Porcellionides Isopods (5)

Powder Orange isopod also known as Porcellionides pruinosus. These terrestrial species are a distinct orange hue, which contrast the environment they live. Due to this colour and its striking feature, they are a popularly chosen for terrarium and vivarium.  Insight Scientific Name: Porcellionides pruinosus Origin: Southern Europe, Mediterranean Maintenance: Low Size: 3 cm. Lifespan: 1 to 2 years Reproduction: Egg layer Humidity:60% Temperature: 65°F to 85°F Rarity: Low Supplements: Cuttlebone, calcium powder Powder Orange Isopods: Abstract Powder Orange Isopods originated from warm humid climates of Southern Europe, in the Mediterranean region. Due to its popularity now they’re found worldwide.  The Powder Orange isopods got its name from its striking orange to tan shade colour and the powdery appearance on the exoskeleton. They originated from the mutation of the Powder Blue isopods. These creatures are hardy, prolific and their diet is bigger than their body.  Due to their striking appearance they are widely appreciated in the terrarium and vivarium communities and also among isopod loving enthusiasts Powder Orange Isopods: Characteristics and Behaviour They are originated from the Mediterranean region specifically from Southern Europe They can survive extreme environments but they like slightly humid environments. These species are orange mutation of Powder Blue isopods Their carapace is soft unlike other isopods. They are used as snacks for other creatures like frogs, lizards These species are medium-sized and they grow up to 3 cm in length. They are non aggressive and have a calm temperament. They are detritivores. They are the Clean-up crew in the terrarium and vivarium. They are more active at night than during daytime. These creatures are fast and they run and hide when threatened. They are known for social behaviour, thrive in groups They are hardy and highly proactive They are beginner friendly They are not suitable for small kids as these species are soft bodied and kids may not be able to handle it. Powder Orange Isopods: Temperature and Humidity Orange Isopods are best suited for beginners. This is because they adapt to a wide range of temperature and moisture. Even the ideal temperature for these critters should be around 75°F. This temperature is more conducive for them to stay in the area. The Powder Orange isopods are originally from a tropical and arid climate. Therefore humidity is crucial and has to be maintained accordingly. The humidity gradient has to be around 65% but anything above 50% humidity is fine for these species. Food and Diet The Powder Orange isopods have a voracious appetite. It is surprising how much these critters can eat. They primarily feed on detritus. They consume dead organic matter. Therefore, they help maintain bioactive cleanliness. Powder Orange Isopods eat pretty much anything. Like most isopods, they eat leaf litters and decaying cork bark.  But unlike their natural habitat, it is crucial to provide sufficient nutrients for them in an artificial enclosure.   Vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, greens. This acts as an alternate food from their usual dried leaf and decayed wood diet.  Protein rich food : Protein is crucial as this helps to maintain their exoskeleton. Also because these creatures are active, especially during night, it is important to provide sufficient nutrition. Fish food, meat scraps, earthworm castings are some of the food given for their calcium and protein. Sometimes supplements like Cuttlebone or calcium powder are also added as alternate source of protein.  Specialised isopod food : Sometimes for the isopods to get all the nutrition it is easier to provide specialised isopod food.  When feeding the isopods, there is a common mistake done by pet parents, which is overfeeding. Overfeeding will attract unwanted pests into the enclosure. Therefore it is necessary to feed them the necessary amount of food that they can finish in a single session.  Powder Orange Isopods: Breeding Powder Orange isopods breeding process is called “Pairing”. Two isopods mate to produce offspring.  The male transfer their spermatophore to the female isopod The female isopods extract the spermatophore and store it in her reproductive tract. These later help to fertilise and lay numerous eggs in soil or other soft object. The eggs incubate for several weeks till it hatch The offspring hatched will go through a series of molting till it reaches the adulthood stage. Powder Orange Isopods: Artificial Enclosure Setting Powder Orange Isopods prefer an arid humid habitat. As a small species, an average size enclosure made of plastic or glass will be suitable to begin. This is apt for those who have started with their isopod journey.  Once it starts showing positive signs like breeding and multiplying their numbers, which they will as they are very proficient, upgrade their enclosure to a bigger size. Make sure to provide small holes as they tend to break out when the ventilation is too big. Provide just enough ventilation so that the enclosure doesn’t get too humid. It attracts pests. When providing humidity to the enclosure, make sure to leave an area dry. When spraying water, make sure to do that in one area and leave other areas dry. Provide a good number of options for them to crawl and dig. Powder Orange isopods are more terrestrial creatures than burrowers. Equip the enclosure with dried leaves, wooden pieces, moss for these creatures to crawl and explore. It is quite a sight to watch them crawling.  Powder orange isopods are social creatures. They live well in colonies. Accompanying them with springtails will help keep the biosphere clean. Also add some terrestrial snails as they live together well in a humid environment. Powder Orange Isopods: Substrate    ABG Substrate mix is provided for Powder Orange Isopod. This substrate mix when topped with dried leaf litter as food is best suitable for these critters.  An alternate substrate mix for Powder Orange isopods will be by providing coco peat, sphagnum moss and plenty of leaf litter.  Both substrate mixes are suitable for the Isopods. Provide good depth of substrate base for the creatures to dig. Also provide a lot of options for the isopods to crawl and hide. They are active creatures, especially at night. Therefore, provide the enclosure with wood bark, rotten wood and dried leaves. Occasionally provide them earthworm casting as supplement to the substrate. This ensures to keep the isopods healthy. By ensuring these methods, the Powder isopods will thrive well and produce a lot of mini isopods.

Powder Blue isopods or Porcellionides pruinosus fall under the terrestrial crustaceans. They are small in size and have a powdery blue colour. These critters are active and fast and put their energy to good use. Their small size and intriguing behaviour make them unique among other isopods. Powder Blue isopods are easy to care for, are small, and have an appealing colour. They are also easy to breed. Even if in a bioactive tank, they manage to maintain themselves with ease.   Briefly Explained Scientific name: Porcellionides pruinosus Maintenance: low Temperature: 70° F to 85° F Humidity: 50% to 70% Size: 1.2 cm Rarity: low Origin: Southern Europe Introduction Powder Blue Isopods are initially from the Mediterranean region, mainly Southern Europe. Though the origin of these isopods may be ascertained precisely, it is believed that these powder blue isopods are the enthusiast community's efforts in selectively breeding them. Later, they were discovered in Southwest Asia and Europe.  Due to their popularity, they are now found worldwide. The name powder blue cannot be used to classify them scientifically and is not recognized universally. Enthusiast communities have also tried producing different varieties of breeds according to their aesthetic sense. Powder Blue isotopes thrive in humid conditions. They dwell in leaf litter in their natural environment, under stones and rotten wooden pieces. They are one the fastest-running species. They don't curl up like other isopod species; instead, they use their speed to scramble back into their hiding when they feel threatened. Powder Blue Isopods generally have a purplish-brown colour but develop a lustrous blue sheen just before moulting. This beautiful waxy colouring gives them their name and, thus, catches the eye of hobbyists and admirers. Behaviour and Appearance of Powder Blue Isopods The carapace has a dusty texture. Colour ranging from pale silver to a darker chrome colour They are diurnal and are great to keep in an enclosure They are small to medium size species. Adult Blue isopods grow up to 12mm. They are one of the fastest isotopes. Their exoskeleton looks tough, but they are soft-bodied.  Great supplement and is used as a snacks for frogs and lizards.  They are active breeders and feeders. Extremely hardy and active They are a great clean-up crew for drier setups.  Easy to care and are good beginner isopod.  Best for kids and for people who have never had pets before Diet of Powder Blue Isopods Powder blue isopods have an appetite bigger than their body. They are detritivores. They clean the environment by breaking down decaying matter into nutrients. This benefits the isopods and supports the overall balance of the ecosystem, be it in nature or in enclosure.  Sometimes, owners tend to overfeed these creatures. This common mistake attracts unwanted elements such as fungi, gnats, mites, and fruit flies. Providing enough food for the isopods to finish in a single session is crucial to avoid these issues. They also need protein to keep themselves strong and healthy. Meat scraps and fish pellets are given to keep the colony healthy. Calcium supplements and crushed limestone are substitutes for the creatures, so they thrive well in the enclosure. Removing scraps, if there are any, is necessary after feeding. Feed them vegetables instead of fruits as it may attract fruit flies. Breeding Powder Blue Isopods Powder blue isopods are active breeders.  They are easy to maintain and have to keep the temperature low to mid 80°F.  They will establish a colony within a few weeks. When breeding, it is necessary to keep the colony in check.   Habitat Environment  Moisture is a crucial element in their habitat. Maintaining a humid environment is necessary for Powder Blue Isopods' overall health. Within the enclosure, the humidity levels should be within 80% to 90%. Misting with non-chlorinated water regularly helps in maintaining moisture.  Rotten wood and dried leaves mimic their natural environment and will help provide these species with a place to dwell and dig. Adding sphagnum moss enhances the habitat and helps maintain the enclosure's humidity. The habitat's temperature has to be maintained between 72° F and 86° F. Powder Blue isopods breed well if their habitat is around 80° F. This temperature has to be maintained as sudden fluctuations in temperature can affect them. These little things will improve the isopods' quality of life and thrive within the bioactive tank. Mixing of Substrate An isopod enclosure is made in such a way that it fulfils certain factors: A good quality enclosure Ventilation Good substrate mix Humidity gradient Hiding/climbing areas Dried leaves Creating an optimal substrate mix for Power Blue isopod is essential for overall health and health. The substrate is a physical home for the isopods, a source of nutrition, and a stable environment. The substrate mix is as follows: Covering the base layer with coco peat provides a natural, moisture-retentive substrate. This provides a fibrous environment for the isopods. Isopods thrive on organic matter present in decaying leaves. Add a generous amount of oak, magnolia, or maple leaves to provide essential nutrients and a place for isopods to hide. Include various types of rotting wood like cork bark or oak. This makes them aesthetically pleasing and provides a textured environment for isopods to explore. This also helps maintain the humidity inside. Include sphagnum moss in the mix. This provides a humid environment for hydration and helps in moulting. Cuttlebone and eggshells are excellent sources of calcium. It is essential for the species to moult and maintain a strong carapace. Adding earthworm shelling can also help be a great source of nutrition. Adding a small amount of activated charcoal can help filter impurities and maintain the freshness of the substrate. The isopods will thrive and live healthy by checking and maintaining the enclosure.

Powder White isopods are one of the most beginner-friendly isopods in the pet world. They work great as beginner-level pets for children and young adults. Their ability to quickly establish a colony distinguishes them from the other isopods.  These quickly adapting groups of creatures can be a great addition to any pet isopod collection. With the proper care and attention, Powder White isopods can even breed before reaching their prime adult size. A Glimpse Origin: Mediterranean Scientific Name: Porcellionides Pruinosus Difficulty Level: Low Size: Upto 1.25 cm Rarity: Low Temperature:70℉ to 85℉ Humidity: 45% to 80% Favourite Foods: Carrot, Dried Shrimp An Overview Powder White isopods are the common name for the otherwise scientifically called Porcellionides Pruinosus isopods. These isopods are particularly popular for their quick-growing nature. Even with moderate care, these isopods are known to  multiply quite quickly. Generally, Powder Whites can live in various environments, including harsh ones. They can withstand different climate regions, including tropical and semi-arid. These beginner-friendly pet isopods only grow up to 1.5 centimeters long. Due to its small size and very minimal needs, it is extremely easy to care for them. Powder Whites are relatively affordable. As they are quite common to find and easy and fast to breed, they are sold at a budget-friendly rate worldwide. They are widely used in terrariums as the clean-up crew. Powder Whites are primarily suitable for pet rearing because of their diurnal character. Diurnal creatures are mostly active during the day. So, in its enclosure or terrarium, it is possible to witness them being active throughout the day. Basic Care Following instructions are considered ideal for caring Powder White isopods by isopod experts. Powder White isopods require very minimal care as they naturally adapt to various environments.   Powder White isopods are great to be used as feed for other small animals. These isopods usually remain on the surface of any enclosure, making them easy prey for any pet animal.   The Powder White isopods colony needs a constant supply of food. So, the pet owner must refill their food source almost constantly. The isopods primarily consume organic matter, including animal feces. Providing organic matter can aid the quick growth of the Powder White isopods.   Keeping the Powder White isopod enclosure under a moderate temperature is crucial. Excessively high or low temperatures can harm the survival of the isopods.   The Powder White isopod enclosure should be kept partially moist. It is advisable to water a portion of the habitat now and then. Feeding These isopods require a nutritious diet to grow and reproduce correctly. A fibre-rich, protein-rich diet is considered ideal for the well-being of the Powder White isopods. For fibre content, you can use food items like leaf litter, decaying wood, magnolia pods, etc. For high protein content, it is advisable to provide foods like shrimp pellets, yeast, insect frass, etc. Experts also advise keeping a good amount of vegetables in the diet of Powder Whites. Under the vegetables category, you can feed them sweet potatoes, peas, mushrooms, beans, etc. However, the most favourite foods of Powder Whites most people would say iscarrots and dried shrimp. One of the most important things to note while feeding Powder White isopods is never to overfeed the creatures. Leftover food particles can easily cause fungal growth in the enclosure, which is very harmful to the isopods. Appearance and Behavior Powder White isopods have their name from their shell's powdery or shimmery white color. They appear white in color. During their younger phase, they are bright white in color. But once they reach their adult phase, the color shifts to more of a shimmery white.  When it comes to behavior, Powder White isopods are highly active. They are constantly on the move and are considered a great cleaning crew for any enclosure. Their active nature is one of the reasons why they are regarded as great food for other pets. Because they cause the pet to chase around them before being caught for eating. Although Powder White isopods are highly active during the day in unfamiliar conditions, they tend to hide under leaf litter. They come out of their hiding spot only once they are sure of the safety of the surroundings.   Habitat Powder Whites are naturally found in the Mediterranean region. They were later moved to Europe and various parts of Asia. So, there are no fixed natural habitat traits that they prefer.  The buyers are expected to use plastic or glass containers to inhabit the Powder White isopods. As these isopods are highly active, it is better to have transparent enclosures to watch them better.  Keeping the enclosure highly ventilated is necessary for the survival of the isopods. There needs to be no soil in the enclosure. Powder White isopods can survive on all kinds of surfaces. However,providing them with the nutrients they would otherwise have gotten from living soil is essential. The enclosure should always be kept within a healthy temperature between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As these isopods prefer to live in highly humid habitats, care should also be given to that aspect. That is, the buyer should keep the humidity levels up in the enclosure. When it comes to the moisture content in the soil or the substrate mix, a partially wet condition can work. It is better to keep a portion of the enclosure moist always. You can spray water into one half of the enclosure to prevent the enclosure from being dry. Keeping enough hiding spots in the enclosure for these pods is essential. Some of the hiding spot options are as follows. Cork bark   Lotus pods   Coconut halves   Egg cartons Powder White Isopods: Substrate Mix The ideal substrate mix for the Powder White isopods includes the following elements. Coconut coir Peat moss Leaf litter It is advisable to always keep the substrate mix's upper layer as leaf litter. It is also essential to keep the substrate mix a bit moist. 

One of the utterly famous isopods, the Orange Dalmatian Isopods, originates from the European and Asian regions. Native to Europe, they make an excellent choice for beginners to start breeding with. They make budget-friendly options and happy pets for children. They thrive in humid to dry environments. Thus, marvelous Orange Dalmatian Isopods make a sought-after alternative compared to other varieties in the market. A Glimpse Origin: Europe Scientific Name: Porcellio Scaber Latreille Size: 1.7cm Difficulty Level: Easy Rarity: Medium Temperature: 70°F to 84℉ Humidity: 60% to 80% Favorite Foods: Leaf litter, rotting wood, soil crust, cucumbers, mushrooms, oyster flakes, egg shells, fungi An Overview Orange Dalmatian Isopods are not so rare isopods. They are hard to source, though. They would easily complement any glass terrarium or plastic storage container.  These natives of Europe are famous for their bright orange color on a white base. They will grasp the attention for their fun pop of color, i.e., orange-on-white patterning.  They will remind onlookers of the Dalmatian but with orange speckles. Orange Dalmatian Isopods thrive in humid conditions to very dry environments. These isopods enjoy living in protein-rich and moist environments.  They are low-maintenance isopods that consume almost anything that they come across. They are slow moving and gentle in temperament. They can often be seen burrowing themselves under decayed leaf litter.  Basic Care Taking good care of the Orange Dalmation Isopod is your responsibility as an owner.  You can use a terrarium for housing Orange Dalmation Isopod. You must maintain the terrarium's temperature within 70 degrees to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. This species is well-tolerant of varied moisture levels. Add some substrate, including peat moss and coconut coir, slightly along with a leaf litter layer to regulate the humidity level within an enclosure.  Avoid keeping the Orange Dalmation Isopod enclosure where there is direct sunlight. Feeding Orange Dalmatian Isopods are detritivores and feed on rotting wood and organic material. You can feed them zucchini, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, asparagus, and more. Take out any decaying or fuzzy food within 24 hours to discourage mold growth.  Appearance And Behavior Orange Dalmatian Isopods do not have any unique needs. It can grow up to 1.7 cm.  These isopods are easily a favorite because of their outstanding Dalmatian-like look. They have a white base with bright orange spots.  Orange Dalmation Isopod moves slowly. They can breed readily in well-set up enclosures. They make a phenomenal cleanup crew. They make an ideal feeder isopod. Habitat Orange Dalmatian Isopods are fast breeding species that grow into adults and display more orange blotching. Extreme cold and heat can be lethal for the Orange Dalmation Isopod. They migrate often during moist and dry areas within the enclosure. You can mist one side of the enclosure every now and then to create a moisture gradient. Substrate Mix Orange Dalmation Isopod will need a sufficient amount of natural calcium sources in order to thrive. You can also add granite, coral, limestone, and some additional sources of protein to the substrate mix. You can add cork barks and lotus pods to satisfy their love for hiding.

One of the most popular Porcellionides Isopods, the Oreo Crumble Isopods originates from the Southern European and Mediterranean regions. These medium to large sized isopods are beginner-friendly pets. They make a great addition to moderately humid terrarium setups. They have a distinct whitish black hue. They require low maintenance. These Porcellionides Isopods have a powdery appearance. The Oreo Crumble Isopods are prolific and hardy creatures. A Glimpse Origin: Mediterranean, Southern European Scientific Name: Porcellionides Pruinosus Difficulty: Low Rarity: Low Temperature: 65 to 85℉ Size: 3 cm Humidity: 65 to 90% Favourable  Foods: Cuttlebone, decaying leaves, calcium powder An Overview Oreo Crumble Isopods are Porcellionides isopods that are not that rare, unlike the other types of Porcellionides isopods. They are also Mediterranean natives characterized by their whitish hue in contrast to the environment that they foster within.    Oreo Crumbls are whitish-black coloured isopods that have a powdery appearance. They are ideal for kids who will be first-time pet parents. Being from the warm but humid climates, they will thrive in terrarium and vivarium setups with slightly humid environments.    The highlight of these Porcellionides species is their ability to survive in extreme temperatures. They are ideal isopods because of their calm temperament and non-aggressiveness.   Oreo Crumble Isopods are detrivores. These clean-up crew members are more active during the daytime compared to the nighttime. These socializing Porcellionides isopods have a highly proactive nature.   The Oreo Crumble Isopods have an impressive appearance. They would not make completely ideal pets for very small kids because they are soft-body creatures that need to be handled a little carefully. Basic Care You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to the Oreo Crumble Isopods. You can use spacious bioactive terrarium or vivarium setups to house the isopods. Maintain the container’s temperature within 65 to 85℉. It is essential to ensure slight humidity within the enclosure.  Don’t keep the enclosure in direct light.  Make use of calcium powder and cuttlebone to feed the Oreo Crumble Isopods. You can make only small ventilation holes within the enclosure. Feeding TheseiIsopods are primarily detrivores. These isopods have a bigger diet than the size of their body. Oreo Crumbles can feed on dead organic matter to fulfil their voracious appetite. They are fond of decaying cork bark and leaf litter. These Porcellionides isopod species consume protein-rich foods like meat scraps. They also feed on fish food and earthworm castings. Appearance And Behavior Oreo Crumble Isopods thrive in arid and tropical climates. They can be a suitable choice for beginners who can take care of their massive appetites.  These Porcellionides isopods should not be overfed. Overfeeding the Oreo Crumble Isopods can attract unwanted pests in an enclosure.  These Porcellionides isopods can grow up to 3 cm. The Oreal Crumble isopods have a soft carapace.  Habitat Oreo Crumble Isopods fertilize as well as lay numerous eggs in the soil. The eggs of the Oreo Crumble Isopods can incubate for several days before they hatch. Substrate Mix These Porcellionides isopods will need dried leaf litter in the substrate mix to feed themselves. You can add sphagnum moss and coco peat. A great substrate mix for these isopods can also include rotten wood and wood bark. The substrate mix depth for them also needs to be deep enough to promote the digging interest of the critters.