Powder Blue isopods or Porcellionides pruinosus fall under the terrestrial crustaceans. They are small in size and have a powdery blue colour. These critters are active and fast and put their energy to good use. Their small size and intriguing behaviour make them unique among other isopods.

Powder Blue isopods are easy to care for, are small, and have an appealing colour. They are also easy to breed. Even if in a bioactive tank, they manage to maintain themselves with ease.  

Powder Blue Isopods: Briefly Explained

• Scientific name: Porcellionides pruinosus
• Maintenance: low
• Temperature: 70° F to 85° F
• Humidity: 50% to 70%
• Size: 1.2 cm
• Rarity: low
• Origin: Southern Europe

Powder Blue Isopods: Introduction

Powder Blue Isopods are initially from the Mediterranean region, mainly Southern Europe. Though the origin of these isopods may be ascertained precisely, it is believed that these powder blue isopods are the enthusiast community's efforts in selectively breeding them. Later, they were discovered in Southwest Asia and Europe. 

Due to their popularity, they are now found worldwide. The name powder blue cannot be used to classify them scientifically and is not recognized universally. Enthusiast communities have also tried producing different varieties of breeds according to their aesthetic sense.

Powder Blue isotopes thrive in humid conditions. They dwell in leaf litter in their natural environment, under stones and rotten wooden pieces. They are one the fastest-running species. They don't curl up like other isopod species; instead, they use their speed to scramble back into their hiding when they feel threatened.

Powder Blue Isopods generally have a purplish-brown colour but develop a lustrous blue sheen just before moulting. This beautiful waxy colouring gives them their name and, thus, catches the eye of hobbyists and admirers.

Behaviour and Appearance of Powder Blue Isopods

• The carapace has a dusty texture.
• Colour ranging from pale silver to a darker chrome colour
• They are diurnal and are great to keep in an enclosure
• They are small to medium size species. Adult Blue isopods grow up to 12mm.
• They are one of the fastest isotopes.
• Their exoskeleton looks tough, but they are soft-bodied. 
• Great supplement and is used as a snacks for frogs and lizards. 
• They are active breeders and feeders.
• Extremely hardy and active
• They are a great clean-up crew for drier setups. 
• Easy to care and are good beginner isopod. 
• Best for kids and for people who have never had pets before

Diet of Powder Blue Isopods

Powder blue isopods have an appetite bigger than their body. They are detritivores. They clean the environment by breaking down decaying matter into nutrients. This benefits the isopods and supports the overall balance of the ecosystem, be it in nature or in enclosure. 

Sometimes, owners tend to overfeed these creatures. This common mistake attracts unwanted elements such as fungi, gnats, mites, and fruit flies. Providing enough food for the isopods to finish in a single session is crucial to avoid these issues.

They also need protein to keep themselves strong and healthy. Meat scraps and fish pellets are given to keep the colony healthy. Calcium supplements and crushed limestone are substitutes for the creatures, so they thrive well in the enclosure.

Removing scraps, if there are any, is necessary after feeding. Feed them vegetables instead of fruits as it may attract fruit flies.

Breeding Powder Blue Isopods

• Powder blue isopods are active breeders. 
• They are easy to maintain and have to keep the temperature low to mid 80°F. 
• They will establish a colony within a few weeks.
• When breeding, it is necessary to keep the colony in check.

Power Blue Isopods: Habitat Environment 

Moisture is a crucial element in their habitat. Maintaining a humid environment is necessary for Powder Blue Isopods' overall health. Within the enclosure, the humidity levels should be within 80% to 90%. Misting with non-chlorinated water regularly helps in maintaining moisture. 

Rotten wood and dried leaves mimic their natural environment and will help provide these species with a place to dwell and dig. Adding sphagnum moss enhances the habitat and helps maintain the enclosure's humidity.

The habitat's temperature has to be maintained between 72° F and 86° F. Powder Blue isopods breed well if their habitat is around 80° F. This temperature has to be maintained as sudden fluctuations in temperature can affect them.

These little things will improve the isopods' quality of life and thrive within the bioactive tank.

Power Blue Isopods: Mixing of Substrate

An isopod enclosure is made in such a way that it fulfils certain factors:

• A good quality enclosure
• Ventilation
• Good substrate mix
• Humidity gradient
• Hiding/climbing areas
• Dried leaves

Creating an optimal substrate mix for Power Blue isopod is essential for overall health and health. The substrate is a physical home for the isopods, a source of nutrition, and a stable environment. The substrate mix is as follows:

Covering the base layer with coco peat provides a natural, moisture-retentive substrate. This provides a fibrous environment for the isopods. Isopods thrive on organic matter present in decaying leaves. Add a generous amount of oak, magnolia, or maple leaves to provide essential nutrients and a place for isopods to hide.

Include various types of rotting wood like cork bark or oak. This makes them aesthetically pleasing and provides a textured environment for isopods to explore. This also helps maintain the humidity inside. Include sphagnum moss in the mix. This provides a humid environment for hydration and helps in moulting.

Cuttlebone and eggshells are excellent sources of calcium. It is essential for the species to moult and maintain a strong carapace. Adding earthworm shelling can also help be a great source of nutrition. Adding a small amount of activated charcoal can help filter impurities and maintain the freshness of the substrate.

The isopods will thrive and live healthy by checking and maintaining the enclosure.