Discover the warm, earthy beauty of these stunning rust-colored European isopods! Rust Scabers showcase gorgeous reddish-brown to deep orange coloration that perfectly captures the essence of autumn leaves and weathered metal. These hardy specimens represent one of nature's most beautiful color expressions in the legendary Porcellio scaber species, combining the reliability and ease of care that made rough woodlice famous with distinctive rusty hues that make them stand out in any bioactive setup.
A Glimpse
• Origin: Europe (Captive Bred) • Scientific Name: Porcellio scaber 'Rust' • Difficulty Level: Low - Beginner Friendly • Adult Size: Up to 18mm (0.7 inches) • Rarity: Medium • Temperature: 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C) • Humidity: 50% to 60% with moisture gradient • Favorite Foods: Decaying leaves, vegetables, fish food, rotting wood • Supplements: Protein twice weekly, calcium sources
Overview
Rust Scabers represent one of the most visually striking natural color variants of Europe's most successful terrestrial crustacean. These captivating isopods display rich rust, reddish-brown, and deep orange coloration that ranges from subtle copper tones to vibrant burnt orange, creating a warm, earthy aesthetic that's absolutely mesmerizing against dark substrates. Unlike many artificially selected morphs, Rust coloration occurs naturally in wild Porcellio scaber populations, making these specimens particularly special for keepers who appreciate nature's artistry. They maintain all the legendary hardiness, adaptability, and prolific breeding characteristics that made rough woodlice the foundation species of the isopod hobby, while offering distinctive coloration that rivals much more expensive rarities.
Basic Care
Rust Scabers epitomize beginner-friendly isopod keeping with their remarkable tolerance for environmental variations and forgiving nature. They thrive in room temperatures between 60-85°F and readily adapt to minor fluctuations that would stress more delicate species. Humidity should be maintained between 50-60% with crucial moisture gradients - approximately one-third of their enclosure should remain consistently moist while the majority stays well-ventilated and moderately humid. These robust isopods appreciate excellent airflow and actually prefer slightly drier conditions than tropical species, making them perfect for keepers still learning proper ventilation balance. Their substantial size and active nature make them easy to observe, and their calm temperament allows for safe handling when necessary.
Feeding
Calcium • Cuttlefish bone pieces (essential for their calcified exoskeletons) • Crushed eggshells mixed into substrate • Limestone granules for ongoing supplementation • Calcium powder occasionally dusted on vegetables
Protein (Twice Weekly) • High-quality fish flakes or pellets • Dried shrimp (remove after 24 hours) • Freeze-dried bloodworms • Reptile shed skin when available • Commercial isopod protein mixes
Primary Diet • Hardwood leaf litter (oak, maple, birch preferred) • Fresh vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, squash, cucumber) • White rotten wood pieces • Decomposing organic matter • Commercial isopod pellets as supplements
Appearance and Behaviour
Rust Scabers are absolutely stunning specimens that showcase nature's beautiful color palette in warm, earthy tones. Adults reach an impressive 18mm length with robust, oval-shaped bodies covered in the characteristic small tubercles that give rough woodlice their name. Their coloration ranges from subtle copper and rust tones to rich reddish-brown and vibrant burnt orange, often with beautiful mottled patterns that create depth and visual interest. Young specimens may display even brighter lemon-yellow to orange hues that intensify with age. These active isopods are constantly on the move, foraging through substrate and leaf litter with purposeful, methodical movements. They cannot roll into balls like Armadillidium species but rely on their speed and hardy exoskeletons for protection. Their social nature leads them to aggregate under favorite hiding spots, creating impressive displays of their warm coloration.
Habitat
A minimum 6-quart container works for starter colonies, while established groups thrive in 15+ quart setups or 10+ gallon terrariums that showcase their active foraging behaviors. Substrate depth should be 2-3 inches to support their natural burrowing instincts and provide adequate moisture retention zones. Create distinct environmental gradients with approximately one-third of the enclosure maintained as consistently moist using quality sphagnum moss, while the remainder stays well-ventilated and moderately humid. Cork bark pieces, wooden hides, and thick hardwood leaf litter coverage provide essential shelter and foraging opportunities. Excellent ventilation is crucial - provide ample airflow at the container top to prevent stagnation while maintaining proper humidity zones.
Substrate Mix
Create the ideal environment with this proven mixture:
Base Layer (70%): • Quality organic topsoil (pesticide and fertilizer-free) • Aged leaf mold for natural decomposition cycles • Small amount of peat moss for moisture retention and pH buffering
Organic Amendments (20%): • White rotten wood pieces (10% - critical nutrition source) • Aged hardwood bark pieces • Earthworm castings for soil fertility
Mineral Supplements (10%): • Limestone granules (essential for exoskeleton development) • Crushed oyster shell pieces • Optional: Fine sand for drainage in deeper areas
Moisture Management: Maintain substrate that feels like a well-wrung sponge in designated moist zones, never waterlogged or oversaturated. The dry areas should remain just slightly humid to the touch but well-aerated. Rust Scabers are remarkably tolerant of varying moisture levels and actually prefer conditions slightly drier than tropical species. Monitor with gentle substrate compression - moist areas should produce a drop or two when squeezed, while dry areas should feel barely damp and spring back quickly.
Special Considerations: Rust Scabers have hearty appetites and excellent foraging abilities, so ensure substrate includes substantial amounts of decomposing wood and aged leaf matter. They're particularly effective at processing large quantities of organic waste, making them outstanding bioactive team members. Their natural adaptability means they're very forgiving of substrate variations, but they respond beautifully to consistent care with enhanced coloration and increased breeding activity.
