Porcellio werneri (Greek Shield Isopod)

Porcellio Werneri isopod, aka Space Pods or Greek Shield isopod, is famous worldwide for its one-of-a-kind shape, colour, etc. This relatively bigger isopod is known for its mild temperaments and compatibility with many climates. 

Porcellio Werneri isopods serve purposes like cleaning, aerating the soil, etc., and thus, are in high demand as terrarium pets. These egg-laying species are reasonably easy to care for. You only need a two to five-gallon big container or tank to rear a small community of Porcellio Werneri isopods effectively.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Greece
• Scientific Name: Porcellio Werneri
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Size: Up to two centimeters
• Temperature: 17 to 26°C
• Humidity: 50 to 65%
• Favourite Foods: Decaying leaves, fruits, vegetables, etc.

An Overview

Porcellio Werneri are a relatively large, seasonally breeding isopod from Greece. These isopods are noted for their unique body shape. They are flat, round, and look very similar to a feather. This unusual-looking isopod is popularly sold worldwide as it poses only moderate difficulties to the owners.

These pods feature a dark grey color that often crosses into black on significant parts of their body. The outer edge of the body features a milk-white color. These isopods are also known by names like Greek Shield, Werner's Woodlouse, Pancake isopods, etc.

Porcellio Werneri requires a good amount of airflow to survive in any enclosure or habitat. Experts recommend keeping at least one-fourth of a Porcellio Werneri enclosure moist to help it stay better.

They also require a heavy Calcium diet. Caregivers are expected to provide Calcium and protein supplements to these isopods regularly. Porcellio Werneri isopods exhibit seasonal breeding. So, the juveniles can only be seen during a fixed time every year.

Basic Care

• These isopods are non-aggressive creatures that can live up to four years with proper care.

 

• They maintain a detritivore diet. So, the caregiver should provide them with vegetables, fruits, and decaying organic matter regularly.

 

• Caregivers can facilitate breeding among the Porcellio Werneri isopods by putting the female and male together. But as they are seasonal breeders, the possibility for breeding is limited to two times a year.

 

• Ensure your enclosure is well sized as these isopods can be teritorial and they may fight if they are not spaced adequatley

 

• The younger ones remain in the larvae stage for several months. They need abundant food during this phase. So, the caregiver should be prompt with the diet cycle.

 

• Good attention should be provided to humidity-related issues that can affect the health of these isopods. Such issues are the significant reasons for fatalities among these isopods.

 

• They need a reasonable amount of moisture content. Their natural habitats are usually by high moisture-containing river banks and stream shores.

Feeding

Being detritivores, these isopods have a diet that primarily consists of dead and decaying matter. They prefer dried leaf litter over fresh leaves. Some of the favorite foods of Porcellio Werneri isopods are as follows.

• Fruits

 

• Vegetables

 

• Greens

 

• Fish foods

 

• Decaying leaves

 

• Rotting wood

 

• Molting of reptiles and invertebrates

It is advisable to give them protein supplements now and then to maintain their overall health. The correct frequency to provide protein supplements to greek shields is twice a week. The best protein sources for them are as follows.

• Fish flakes

 

• Dried minnows

 

• Dried shrimp

Calcium is another staple element that Porcellio Werneri isopods need to have in their daily diet. There are different Calcium sources available that can provide ample amounts of Calcium.

Some of them are as follows.

• Cuttlefish bones

 

• Limestone

 

• Oyster seashell

 

• Limestone rock

 

• Crushed eggshells

Appearance and Behaviour

Porcellio Werneri isopods are also known as Greek Shield isopods due to their unique appearance. They look very similar to a warrior’s armor shield. They are flat and oval-shaped. 

They usually maintain a deep grey body. The grey can sometimes appear like black. At the outer edge of the body, they also have a white shade. At a single glance, the white part looks like a skirt around the Porcellio Werneri isopods’ bodies.

P. Werneri isopods are relatively bigger than the other regular isopods. The adult Porcellio Werneri isopod can reach up to two centimeters. Their heads have two long antennae.

The exoskeleton ofWerneri isopods is divided into seven different segments. Each segment contains a pair of small legs. The last pair of legs on the last segment of these isopods’ body is much bigger and stronger than the other legs.

As far as behavior is concerned, P. Werneri isopods are barely aggressive. They are relatively mild, and the caregiver can even hand-feed them once comfortable. They usually hide from other bigger creatures.

On co-existing conditions, Porcellio Werneri isopods exhibit territorial behavior. They usually do not get aggressive against other animals and show a fair amount of tolerance.

Porcellio Werneri Isopods: Habitat

• At least 1/3rd of the enclosure should be moist for culturing Porcellio Werneri isopods. 

 

• The enclosure for P. Werneri isopods should have enough air vents, as they require high airflow to survive. 

 

• When culturing Porcellio Werneri isopods with other species, it is advisable to use enclosures with ample space. Porcellio Werneri isopod males can get very protective and territorial of their area, and having enough room inside the enclosure is thus crucial.

 

• For starter colonies of Porcellio Werneri isopods, a 12-liter container can be enough.

 

• For large Porcellio Werneri isopod colonies, a 25-liter container will be more than enough.

 

• The temperature inside the enclosure should be kept between 17 and 26 degrees Celsius.

 

•  The humidity inside the enclosure should be between 50% to 65%. The enclosure should not be kept completely dry.

 Substrate Mix

The substrate mix for Porcellio Werneri isopods should contain an ample amount of organic matter. A combination of coconut fiber plus peat moss would suit these isopods. The substrate soil should retain moisture content for quite a while. But it should not be dripping wet, either.

Along with the substrate mix, you can supplement a Porcellio Werneri isopod tank with the following elements.

• Cork bark

 

• Leaf litter (pesticide-free)

 

• Lotus seed pods

 

• Egg crates (for hiding)