Discover the genetic magic of our exceptional Werneri Carrying Leucistic Gene Isopods! These remarkable Armadillidium specimens represent one of the most exciting genetic developments in the hobby, carrying the rare leucistic gene that produces stunning pale offspring. While appearing as beautiful normal Werneri adults, these genetic carriers hold the potential to produce spectacular leucistic young - pale, ethereal isopods with reduced pigmentation and striking light coloration. Perfect for dedicated breeders and genetic enthusiasts seeking something truly extraordinary.
Werneri Carrying Leucistic Gene: A Glimpse
• Origin: Greece (Corfu Island & Turkish Islands)
• Scientific Name: Armadillidium werneri (leucistic gene carriers)
• Common Names: Greater Clown Isopod, Orange Werneri
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Size: Up to 21 millimeters
• Rarity: Very Rare (genetic carriers)
• Temperature: 68°F to 82°F
• Humidity: 50% to 65%
• Favourite Foods: Blackberry leaves, vegetables, fish food, rotting wood
An Overview
Originally from the stunning Greek islands and select Turkish coastal regions, Armadillidium werneri represents one of Europe's most charismatic isopod species. Our special strain carries the incredibly rare leucistic gene - a genetic treasure that can produce offspring with dramatically reduced pigmentation, creating pale, almost ghostly specimens with retained eye coloration.
What makes these carriers so extraordinary is their dual nature. As adults, they display the classic beauty of Armadillidium werneri with their distinctive five-line spotted pattern, warm orange and brown tones, and robust build. However, they carry hidden genetic potential that can manifest in their offspring as leucism - a condition where pigment cells fail to develop properly, resulting in pale, cream-colored young with normally pigmented eyes.
The leucistic gene is recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene for leucistic offspring to appear. This creates exciting breeding possibilities where carriers can produce both normal-colored young and stunning leucistic specimens in the same brood. These genetic carriers are incredibly valuable to dedicated breeders working to establish leucistic lines, representing years of careful selection and breeding work.
Habitat Requirements
Substrate Mix: • 40% quality coco coir • 25% composted leaf litter (blackberry and oak preferred) • 20% sphagnum moss • 10% crushed limestone or cuttlefish bone • 5% rotting white wood pieces
Armadillidium werneri prefer conditions slightly drier than other Armadillidium species, with only one corner maintained damp. Create a moisture gradient with excellent drainage and good airflow throughout the enclosure.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup: • Minimum 10-gallon container for breeding groups (6-10 individuals) • Well-ventilated lid with multiple air holes for gas exchange • Cork bark flats and natural hiding spots throughout • Deep substrate layer (3-4 inches) for burrowing • Blackberry leaves scattered as primary food source • Dry zone comprising 2/3 of enclosure • Single moist retreat area with moss
Environmental Conditions: • Maintain temperature between 68°F to 82°F • Keep humidity between 50% to 65% (lower than most Armadillidium) • Provide excellent ventilation to prevent stagnation • Natural day/night lighting cycle • Monitor carefully as they are somewhat shy but become more active in larger groups
These medium-difficulty isopods require attention to their preference for drier conditions. Their Greek island origins make them adapted to Mediterranean climates with good airflow and moderate moisture levels.
Feeding
Primary Diet: • Blackberry leaves (their absolute favorite natural food) • Fresh organic vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, squash) • Quality fish food and specialized isopod pellets • Rotting white wood pieces (essential for gut health) • Mixed deciduous leaf litter (oak, maple, beech)
Essential Supplements: • Calcium sources (cuttlebone, limestone chips) • Protein supplements twice weekly (crucial for their health) • Natural forest moss and lichen when available • Shed skin from reptiles and invertebrates
Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times per week, ensuring blackberry leaves are always available as they show strong preference for this food source. Remove uneaten fresh foods after 48 hours to prevent mold in their preferred drier conditions.
Breeding & Genetic Information
The leucistic gene breeding project represents one of the most exciting aspects of keeping these special carriers. Leucism causes partial loss of pigmentation while preserving normal eye coloration, creating stunning pale offspring that are highly prized in the hobby.
Genetic Breeding Requirements: • Both parents must carry the leucistic gene for leucistic offspring • Stable temperature around 75°F for optimal breeding • Consistent environmental conditions over multiple generations • Moderate reproduction rate requiring patience • Excellent record-keeping to track genetic lines • Multiple hiding spots for gravid females • Rich calcium supplementation during breeding seasons
Expected Breeding Outcomes: When breeding two leucistic gene carriers, expect approximately 25% of offspring to display leucistic coloration, 50% to be carriers like their parents, and 25% to be normal non-carriers. Adult size reaches 25mm, making them among the larger Armadillidium species, and they require 4-6 months to reach breeding maturity.
Genetic Value & Rarity
These leucistic gene carriers represent exceptional value for serious breeders and genetic enthusiasts. The leucistic gene is extremely rare in isopod populations and has taken years of careful selection to establish in captive lines. Each carrier represents genetic potential worth far more than standard specimens.
Special Considerations: • Maintain detailed breeding records for genetic tracking • Consider establishing multiple breeding lines to preserve genetics • Priority should be given to breeding carriers together • Leucistic offspring may require special care due to reduced pigmentation • These genetics are irreplaceable if lost from breeding programs
Perfect for: • Advanced breeders working with genetic projects • Collectors seeking rare genetic variations • Educational programs demonstrating inheritance patterns • Bioactive setups requiring efficient decomposers • Enthusiasts passionate about isopod genetics
Investment Consideration: These genetic carriers represent both a significant investment and incredible opportunity. Their rarity makes them invaluable to breeding programs, while their standard care requirements ensure they're accessible to dedicated intermediate keepers. The potential to produce leucistic offspring makes every breeding attempt an exciting possibility.
Whether you're an experienced breeder looking to work with cutting-edge genetics or an enthusiast ready to explore the fascinating world of isopod inheritance, our Werneri Carrying Leucistic Gene isopods offer unparalleled genetic potential. These Greek treasures combine the robust beauty of classic Werneri with the thrilling possibility of producing some of the most striking isopods in the hobby!
