Discover the captivating beauty of the Spanish desert with our Porcellio Haasi Bardenas Isopods! These stunning isopods showcase the unique characteristics of their arid homeland, making them a must-have for both beginner and experienced enthusiasts. With their impressive size and striking appearance, these fascinating creatures are perfect for bioactive setups and will add a touch of Mediterranean elegance to any enclosure.
Porcellio Haasi Bardenas: A Glimpse
• Origin: Bardenas Desert, Northeastern Spain
• Scientific Name: Porcellio haasi bardenas
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Size: Up to 3 centimeters
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Temperature: 70°F to 80°F
• Humidity: 45% to 55%
• Favourite Foods: Dried leaves, fruits, organic vegetables, bark
An Overview
Originally from the remarkable Bardenas Desert in northeastern Spain, these Porcellio Haasi Bardenas represent a unique locality variant adapted to semi-arid conditions. The Bardenas Desert, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and specialized wildlife. Our Haasi Bardenas have evolved to thrive in these challenging conditions, making them exceptionally hardy pets with fascinating behaviors.
These isopods are characterized by their robust build and subtle earth-toned coloration that reflects their desert origins. The Bardenas variety tends to display more muted yellows and browns compared to other Haasi variants, with distinctive markings that mirror the desert's natural palette. Their impressive size, reaching up to three centimeters, makes them easily visible and excellent display animals.
What sets the Bardenas variety apart is their remarkable adaptability and active temperament. These creatures are constantly on the move, often seen foraging on the surface during evening hours. Their larger size and distinctive desert adaptation make them a standout addition to any isopod collection.
Habitat Requirements
Substrate Mix: • 40% coco coir • 30% sphagnum moss • 20% decomposed leaf litter (oak or beech preferred) • 10% limestone chips or crushed cuttlefish bone
Create a moisture gradient with one end slightly damp and the other completely dry. The Bardenas variety prefers conditions on the drier side, so avoid over-moistening the substrate. Provide excellent ventilation as these desert dwellers require good airflow.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup: • Minimum 10-gallon container for a small colony • Secure, well-ventilated lid with multiple air holes • Cork bark tubes and dried branches for hiding • Scattered dried leaves for foraging opportunities • One shallow water dish in the humid zone
Environmental Conditions: • Maintain temperature between 70°F to 80°F • Keep humidity between 45% to 55% • Provide 12-hour light/dark cycle • Ensure one humid retreat area and predominantly dry conditions
These isopods are moderately challenging but rewarding to keep. They require slightly more attention to moisture levels than some species, but their hardy nature makes them forgiving of minor care mistakes.
Feeding
Primary Diet: • Dried deciduous leaves (oak, maple, birch) • Fresh fruits (apple, pear, melon - avoid citrus) • Organic vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, squash) • High-quality fish food or isopod pellets • Decomposing wood and bark
Supplements: • Cuttlefish bone or calcium powder (essential for molting) • Occasional protein treats (freeze-dried bloodworms)
Feed 2-3 times per week, removing uneaten fresh foods after 48 hours to prevent mold. These isopods are particularly fond of dried leaves and will process them efficiently, making them excellent clean-up crew members.
Breeding Information
Porcellio Haasi Bardenas are prolific breeders when conditions are optimal. Females carry eggs in their marsupium for approximately 3-4 weeks before releasing fully-developed mancae. A single female can produce 20-40 offspring per breeding cycle.
Breeding Requirements: • Stable temperature around 75°F • Consistent humidity levels • Adequate calcium supplementation • Multiple hiding spots for gravid females • Peaceful environment with minimal disturbance
Young isopods mature in 3-4 months and will begin breeding, creating a self-sustaining colony. Provide extra calcium sources during breeding seasons to support successful molting and egg development.
Compatibility
These gentle giants are compatible with a lot of terrarium inhabitants. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent community animals, though adult males may occasionally display territorial behaviour. They work wonderfully as part of a bioactive clean-up crew alongside springtails and other microfauna.
Perfect for: • Bioactive vivariums and terrariums • Desert and Mediterranean-themed setups
• Mixed-species isopod colonies • Educational displays and observation
Whether you're new to the world of isopods or a seasoned hobbyist, our captive-bred Porcellio Haasi Bardenas will make a fascinating and low-maintenance addition to your collection. These desert gems combine the hardiness of their arid homeland with the charm that makes Porcellio species so beloved by enthusiasts worldwide!
