Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods (Porcellio)

Many people prefer roly polies or pill bugs as pets. They believe keeping these little creatures is easier than owning a big animal, but the truth might shock you, and you find the case otherwise. Species like Bolivari yellow ghost isopods are rare and challenging to handle, particularly if you are a beginner. From basic care to maintenance, you must do everything to keep your isopods happy and healthy.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: A Glimpse

• Origin: Alicante (Spain)

• Scientific Name: Porcellio Bolivari

• Difficulty: Medium

• Rarity: High

• Temperature: 18–25°C

• Size: Up to 3 cm

• Humidity: Low-medium

• Favorable Foods: Leaf litter, vegetables, rotting wood, springtails, Antarctic krill, pure spirulina, and agate sticks.

An Overview

Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods are fascinating creatures. Their yellow highlights and lemonade-like coloration make them stand out from other isopod species. Because of their striking appearance, they are so popular among keepers.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods were mainly found in Alicante, Spain. Unlike some other isopods, they cannot tolerate high humidity. To ensure their thriving and growth, maintain the moisture level between low to medium. The same temperature also boasts their reproduction. 

Another important factor which can’t be missed is to manage the temperature somewhere between 18°C and 25°, playing a crucial role in their overall development and survival rate. 

To keep Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods as pets, you must mimic their natural habitat in your terrarium. With a broad, flat body and a vivid yellow stripe running along their back, they look nothing less than stunning. If kept and fed well, they can also grow up to 3 cm in length.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods thrive in arid regions. You can keep them healthy only if you replicate these conditions in captivity.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Basic Care

There are a few basic tips you should keep in mind when caring for Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods.

• A well-ventilated terrarium ensures the best environment for them to grow and thrive better. 

• These particular species of isopods cannot tolerate stale or musty air, which makes it essential to maintain proper airflow within the terrarium. 

• They are better maintained with a low or medium humidity level.

• Keep it between 18°C and 25°C when it comes to give them the ideal temperature

• You should also keep them under direct sunlight as it may cause overheating.

• Add curved cork bark in the terrarium so your isopods can cling to them.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Feeding

Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods mainly feed on decaying organic matter. Their diet includes rotting wood, leaf litter, vegetables, salads, lichens, and banana leaves. However, you can also add specialized foods like springtails, pure spirulina, Antarctic krill, and agate sticks, which are good for their health and development. For protein, gammarus shrimp is good. For calcium sources, you can use cuttlebone or limestone.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour

• Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods are bigger than other isopods. It can grow up to 3 cm in length.

• These isopods have a unique appearance mainly because of their striking yellow highlights.

• They contribute to soil health and the nutrient cycle inside the terrarium.

• Compared to daytime, Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods are more active at night, a common behavioral trait.

• They have a flat, broad body that curves into a ball when threatened.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Habitat

Bolivari Yellow Ghost isopods live in dry environments that have calcium-rich soils. So, you will need a similar setup in captivity as well. You can replicate their natural habitat by maintaining proper ventilation inside the terrarium. Also, use a well-balanced substrate mix that is essential for their growth.

Bolivari Yellow Ghost Isopods: Substrate Mix

Never underestimate the role of a good substrate in maintaining healthy isopods. A mix of forest humus and flake soil serves as a strong base. But you can also add granulate, dead wood, shell grit, feeding foliage, and forest moss to provide essential nutrients and support the natural behavior of your isopods. Also, maintain 2-3 inches of substrate depth so your isopods can dig and explore comfortably.