Porcellionides Pruinosus is one of the more common isopod species in the hobby. They're often favored for a clean up crew as they're 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 "White Out" is the albino form of the species. They are off white, sometimes with a tinge of yellow. Exact coloration will vary slightly from individual to individual. They are semi translucent. This fact combined with their whitish coloration means whatever they eat will show through their exoskeleton to some degree until it's digested. 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, cucumbers, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. P. Pruinosus White Out 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 general care and maintenance are the same regardless of which color morph you ultimately select. The fact they are highly adaptable to a wide range of climates and very hardy is a win! You get a unique 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: Off white color, sometimes with a tinge of yellow. Fast moving. Soft bodied. Environmentally adaptable.
- Average Size: Around 0.50" inch
- Activity level: Active both day and night
- Difficulty: Easy