Succinctus Black Rib Isopods (Porcellio)

An exotic hobby of keeping isopods as pets has become a common one in recent times, and you will find plenty sharing the same passion. But, it is challenging to choose the right isopod for your captivity. If you are looking for a difficult species, choose Succinctus Black Rib Isopods. These isopods are attractive to look at and also available easily.

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: A Glimpse

• Origin: Spain

• Scientific Name: Porcellio Succinctus "Black Ribs"

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Rarity: Not rare

• Size: Up to 2.8 cm

• Temperature: 15°C to 26°C

• Humidity: Low-medium

• Favourable Foods: Rotting wood, forest debris, fruits, vegetables, fish food, and cuttlebone.

An Overview

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods are native to Spain. They are a captivating species that many keepers and enthusiasts prefer. What makes these isopods popular is their appearance. You can easily recognize them because of their unique white skirts and black ribbons on their body.

Unlike other isopods, Succinctus Black Rib Isopods cannot tolerate high humidity. They prefer low to medium moisture levels that is essential for their survival.

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods are bigger than many other isopod species, and their size grows up to 2.8 cm long and thrives better in moderate temperatures. You must take up the responsibility for a pet to give them a better life and start by giving them the same environment as their habitat. 

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Basic Care

Here are some basic care tips you should follow:

• You should add moist corners in the terrarium because it is essential for your isopods' health.

• Do not skip on keeping ample airflow and ventilation when preparing the terrarium.

•   Mimicking their natural surroundings maybe a task, but take extra efforts and add moss, leaf litter, and pieces of decaying white wood so it mimics their natural surroundings. 

•  For their better growth, the ideal temperature range is between 15 and 26°C.

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Feeding

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods are detritivores. They feed on various organic materials, including fruits, vegetables, greens, forest moss, lichen, decaying leaves, and rotting white. You should provide these things for their development. Cuttlefish bone, limestone, or oyster seashells are a great source of calcium. 

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour

• Succinctus Black Rib Isopods reach up to 2.8 cm in length. 

• The isopods are best known for their features, like long antennae and uropods, contributing to their impressive appearance. 

• They are secretive and mostly active at night and early morning. 

• You should keep them from direct sunlight as they are heat-sensitive.

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Habitat

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods require a habitat that closely resembles their natural environment. Create multiple moist corners using moss, decaying white wood, and leaf litter so your isopods can live comfortably. This will also maintain the right humidity level, which is essential for their development. The setup should be dry but have good airflow. This way, you can prevent excessive moisture buildup inside the terrarium.

Succinctus Black Rib Isopods: Substrate Mix

Your isopods need a suitable substrate mix. Use organic compost, vermicast, sphagnum moss, crushed leaf litter, rotting wood, and calcium sources. This will help you prepare the perfect substrate mix for your little pets. This will provide the necessary nutrients and environment for your isopods to thrive and reproduce.