Porcellio Werneri, sometimes referred to as the "Greek Shield Isopod" gets it's name from it's wide flattened body. They have a gray base colored adorned with white serrated edges. Mancae and juveniles will have a brown base color which transitions to gray when they reach adulthood. Their flattened body shape is likely an evolved defense mechanism. When frightened they will scurry away quickly and if possible they will wedge themselves into any available narrow crevice making it exceedingly difficult for predators to get at them. They are generally wary and reclusive coming out to forage largely during night time hours. This particular species is considered "advanced" and we highly recommend that only experienced keepers purchase this species. They have particular care and environmental needs that if not strictly adhered to will quickly lead to their demise.
A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture of these rare gems. 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. Porcellio Werneri is a dry climate isopod originating from the mountainous areas of Spain, often found near bodies of water on rocky structures. We recommend no more than 1/3 of the enclosure be damp (not soaking wet) and this must be combined with modest ventilation. This is best achieved by setting them up in a taller enclosure with a deeper substrate that retains moisture longer. You can then arrange various hides or other structures in a stacked or raised configuration. This gives them the option to self regulate as needed by moving closer or further away from the substrate where humidity levels can be high or low.
Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is dried 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 Morning Wood. 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. Porcellio Werni also benefits from a consistently available calcium source, so be sure you always have some cuttle bone or other calcium source available for them.
While Porcellio Werneri can be a challenging species, the good news is if you're able to get them properly dialed in and comfortable they will flourish so long as you keep their environmental parameters in check. Please note adults males can be territorial so set them up with ample space and several hide options so they have a modest amount of room for separation. Werneri isopods are seasonal breeders reproducing with small broods only once or twice per year on average. So growing a large colony does take time and is one of the bigger reasons they are higher on the price point scale.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Eastern Greece
- Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > Werneri
- Characteristics: Large oval shaped body with a slim profile. Brown to gray base with white serrated edging.
- Average Size: 0.80" inch
- Activity level: Mostly night and early morning hours
- Difficulty: Advanced