Hoffmannseggii Orange Isopods (Porcellio)

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.