These impressive Spanish giants from the Prades Mountains of Catalonia represent one of the larger Porcellio species available in the hobby. With their distinctive flat profile and striking orange coloration, P. expansus 'Prades' brings a taste of the Mediterranean scrublands to your collection. While not the easiest species to establish, their size and active nature make them a rewarding project for keepers ready to move beyond beginner species.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Prades Mountains, Catalonia, Spain
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Scientific Name: Porcellio expansus 'Prades'
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Difficulty Level: Moderate to Advanced
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Adult Size: Up to 22mm (0.87 inches)
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Rarity: Medium to High
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Temperature: 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C)
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Humidity: 30% to 50% with dry areas essential
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Favorite Foods: Lichen, dried fish food, hardwood leaves
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Supplements: Protein sources, calcium, bee pollen
Overview
Porcellio expansus 'Prades' hails from the rocky, arid regions of northeastern Spain where they've adapted to survive in challenging Mediterranean conditions. Their flattened body shape allows them to wedge into narrow rock crevices in their natural habitat, while their orange-rust coloration provides camouflage against the iron-rich soils of their homeland. Unlike many commonly kept species, these isopods are distinctly xerophilic (dry-loving) and will quickly decline in overly humid conditions.
These active isopods are primarily nocturnal but can often be spotted during daylight hours, especially during feeding. They're surprisingly fast movers when disturbed and exhibit interesting social behaviors, often clustering together under bark pieces. However, they can be slow to establish and somewhat sensitive to environmental changes, making them better suited to keepers with some experience.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup:
- Minimum 10-litre container for starter colonies (10-15 individuals)
- Maximum ventilation critical - consider additional air holes
- 3-4 inch substrate layer for burrowing
- Multiple vertical bark pieces for climbing and hiding
- Minimal leaf litter compared to other species
- Stone or slate pieces to mimic natural habitat
Substrate Requirements:
- 50% sandy loam or mineral-based soil
- 20% decomposed hardwood
- 20% crushed limestone or gypsum
- 10% dried moss (not sphagnum)
Environmental Conditions: This species requires a pronounced moisture gradient with the majority of the enclosure kept dry. Maintain only a small corner (about 20% of the enclosure) slightly moist, misting this area lightly once every 7-10 days. Excessive moisture is the quickest way to lose a colony of P. expansus. They thrive in warm conditions and benefit from temperatures at the higher end of their range. Good ventilation cannot be overstated - stagnant, humid air will lead to rapid colony decline.
Feeding: Feed sparingly once weekly, offering only what can be consumed within 48 hours. These isopods have lower appetites than many tropical species. Focus on dried foods rather than fresh vegetables. Lichen, dried fish food, and bee pollen are particularly appreciated. Fresh foods should be limited to harder vegetables like carrot or butternut squash, offered in small amounts. Protein is essential for successful molting and should be offered weekly in small quantities.
Breeding Notes
P. expansus 'Prades' is notably slower to reproduce than many commonly kept species. Expect 3-6 months before seeing first offspring in new colonies. Females produce smaller broods (15-25 young) compared to other Porcellio species, but offspring survival rates are high when conditions are correct. Temperature plays a crucial role in breeding success - colonies kept below 70°F rarely reproduce. Patience is key with this species; once established, colonies are quite stable but never explosive in growth.
Special Considerations
This species is particularly sensitive during shipping and acclimation. Expect some losses in the first week as individuals adjust to new conditions. Avoid the temptation to increase moisture if you see casualties - this usually makes matters worse. Instead, ensure adequate ventilation and stable temperatures. Once acclimated, they're relatively hardy but never as forgiving as species like P. scaber or P. laevis.
The PostPods Difference
Our Prades locality specimens come from established breeding groups that have been successfully maintained for multiple generations in the UK. We've found these particular lines to be more adaptable than fresh imports, giving you better chances of colony establishment.
