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The Marbleized Isopod (Armadillidium Espanyoli) is a smaller sized armadillidum from Spain. They have an aesthetically pleasing light to dark beige coloring intermixed with a creamy off white. The patterning is unique on each individual, but all have incredible contrast likening their appearance to a modern marble counter top. Some say it conjures up thoughts of espresso and lattes! However you may interpret their appearance, the Marbleized Isopod boasts the impressive feat of taking typically bland colors and making them "pop" just as much as other brightly colored species. They are communal with large numbers of individuals often found huddling tightly together in a tight mass under cork bark or decayed wood. For housing, a 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture of 15 to 30 individuals. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanicals to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature will suit them just fine. A good temperature range is 72-80F leaning more towards the warmer end if possible. A standard moisture gradient with around 30-40% of one side moist (not wet) with the remainder tapering off is adequate. Note though even the driest section should still have a nominal amount of moisture in it. They will not fare well if more than a small section of the enclosure gets too dry. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over different parts of the enclosure will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is dried leaf litter and rotting decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. Marbleized Isopods relish food options like squash, carrots, cucumbers and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy Morning Wood. They also appreciate some protein once or twice a week so offer them things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. The Marbleized Isopod is not an overly difficult species to keep, but they are noted as being "slow" to start. It should also be noted they are primarily nocturnal so to truly enjoy those flashy creamy colors you will have to look in on them after daylight hours. Some moving about during the day is not uncommon once your colony has started to reproduce and shows higher density. They are a bit skittish when disturbed and move surprisingly fast for an isopod! A. Espanyoli is a fantastic Isopod worth adding to your collection or simply as a bioactive custodian in the proper environmental set up. Quick Facts Origin: Spain Family Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > Marbleized Average Size: Between 1/4" and 1/3" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some day activity is common with larger established cultures Difficulty: Easy

Armadillidium Gestroi is a large robust isopod and is among the handful that are pleasantly daytime active. They have 3-4 rows of blazing bright yellow splotching running down the length of the pereon and pleon sections that contrast nicely on their jet black base coloring. It is believed this bold coloration is an adaption mimicking the markings of venomous animals that serves a visual warning to predators to keep away. But no worries, Gestroi isopods are completely harmless. They are generally easy to keep and make an aesthetically pleasing display isopod. This popular isopod is a bit of a tank, but the average 6 quart or small glass aquarium is fine for a starter culture amount of 12-12 individuals. Just know you will likely be needing to upgrade or make other plans sooner than later once they start producing offspring. Average room temperature is fine for this species. A. Vulgare prefers a temperate environment, but slightly higher on the moist side. Good ventilation is key with this species as you do not want a completely semi tropical enclosure. Around one third to half of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely lacking some level of moisture. Their primary diet is dried leaf litter and soft decayed wood which should always be available in abundance. They also enjoy veggies like squash, carrots, radishes and similar. These can be added on a supplemental basis a few times a week. Other supplemental options such as commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy are also devoured without hesitation. Armadillidium Gestroi isopods also need some protein in their diets. Options like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, fish flakes and other protein based food sources work well. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests.  Armadillidium Gestroi is a fantastic isopod for beginners. It is not extremely sensitive and fairly tolerable to typical new keeper mistakes and learning curves. They will reproduce readily once established and is an all around rewarding species for any collection. See our full care guide for Armadillidium Gestroi which has comprehensive expanded details for all care aspects of this showy isopod species! Quick Facts Origin: France and Italy Family Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > Gestroi Size: Average is around 0.75 inches with large adults reaching 0.80+ inches Activity level: Generally outgoing and daytime active Difficulty: Easy

The zebra isopod, Armadillidium Maculatum is a fan favorite in the isopod hobby. Who couldn't love bold zebra stripes on such a tiny creature?! Native to southern France, this adorable little crustacean is hardy and very easy to care for. It's attractive appearance, outgoing nature and ease of keeping combined with it's overall reasonable price point make it a top choice for beginners.  Building your own thriving culture of A. Maculatum isopods is easy. A starter group of 12-20 individuals can be kept in a small enclosure like a 6qt storage bin or small glass tank. Slightly above average room temperature of 75-82F is their comfort zone, but they will also do just fine in slightly cooler temperatures. An average moisture gradient is acceptable. Zebras can withstand somewhat drier conditions better than most isopods, but ensure they always have a moist area to rehydrate their gills. All typical isopod foods are readily accepted. Mixed veggies like carrots, squash, radishes and similar are good. Commercial powdered isopod diets like Repashy are highly recommended and ours here at our facility absolutely relish it! A serving or two of protein each week is also very beneficial. Fish pellets, freeze dried shrimp or minnows are widely available and work fine. Armadillidium Maculatum is daytime active and quite bold. Especially once their numbers increase. They make an excellent clean up crew if used in a bioactive, but be aware all Armadillidium isopods have a reputation for eating live plants. They make a fantastic display isopod for any age or experience level. See our full care guide for Armadillidium Maculatum which expands much deeper into all aspects of keeping and breeding this classic show off isopod.  Quick Facts Origin: Southern France and Mediterranean Areas Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > A. Maculatum Average Size: 1/2" to 3/4" inch Activity level: Daytime active and outgoing Morph Type: N/A Known Morphs: High Yellow, Chocolate, High White, Spotted

Not to be confused with it's cousin Armadillidium Vulgare, this isopod does share the same genus but it's a separately classified species. It's scientific name "Nasatum" is actually derived from a rectangular protrusion on the head that resembles a nose. Hence one of the common names for this species "Nosy Isopod". This is one quick easy way to distinguish it from similar isopods. Taxonomy aside, A. Nasatum is just as easy if not easier to care for as A. Vulgare. Nastaum isopods on average can grow up to around .80 inch in length and have a slightly elongated build. You can likely find the common version in earth tone colors in your own back yard, but this version called "Peach" is from years of selective breeding and they do not occur naturally in the wild. When they are tiny babies they have little to no color and tend to stay hidden or buried in the substrate. Juveniles and sub adults are brightly colored and mature adults have a slightly deeper hue. Armadillidium Nasatum is a common isopod species and the one most people are referring to when the iconic term "pill bug" or "roly poly" as they can roll up into a nearly perfect ball. But Nasatum falls short of a perfect sphere which is another distinguishing difference from other comparable species. They are native to Europe, but have established themselves nearly worldwide with the help of humans and agriculture. They are a beginner friendly species and can thrive in nearly all environmental conditions ranging from semi arid to sub tropical. This makes this isopod one of the few that can can serve as a valuable clean up crew for other animals that like it more on the dry side. As always, they still need some moisture and will quickly desiccate in a zero humidity environment. It should be noted that the newborns do require a bit higher humidity and are more sensitive to drying out during this stage of their life cycle. Armadillidium Nastum is a relatively outgoing isopod that can be seen exploring and moving about their enclosure at various times. As with most isopods, higher numbers means higher visibility. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature in the low to mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Around one third to half of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely devoid of some moisture. They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. They also need some occasional protein in their diets which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. Armadillidium Nasatum "Peach" is a very easy species to keep and is forgiving with the learning curves of new keepers or the occasional memory lapse. The range of orange-pink tones in an established culture is aesthetically pleasing and you won't always have to hunt for them to enjoy this as they are both day and night active. See our store front for many other fascinating and unique isopods! Quick Facts Origin: Northern and Southern Europe Classification: Armadillidiadae > Armadillidium > Nasatum Characteristics: Pinkish-orange coloration. Fairly prolific. Generally outgoing and friendly. Average Size: 0.70" to 0.80" inch Activity level: Active both day and night Difficulty: Easy

Not to be confused with it's cousin Armadillidium Vulgare, this isopod does share the same genus but it's a separately classified species. It's scientific name "Nasatum" is actually derived from a rectangular protrusion on the head that resembles a nose. Hence one of the common names for this species "Nosy Isopod". This is one quick easy way to distinguish it from similar isopods. Taxonomy aside, A. Nasatum is just as easy if not easier to care for as A. Vulgare. Nastaum isopods on average can grow up to around .80 inch in length and have a slightly elongated build. You can likely find the common version in earth tone colors in your own back yard, but this version called "white out" is from years of selective breeding and they do not occur naturally in the wild. They vary slightly from individual to individual with most having a slight off white to yellow tinge. Even their eyes are white! They are semi-translucent so the color(s) of food they eat will also be evident as they are digesting it. When they are tiny babies they have little to no color and tend to stay hidden or buried in the substrate. Juveniles and sub adults are brighter and mature adults have a slightly deeper hue. Armadillidium Nasatum is a common isopod species and the one most people are referring to when the iconic term "pill bug" or "roly poly" as they can roll up into a nearly perfect ball. But Nasatum falls short of a perfect sphere which is another distinguishing difference from other comparable species. They are native to Europe, but have established themselves nearly worldwide with the help of humans and agriculture. They are a beginner friendly species and can thrive in nearly all environmental conditions ranging from semi arid to sub tropical. This makes this isopod one of the few that can can serve as a valuable clean up crew for other animals that like it more on the dry side. As always, they still need some moisture and will quickly desiccate in a zero humidity environment. It should be noted that the newborns do require a bit higher humidity and are more sensitive to drying out during this stage of their life cycle. Armadillidium Nastum is a relatively outgoing isopod that can be seen exploring and moving about their enclosure at various times. As with most isopods, higher numbers means higher visibility. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature in the low to mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Around one third to half of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely devoid of some moisture. They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. They also need some occasional protein in their diets which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pestsArmadillidium Nasatum "White Out" is a very easy species to keep and is forgiving with the learning curves of new keepers or the occasional memory lapse. The flurry of little white bodies moving around in an established culture is aesthetically pleasing and you won't always have to hunt for them to enjoy this as they are both day and night active. See our store front for many other fascinating and unique isopods! Quick Facts Origin: Northern and Southern Europe Classification: Armadillidiadae > Armadillidium > Nasatum Characteristics: Off white color. Fairly prolific. Generally outgoing and friendly. Average Size: 0.70" to 0.80" inch Activity level: Active both day and night Difficulty: Easy

One of the more "showy" isopods available in the hobby, the Japanese Magic Potion is an ideal choice for those who want something aesthetically pleasing to look at in terms of a clean up crew! Not only is this isopod a great janitor, but their variable splotchy coloration is far from the standard drab grey, brown and blacks you see on most wild types. Armadillidium Vulgare is a very common isopod species and the one most people are referring to when the iconic term "pill bug" or "roly poly". They are native to Europe, most notably in the Mediterranean basin area but have established themselves nearly worldwide. They are a beginner friendly species being fairly flexible in their needs and tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions. Armadillidium Vulgare is a relatively outgoing isopod that can be seen exploring and moving about their enclosure at various times. As with most isopods, higher numbers means higher visibility. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture of these beauties. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature around the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. A. Vulgare prefers a temperate climate with good ventilation. Around one third to half of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely devoid of some moisture.They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. They also need some occasional protein in their diets which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests Armadillidium Vulgare "Japanese Magic Potion" is an easy species to keep and is fairly forgiving with the learning curves of new keepers or the occasional memory lapse. A. Vulgare has many other color morphs and locales worth checking out if you like this species and want a variety of colors.  For a closer look at the aspects of keeping this visually appealing isopod including breeding, see our "Armadillidium Japanese Magic Potion Care Guide" which has comprehensive expanded details for all care aspects of this must have isopod! Quick Facts Origin: Mediterranean Europe Scientific Name: Armadillidium Vulgare Morph Name: Japanese Magic Potion Characteristics: Random yellow splotching with black dots on a translucent white base.  Size: Average is around 0.5 inches with large adults reaching 0.70 inches Activity level: Generally outgoing and daytime active

Armadillidium Vulgare Punta Cana are a specific locale of isopods from the Dominican Republic. They are characterized by their largely caramel and earthy color tones. These colors come in many types including gold, orange, brown, gray and many shades in between. Individuals can also have splotching, stripes or speckles. Armadillidium Vulgare is a common isopod in the hobby these days and within the same class most people are referring to with the iconic term "pill bug" or "roly poly" since this species can conglobate or roll up into a ball. They are a beginner friendly species being fairly flexible in their needs and tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions. Armadillidium Vulgrare is a relatively outgoing isopod that can be seen exploring and moving about their enclosure at various times both day and night. A small or starter colony may be more reclusive, but if well cared for it won't take long for them to multiply and be more bold to move around in daylight. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature around the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. A. Vulgare Punta Cana prefers a temperate climate with good ventilation. Around one third to half of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely devoid of some moisture. They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. They also need some occasional protein in their diets which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. Please also note as with most Armadillidium, this species has a reputation for eating live plants so consider this if they are to be used in any type of planted vivarium or terrarium. Punta Cana isopods make an excellent clean up crew and offer a wide range of natural colors. They are easy to care for and a pleasure to watch as they scurry about and forage for food. Their fairly adaptable nature makes them ideal for a variety of enclosures from semi arid to temperate. If you're new to isopods or just want something that has numerous colors and patterns instead of one consistent theme, this is the isopod for you! Visit our store front to see our fantastic selection of isopods! Rare or common, chances are we have it. Quick Facts Origin: Europe and Asia Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > A. Vulgare Characteristics: Variable colors mostly caramel base with some random striping and splotching Average Size: 1/2" to 3/4" inch Activity level: Active both day and night Difficulty: Easy

The Tangerine morph of A. Vulgare was isolated from the Punta Cana line by selective breeding efforts of dedicated hobbyist. Tangerine isopods are born a bright and vibrant orange, but will deepen over time. As adults they are a deep almost burnt orange sometimes bordering red on very mature individuals.  Armadillidium Vulgare is a very common isopod species and the one most people are referring to when the iconic term "pill bug" is mentioned. They are native to Europe, most notably in the Mediterranean basin area but have established themselves nearly worldwide. They are a beginner friendly species being fairly flexible in their needs and tolerant of a variety of environmental conditions. Armadillidium Vulgare is a relatively outgoing isopod that can be seen exploring and moving about their enclosure at various times. As with most isopods, higher numbers means higher visibility. Average room temperature is fine for this species. A. Vulgare prefers a temperate climate with good ventilation. Around one third to half of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely devoid of some moisture. Their primary diet is dried leaf litter and soft decayed wood which should always be available in abundance. They should also be offered some fresh vegetables like squash, carrots, cucumbers and other veggies 1-2 times a week. Other supplemental options such as commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy are also devoured with enthusiasm. Tangerine isopods also need some protein in their diets. Options like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, fish flakes and other protein based food sources work well. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests.  All in all Armadillidium Vulgare is an easy species to keep and is fairly forgiving with the learning curves of new keepers or the occasional memory lapse. The Tangerine morph is just one of many exciting color options these fascinating little isopods come in. See our full care guide for Armadillidium Vulgare "Tangerine" which has comprehensive expanded details for all care aspects of this desirable isopod species! Quick Facts Origin: Mediterranean Europe Scientific Name: Armadillidium Vulgare Morph Name: Tangerine Characteristics: Young are bright orange and adults are deep to dark orange Size: Average is around 0.5 inches with large adults reaching 0.70 inches Activity level: Generally outgoing and daytime active

Shiro Utsuri is a unique and fascinating isopod ideal for all experience levels. Deriving it's name from A specific type of Japanese koi fish, these little guys are active, friendly and curious. Belonging to the Nesodillo genus, they originate from Asia and various parts of the pacific region. They average just under half an inch and have an attractive dalmatian pattern of various black splotching over a white to off white semi translucent base. The legs and antennae of each individual can sometimes have black splotching as well. They are an excellent beginner isopod and are very hardy if their basic requirements are maintained. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature will suit them just fine but keep in mind they are native to tropical to sub tropical areas so so do not let it get too cool. A good temperature range is 72-80F leaning more towards the warmer end if possible. Shiro Utsuri isopods like moisture, so a steep gradient is not needed. A small moisture gradient is fine, but a consistent lightly damp (not wet) enclosure is best. They will not fare well if allowed to get any level of dry. A round about average 75%+ humidity level without large deviations will allow them to thrive. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over different parts of the enclosure will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. Shiro isopods enjoy food options like squash, carrots, cucumbers and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food. They also show a strong feeding response to protein, so offer them things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. Lastly, ensure these isopods have a calcium source. Cuttlebone or crushed egg shells will be devoured in little time and promotes their general good health. If you're looking for something a little different than the run of the mill armadillidium or porcellio isopod types, the Shiro Utsuri is an easy choice. They are great terrarium or vivarium clean up crew and once established can be rather prolific and reproduce quickly. Their outgoing social nature combined with their variable intriguing color patterns set them apart from most comparable species and will provide endless entertainment for all ages who appreciate these one of a kind crustaceans. Quick Facts Origin: Various Asia and Pacific Regions Classification: Armadillidiidae > Nesodillo > Arcangelii Average Size: 1/2" to 3/4" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some daytime activity is normal with large cultures. Difficulty: Easy

Porcellio Scaber "Orange" is a readily available and common isopod in the hobby. They have a wide tolerance for both temperature and humidity. This convenient forgiving nature in their husbandry requirements means they can generally tolerate a moderate level of learning curves without disaster. There are many morphs available, but this strain is primarily orange with hues ranging from light to dark. They are soft bodied and can also be used as a feeder for many reptiles and amphibians. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature in the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Slightly warmer is desirable if you wish to see a thriving culture that is active and reproduces faster. This species They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy.  Being a Porcellio, they are especially fond of protein which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests.Porcellio Scaber orange is an all a multi purpose isopod. Whether you need a bioactive janitor, a feeder, or just want a species to enjoy that isn't high maintenance, they can fill every niche. They are tough, hardy and reproduce frequently once established. Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Porcellio Scaber Characteristics: Variable shades of orange. Highly prolific. Strong feeding response. Average Size: 0.65" to 0.75" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some day activity normal in larger cultures. Difficulty: Easy

Porcellio Scaber "Skewbald Tri" is a unique isopod that has highly variable patterns and colors. Porcellio Scaber is an excellent choice for beginners. They have a wide tolerance for both temperature and humidity. This convenient forgiving nature in their husbandry requirements means they can generally tolerate a moderate level of learning curves without disaster. The Skewbald Tri isopods appearance is actually a result of intermixing two different genetic mutations together which are calico and piebald. Porcellio scaber has a substantial amount of variants far as appearance go. But to minimize any potential confusion, it's important to note no matter what the common name is for any color morph in the hobby, the actual animal itself (porcellio scaber) is the same across all types. All of those fancy catchy names are simply ways to easily distinguish the coloration and patterns for any given specimen.          So what exactly makes a Skewball Tri isopod look the way it does? The first mixing element, piebald is a recessive gene that causes lack of pigments in random sections of the animal. Usually in a splotching manner anywhere from the head area all the way to the back. The piebald effect can range from very minimal to a complete lack of all color. Next is the calico trait which is expressed as mottling in dark spots. Mottling is not large defined dots, but rather a very high frequency of smaller dots. So when we mash these two genetic traits together we get Skubald Tri! Each and every isopod is different in it's appearance, yet they all generally display the same theme with a mix of these two traits. Some are black and gray and others are reddish orange to white and numerous shades in between. One visually appealing and satisfying aspect of this morph is that these variances to some degree are separated on the pereon (the scutes or sections you see when looking at the isopod from above). Lastly it is vital to point out that the calico gene is only expressed by females. As such, any Skubald Tri isopod that has the calico pattern is 100% female. Isopods in this group that only show the piebald appearance with no mottling are more than likely going to be males. All isopods you receive from us will exhibit a good ratio of colors and patterns along with ensuring there are both males and females included so your culture can grow. For care, porcellio scaber is very easy. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature in the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Slightly warmer is desirable if you wish to see a thriving culture that is active and reproduces faster. This species They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy.  Being a Porcellio, they are especially fond of protein which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. Porcellio Scaber Skewbald Tri is just one of many color morphs of this hardy isopod. We have several others in our storefront and highly encourage you to check them out! This intriguing designer isopod is very adaptable to a wide range of humidity and ventilation needs make them a top choice for a clean up crew or a display pet. Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Porcellio Scaber Characteristics: Variable patterns and colors exhibiting both piebald and calico traits. Strong feeding response. Average Size: 0.65" to 0.75" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some day activity normal in larger cultures. Difficulty: Easy

Porcellionides Pruinosus is one of the more common isopod species in the hobby. They are often favored for a clean up crew as they are highly adaptable to a variety of climates. They can thrive in any climate for semi arid to sub tropical. If using in semi-arid, do understand they still need a moist area to hydrate and cannot survive in a 100% bone dry enclosure. That aside, they are very prolific and will reproduce readily so long as their basic needs are met. They are soft bodied also making them ideal for feeders for smaller lizards, frogs or similar. This particular morph "Orange Cream" was created by crossing the regular powder orange with another morph called "Oreo Crumbles". They have a very attractive coloration consisting of random orange splotching over a white to off white base. The oranges can range bright to dark, but all specimens typically have a very nice contrast to them and are great show isopods if that is your desire. They are both day and night active so you can enjoy them all hours of the day and night. A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature in the low to mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Around one half to one third of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side. This species does seem to appreciate a steep moisture gradient. They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is leaf litter and decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. Orange Cream isopods are fond of protein in their diets which can be things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. They do have an impressive feeding response when offered such items. Almost like a swarm of piranhas, they will cluster all over the food source and devour it quickly.  Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. Porcellionides Pruinosus comes in many color forms, but this is one of our favorites. The bright oranges and whites combined with the fact they are rather active during the day makes them a top notch display isopod. The fact they are highly adaptable to a wide range of climates and very hardy is a win! You get a flashy isopod that can fill nearly any need from feeders, to display and or clean up crew! Quick Facts Origin: Europe Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellionides > Porcellionides Pruinosus Characteristics: Random light and dark orange splotching. Fast moving. Soft bodied. Environmentally adaptable. Average Size: Around 0.50" inch Activity level: Active both day and night Difficulty: Easy