Trachelipus is a genus of properly distinctive Eurasian isopods, found across Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Mediterranean regions. They share some characteristics with Porcellio (both genera adapted to temperate conditions, both moderately sized, both with textured exoskeletons), but Trachelipus species have their own properly distinctive look — often with more prominent body plate definition, giving them a slightly more "armoured" appearance than their close relatives.

The standout in this genus is properly Trachelipus trilobatus — known in the hobby as the Trilobite Isopod due to its remarkable resemblance to fossil trilobites, with prominent ridged segments running across the back. Properly one of the more visually striking isopods in the UK hobby, and the species most keepers come to Trachelipus for. Beyond the Trilobite, our collection includes Caucasus (T. caucasius), Cretan (T. cavaticus), Balkan (T. mostarensis, originally from Mostar in Bosnia), T. ratzeburgii, and T. difficilis — each from different regions across the genus's Eurasian range.

Husbandry is properly straightforward but specific — these are temperate climate species adapted to cool to moderate temperatures (15-22°C), moderate humidity, and properly humidity gradient setups (drier areas plus moisture-retaining areas). They don't suit tropical setups. Most are reasonably active and properly visible in well-set-up enclosures, making them rewarding to keep. Browse our Porcellio isopods collection for the closely related European genus with similar care requirements, or our Armadillidium collection for the conglobating European alternative.