Porecellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods

Porcellio Ornatus are widely sought after for its bright colours and patterns. These species are relatively on the larger side and are widely appreciated among exotic pet communities. They are active species, and it is great to watch them crawl in glass enclosures. 

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Key Points

• Origin: Spain
• Size: 2.5 cm
• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Breeding rate: Moderate
• Temperature: 68℉-79℉
• Rarity: low to medium
• Humidity: slightly humid
• Favorite food: dead leaves, fish food flakes, fruits and vegetables
• Supplements: oyster shell, cuttlefish bone

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Introduction

There are many artificially cultivated morphs; however, natural morph species are rare. One such species is the Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow species. These species are originally native to Spain and were redistributed to various parts of the world through an exchange process by pet lovers. Like other isopods that originated in Spain, these species also love climatic conditions with moderate humidity. They prefer a drier air content in their living environment. 

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Physical Features and Characteristics

• These species have grey exoskeletons with high yellow coloration.
• They are active and don't shy away from light. 
• They tend to crawl around on various surfaces and underneath barks as well. 
• These species are slow-moving and are extroverted in nature.
• Due to their large size and active nature, they need a good nutritious diet. 
• They are slightly difficult to maintain.
• They prefer dry, arid landscapes, similar to other isopods that are native to Spain.
• They are not tolerant of extreme temperatures. 
• These species need less moisture and high ventilation.

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Feeding

The Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow isopods are active in nature. They are constantly crawling and exploring the surroundings. Due to its highly active nature, they have a voracious appetite. These species are not difficult to be fed and they pretty much eat anything. 

Being an active and large species, these require calcium and protein-rich food. When culturing these species in an enclosure, it is crucial to provide a balanced diet of fruits, vegetable cuttings, meat pieces, and also molting of other invertebrates. 

Cuttlewood, crushed eggshells, or oyster shell pieces can be added as a substitute. This helps in the overall health of the isopods and for breeding healthy offspring. 

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Morphs

There are various morphs that have been formed naturally in the wild due to genetic selection. Also, there are moths that have been designed and cultivated by the breeders. Regardless of the origin of the morphs, there are three types that are commonly found, and they are as follows:

• Porcellio Ornatus Nord: These isopods have grey shells with white spotting and skirts.
• Porcellio Ornatus Yellow dot or South: Has predominantly dark grey carapace with yellow dots on the end part of the body.
• Porcellio Ornatus Chocolate High Yellow: These isopods are similar to the high yellow variant with a chocolate brown color shell instead of grey

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Breeding

These bright yellow species are found to be reproducing at a moderate rate. With proper maintenance and care, sub-adults will begin to breed before reaching full size. For this, the isopods should be fed with a proper diet that is rich in protein and calcium. By providing them with a proper diet, these species breed very quickly. They also produce healthy broods that range in size from medium to large.

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Natural Habitat

• For these species, extreme cold or hot conditions can affect their health and can be lethal. 
• These species, therefore, prefer a comfortable temperature range as per the specifications. 
• They generally tend to set up their living spaces where the conditions are slightly humid. 
• They move between the humid areas and dry areas as per their requirement and comfort. 
• They hide and form colonies by themselves naturally underneath leaves and wooden bark available in the wild.

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Artificial Habitat

While setting up true artificial enclosures for them there are multiple things to remember to ensure that they are having a enjoying environment. Temperature conditions should be optimal i.e not too hot or not too cold. Therefore it is crucial to maintain the temperature around 20℃ to 26℃.

The humidity level should not exceed as it can affect the reproducing capacity of the species. Therefore, when setting the enclosure, it is important to leave ¼ th of the enclosure as a wet area and leave the rest dry. Mist on the wet side of the enclosure produces a moisture gradient. To help keep the enclosure's humidity levels stable, keep moss on the wet side. When necessary, these species will move between arid and wet environments. 

A proper flow of air is to be ensured within the enclosure. Opt for enclosures with ventilation outlets or provide openings in plastic containers if making the enclosure using DIY. When providing ventilation, cover the openings with mesh to prevent these creatures from escaping.

Natural materials can be used to create artificial hiding places. Egg cartons, lotus pods, coconut halves, and cork bark are a few examples. These are all great places for isopods to climb and hide. By adding numerous hides, you may accommodate both juveniles and adults in your enclosure, which also gives the isopods a more varied habitat.

Porcellio Ornatus High Yellow Isopods: Substrate Mix for the Isopods

The substrate mix of these critters should be in a way that it imitates their natural environment. Therefore it is important to use the right type of substrate for these species. 

The substrate mix for P. Ornatus High Yellow should either consist of coconut coir and peat moss or use premix Bug Bedding and Super Substrate mix. Both can help provide a solid foundation for the enclosure. 

When adding the substrate, provide thick bedding of 3-4 inches, as these species like to dig. Add water to the bedding till they are moist. It is important to ensure that the mixture is not drenched in water but just wet enough. 

A lot of leaf litter should be added to the enclosure. Before placing them inside the enclosure, make sure they are clean. To provide these species with calcium, scatter egg shells, cuttlebone, or powdered calcium within the enclosure. Provide different kinds of mosses (sheet and pillow types) for climbing and hiding places in addition to nibbles.

Add a variety of textured enclosure decor. This helps to provide a more inviting and realistic environment for the isopods. These include rotten wooden bark, coconut shells, and egg cartons.