Isopods Porcellio Scaber Orange

$20.00

These orange isopods are a brightly coloured morph of the Porcellio Scaber family of isopods. Isopods, commonly called pill bugs, slaters or woodlouse, make a great clean up crew in vivariums and bioactive terrarium set ups. These ones are commonly known as the Orange Rough Woodlouse, and they make a great beginner friendly pet!

The Porcellio Scaber Orange isopod is native to Europe but has naturalised in Australia. These isopods have been captive bred in South Australia. We find the Porcellio Scaber Orange isopods to be hardy, easy to keep and quick to breed. Ideal temperatures are similar to comfortable room temperatures, around 18-29 degrees. Enclosures should have a moisture gradient, with one side staying consistently moist. Provide your isopods with an organic, synthetic fertiliser free substrate, along with leaf litter and bark for them to hide. Make sure to keep them out of the sun, as they prefer things a little darker. Also ensure that long term enclosures have holes for cross ventilation, so that there is some air flow.

In nature, isopods like to live under leaf litter and bark in moist, shaded areas. They are detrivores, which means they eat decomposing plant and animal matter, including faeces – which is exactly what makes them a great clean up crew.

In terrariums, isopods may nibble on plants and roots, especially if they are not given enough alternative foods to eat. A good diet will consist of leaf litter, rotting wood, and around once a week some fresh vegetables. Ideally isopods should have a source of calcium to eat, such as cuttle bone, limestone or eggshells. You can also give them small amounts of protein such as dried shrimp or fish flakes.

Each tub contains a mix of 10 Porcellio Scaber Orange isopods including adults and juveniles.