Keeping isopods as pets is not something everyone can do unless they are experienced and have what it takes to care for them. With various breeds, you can choose what you think fits your skill level. If you are a beginner, Narco Cove, a Porcellio genus of isopod, is a good choice because they thrive in a wide range of temperatures and are easier to keep than other species. In this post, we have shared the details you should know about Narco Cove isopods before bringing them home and putting them in a glass terrarium.
Narco Cove Isopods: A Glimpse
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Origin: Spain
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Scientific Name: Porcellio sp.
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Size: Up to 1.5 cm
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Difficulty Level: Easy
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Rarity: Not exceptionally rare
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Temperature: 17-26°C
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Humidity: 55-75%
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Favorite Foods: Fruits, veggies, leaves, decaying wood, animal matter
An Overview
Originating from Spain, Narco Cove isopods are sure to win your heart with their slate grey backs and distinct white border around their bodies, which sets them apart from other species in the region.
They are a smaller version of the Titan Isopod, with the white border resembling a “white skirt,” a prominent feature on their body. Adult Narco Cove isopods grow up to 1.5 cm and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures as long as humidity stays between 55-75%.
Even though they are not rare, you won’t find them all over Spain like other species in the Porcellio sp. genus except in a few regions. A reliable way to get Narco Cove isopods is through pet trading.
Basic Care
We have provided a few care tips we think will help you:
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Using plastic boxes or tubs with ample ventilation is a good idea, but a better plan is to house them in bioactive terrariums with other animals that won’t harm them.
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Although Narco Cove isopods can tolerate a range of temperatures, it shouldn’t go above 17-26°C, or else there can be problems you wouldn’t want to arise in the first place.
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The humidity level needs to be between 55% and 75%, which can be maintained by misting the enclosure regularly so it doesn’t get excessively dry.
Narco Cove Isopods: Feeding
Primarily detritivores, Narco Cove isopods eat decaying organic matter and thrive on a variety of foods, including fruits, veggies, rotting wood, and leaf litter they can easily find in the wild. Adding cuttlebone or crushed eggshells to their diet makes it balanced and ensures their health and exoskeleton development properly.
Narco Cove Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour
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Narco Cove isopods are slate grey and have a white border around their entire body, making them appealing in a glass terrarium.
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They have a short, segmented body, large compound eyes, uniramous thoracic legs, and pairs of antennae that help them detect their surroundings and look for food.
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Narco Cove isopods are active creatures suitable for beginners because of their easy-care requirements that don’t require much effort or attention.
Habitat
To ensure that isopods are having a comfortable life even in captivity, ensure to create an ideal habitat. When creating a habit for Narco Cove Isopods, their ideal environment consists of good ventilation, enough space to move around, plenty of food, and lots of hiding spots so they can burrow and rest whenever they are in a mood. Keep in check for the fluctuation of the temperature and humidity levels.
Substrate Mix
Narco Cove Isopods thrive in a dark, earthy environment and need a substrate mix consisting of organic topsoil and coconut fiber. You can also add crushed leaf litter and soft decayed wood, so they have food to eat and areas to hide. As for humidity control, a layer of sphagnum moss does the magic.
