavior—a form of death feigning where the woodlouse becomes immobile to avoid detection by predators. In unfavorable environments, they also increase their speed and turn more frequently, using alternating turns average to move in a straight line and escape to safer, more humid areas. This movement is explained by bilateral asymmetrical leg movement, a mechanism that ensures efficient navigation, unlike random turns. To conserve moisture, Porcellio scaber often seeks contact with multiple surfaces—a behavior known as thigmokinesis. By reducing their exposed surface area, they minimize water loss, which is vital for survival in less humid conditions. Research from the South Australian Research Institute and other development institutes has shed light on these behaviors, with findings published in resources like the European Journal of Soil Biology. For those interested in further exploration, external links media related to Porcellio scaber—including images, data, and scientific articles—are available on platforms such as Wikimedia Commons. Finally, studies in animal learning have shown that Porcellio scaber possesses a short-term memory, aiding in navigation and food location. These insights not only deepen our understanding of this common species but also highlight its value in both ecological research and the development of optimization algorithms. In summary, the common rough woodlouse Porcellio scaber is a resilient and adaptable species, playing a vital role in decomposition and soil biology. Its fascinating behaviors and ecological importance make it a subject of ongoing scientific interest, with applications that reach far beyond the garden or terrarium.

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.

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: Low To Medium Temperature: 65 to 90℉ 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. 

    • Origin:     • Scientific Name:       • Difficulty Level:     • Size:     • Rarity: Very rare     • Temperature:     • Humidity:     • Diet:    There is a reason these have the name magnificus, they are a magnificent, amazing, and in many ways breathtaking species. I own up, I don’t know who or why they were named that, but I like this idea. One of the largest readily available species in the hobby, their bright orange colouration isn't a morph or the result of line breeding. That is their natural colour.    These isopods are from a new location in the Almeria mountains. They thrive on the cliff faces of the hot and dry mountains, so they need lower humidity than many other species.    The real attraction of this species, as well as their striking size and colouration, is their behaviour. Once they have settled in and established their little territories, the females will dig a burrow for her young, standing guard over the entrance. More than willing to physically defend her offspring, even to the point of injuring other members of the colony. Add to that the males showing off and posturing to each other, and you will be forgiven for forgetting that these are seen as simpler animals. There are hours of enjoyment watching territories be established, defended, and the parental care Pocellio demonstrate.     This has to be one of the best display species in the isopod hobby, and whilst they are more of a challenge to keep, they are worth the extra space, and effort

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: High 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.

Hoffmannseggii White Antenna Isopods are a stunning variant of the Titan Isopods, distinguished by their white antennae and vibrant exoskeleton. Like their counterparts, they are among the largest terrestrial isopods, thriving in drier, well-ventilated environments. This morph is highly sought after for its unique appearance and territorial nature. They feed on detritus like decaying wood and require calcium and protein-rich supplements for optimal health. These isopods need a controlled environment with a mix of moist and dry areas to thrive in captivity. Porcellio hoffmannseggii Isopods: 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 White Anetenna Isopods: Abstract Porcellio hoffmannseggii white atenna isopods are native to the Mediterranean regions of Spain. Even though they're from the Mediterranean area, these species prefer less moisture. These species have a regular colour, which is grey with white skirts. But there are various coloured morphs for this species. 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. Porcellio hoffmannseggii White Antenna Isopods: Nutrition Porcellio Hoffmannseggii 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 the isopods. 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 White Anetenna 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 white antenna 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 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 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 white anetenna isopods. This captive environment makes the Titan Isopods flourish in this artificial one.  

The Expansus Orange Isopods are a striking and robust species, known for their bright orange coloration and large size. These isopods are popular among collectors for their active behavior and adaptability in bioactive enclosures. Native to Mediterranean regions, they thrive in environments with moderate humidity and good ventilation. Their size and vibrant appearance make them a standout addition to any isopod collection, and they play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by breaking down organic material. Ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists Expansus Orange Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Europe Scientific Name: Porcellio expansus Difficulty Level: Easy Size: 3.5 cm Rarity: Medium Temperature: 20°C to 25°C Humidity: 60% to 80% Favourite Foods: Leaves, wood, vegetables, fruits, fish flakes, and shrimp pellets Expansus Orange Isopods: An Overview Expansus Orange happens to be one of the most captivating isopod species out there. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Europe and are known for their stunning orange-coloured exoskeleton. This is one of the major reasons behind the popularity of these isopods among terrarium and vivarium enthusiasts. Many hobbyists keep them as pets because of their lovely colour and large size, which sets them apart from other isopods. Even though these isopods are a bit rare than other species, they can be found in different regions in Europe. The best thing about these isopods is that they are easy to care for. Unlike other isopod species, you don’t have to do much to care for them. For those who don’t know, Expansus Orange plays a crucial role in breaking down organic material, making it a great cleaner for bioactive enclosures. These isopods can thrive in a range of temperatures and humidity levels, making them more versatile than other species. If you want to keep isopods, Expansus Orange could be a great choice, especially for those with less experience with these creatures. In comparison to other isopods, Expansus Orange is more docile and social. Expansus Orange Isopods: Basic Care To keep your isopods in good health, you must follow these instructions. Here’s what you need to do: For Expansus Orange, you can use a small to medium-sized terrarium. Just make sure that it has a lid so you can prevent these tiny creatures from escaping the enclosure. Whether you choose a terrarium or a plastic container, ensure enough space for the isopods to move around. The ideal temperature range for Expansus Orange is between 20°C and 25°C, so you need to ensure that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much. You can use a low-wattage heat lamp or heat mat to maintain a consistent temperature inside the terrarium. Humidity levels need to be between 60% and 80%. You can easily achieve this by misting the enclosure with water. Proper ventilation is also important for the terrarium; otherwise, it may get mouldy, harming your isopods. These isopods are shy in nature, so you should create hiding spots inside the enclosure. You can use stones, leaf litter, and cork bark to create multiple hiding spots for these tiny creatures. Expansus Orange Isopods: Feeding In comparison to other isopods, Expansus Orange has a much simpler diet. Since they are omnivorous, you can feed them decaying organic matter and protein-rich foods. The best food choices are fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and cucumbers. You can also give vegetation a mixture of decaying wood, leaf litter, and bark. You must also provide protein-rich foods to your isopods, especially during moulting. You can rely on food items like fish flakes, cooked chicken, and shrimp pallets. For calcium, you can give them a small piece of cuttlebone or powdered calcium. It is better to sprinkle the powder on their food so that it is easier for them to eat. Expansus Orange Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour The first thing you will notice about Expansus Orange is its striking orange-coloured exoskeleton. Plus, it is much bigger in size than other isopods. Because of these reasons, many hobbyists choose Expansus Orange over other isopods. So that you know, an adult Expansus Orange can grow up to 2 cm. They have oval-shaped bodies with proper segmentation and a hard exoskeleton that protects them from predators. In terms of behaviour, Expansus Orange are non-aggressive and peaceful. Since they are nocturnal creatures, they prefer to live in dark, damp places. They become more active at night, the perfect time to search for food and explore their surroundings. Expansus Orange Isopods: Habitat If you plan to keep Expansus Orange as pets, it is important to create a proper habitat for them. This means creating an environment similar to their natural habitat. These isopods are found under moist, decaying leaf litter, logs, and rocks in the wild. Therefore, you need to provide a substrate that can retain moisture. Since Expansus Orange thrives in humid environments, it is important to maintain high moisture levels. To this end, you should mist the substrate regularly but not overdo it. It is also important to maintain the ideal temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Additionally, you must put cork bark, stones, and other items to create a nice shelter for your isopods. These things mimic their natural environment and provide a safe hiding place when disturbed. Expansus Orange Isopods: Substrate Mix Substrates are one of the most important things to worry about when keeping isopods. You cannot just use any substrate mix you like. For Expansus Orange, you should use a substrate that can retain moisture for a long time. This will help you regulate the humidity and temperature levels inside the enclosure. Checkout our guide here for info on what we do here at PostPods for substrate. Additionally, you can add small pieces of decaying wood, which provides a place to hide. After preparing the substrate, ensure it is at least a few inches deep so your isopods can burrow. These isopods spend much time digging into the substrate to find shelter.