Discover the natural beauty of our authentic Wild Type Guadeloupe Powdered Isopods! These remarkable Caribbean specimens showcase the original, unmodified coloration of Porcellionides pruinosus as it appears in the tropical paradise of Guadeloupe. With their distinctive powdery coating, lightning-fast movements, and incredibly prolific nature, these French Caribbean treasures represent both excellent value and outstanding performance for beginners and bioactive enthusiasts alike.
Wild Type Guadeloupe Powdered Isopods: A Glimpse
• Origin: Guadeloupe, French Caribbean (Lesser Antilles)
• Scientific Name: Porcellionides pruinosus (wild type)
• Difficulty Level: Beginner (Perfect First Isopod)
• Size: Up to 12 millimeters
• Rarity: Uncommon locality variant
• Temperature: 65°F to 85°F
• Humidity: 60% to 80%
• Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, vegetables, fish flakes, organic waste
An Overview
Originating from the stunning French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles, these authentic wild type specimens represent Porcellionides pruinosus in its natural, unaltered form as found in the tropical ecosystems of this beautiful archipelago. Unlike the many colorful morphs developed in captivity, these Caribbean natives showcase the species' original characteristics that have made it successful across diverse environments worldwide.
What makes these Guadeloupe specimens so special is their authentic representation of the species as it exists in the wild Caribbean environment. They display the classic "powdered" appearance that gives the species its common name - a distinctive whitish, dusty coating that becomes especially pronounced before molting. Their natural coloration typically ranges from subtle grays and blues to earthy tones, all enhanced by that characteristic powdery texture.
These incredibly hardy and adaptable isopods have proven themselves across diverse climates from semi-arid to tropical conditions, making them perhaps the most versatile and beginner-friendly isopods available. Their Caribbean origins have given them exceptional resilience and the ability to thrive in a wide range of terrarium conditions, while their prolific breeding makes them both economical and rewarding to maintain.
Habitat Requirements
Substrate Mix: • 40% organic potting soil or premium forest soil • 25% earthworm castings (excellent nutrition source) • 20% sphagnum moss for moisture retention • 10% mixed deciduous leaf litter • 5% limestone chips or crushed cuttlefish bone
Create a versatile substrate that can accommodate their wide environmental tolerance. These adaptable isopods thrive in substrates that provide both nutrition and proper moisture gradients.
Basic Care
Enclosure Setup: • Minimum 6-quart container for starter colonies (10-15 individuals) • Good ventilation with multiple air holes to prevent stagnation • Moderate substrate depth (2-3 inches) sufficient for surface-dwelling lifestyle • Cork bark pieces and simple hiding spots • Leaf litter layer throughout for foraging • Optional shallow water dish (they're quite drought tolerant) • Simple setup ideal for beginners
Environmental Conditions: • Maintain temperature between 65°F to 85°F (very tolerant range) • Keep humidity between 60% to 80% (forgiving of fluctuations) • Provide natural lighting cycle • Ensure adequate ventilation for this fast-moving species • Monitor weekly - very low maintenance requirements
These beginner-friendly isopods are incredibly forgiving and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them perfect for new hobbyists learning proper isopod care techniques.
Feeding
Primary Diet: • Mixed deciduous leaf litter (their staple food) • Fresh organic vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, cucumber, squash) • Quality fish flakes or specialized isopod foods • Organic fruits in moderation (apple, banana, pear) • Any bioactive waste and organic debris
Essential Supplements: • Weekly protein sources (fish flakes work excellently) • Calcium sources (cuttlebone, crushed eggshells) • Occasional vegetable treats • Any supplemental feeding for bioactive tank inhabitants
Feeding Schedule: Feed 2-3 times per week with small amounts, ensuring leaf litter is always available. These voracious eaters will consume almost anything organic and are excellent at cleaning up uneaten food and waste. Their hearty appetites make them exceptional bioactive cleanup crew members.
Breeding Information
Wild Type Guadeloupe Powdered Isopods are among the most prolific breeders in the hobby, making them ideal for establishing large colonies quickly and economically.
Breeding Requirements: • Simply maintain basic care requirements • Slightly warmer temperatures (75-80°F) encourage faster reproduction • Consistent moisture levels • Adequate food sources • Multiple hiding spots for growing populations • Regular monitoring as populations can explode rapidly
Females produce large broods of 30-50 offspring per mating cycle, and with their rapid maturation rate, colonies can establish and expand incredibly quickly. Their prolific nature makes them perfect for both bioactive applications and maintaining breeding cultures.
Exceptional Value & Versatility
These Wild Type Guadeloupe specimens offer exceptional value for money, combining authentic Caribbean genetics with outstanding performance characteristics that have made Porcellionides pruinosus the gold standard for bioactive applications.
Outstanding Characteristics: • Extremely prolific breeding ensures sustainable colonies • Lightning-fast movement makes them excellent surface cleaners • Incredibly hardy and adaptable to various conditions • Surface-dwelling lifestyle provides excellent visibility • Soft exoskeleton makes them nutritious for terrarium inhabitants • Wide temperature and humidity tolerance • Perfect for display vivariums due to active daytime behavior
Perfect for: • Beginning isopod keepers learning basic care • Bioactive vivariums requiring efficient cleanup crews • Display terrariums where activity is desired • Breeding projects to establish large colonies quickly • Educational setups demonstrating isopod behavior • Mixed bioactive systems with various humidity levels
Beginner Advantages: These Caribbean natives represent the ideal introduction to isopod keeping. Their forgiving nature, rapid reproduction, and obvious activity patterns make them perfect for building confidence and experience. Unlike more specialized species, mistakes in care are rarely fatal, and their quick breeding means colonies recover rapidly from any setbacks.
Whether you're starting your first bioactive terrarium, learning isopod husbandry basics, or simply seeking reliable, hardworking cleanup crew members, our Wild Type Guadeloupe Powdered Isopods offer unbeatable value and performance. These Caribbean gems combine authentic natural heritage with practical excellence, providing the perfect foundation for successful isopod keeping and bioactive systems!
