Porcellionides Pruinosis Care Guide
Applicable to the following morphs
- Powder Blue
- Powder Orange
- Oreo Crumbles
- Orange Cream
Housing- A larger enclosure is beneficial as these unique isopods do reach larger sizes and males are fiercely territorial. Provide plenty of hides such as corkl bark, rotting wood slabs or egg crate to ensure minimal conflict between mature males. A gasket type tote or glass aquarium measuring 20-24 inches in length and 10-12 inches wide is ideal for a small to medium culture.
Temperature- Average room temperature of 70-78F. A small night drop no lower than the mid 60sF is fine. Daytime highs should not exceed the very low 80sF. Carefully consider the room and location where they will placed to ensure a relatively stable temperature range. Low wattage plant seedling heat mats with a thermostat can be used for supplemental warmth at night or during colder seasons if needed.
Humidity- 45-50% average humidity with a steep moisture gradient. Originating from the arid mountainous regions of Spain, these isopods need a slightly drier set up with sufficient ventilation to thrive. 1/4 to 1/3 of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum mossing covering the hides and leaf litter. A slightly deeper substrate depth combined with a thin layer of leaf litter on top of the moss will do well to retain humidity and reduce the frequency of watering needed to keep the moist side from drying out. The rest of the enclosure can be allowed to dry out with just a periodic misting or light watering.
Diet- Always have an abundance of dried leaf litter and soft rotting wood as their primary diet. They will eagerly accept most any veggies and commercially available isopod foods like repashy morning wood or bug burger which can be offered on a supplemental basis 2-3 times per week. Being a classic porcellio, they do enjoy protein so items like freeze dried minnows and shrimp are also a good option. Use care to ensure all supplemental food is consumed within within 1-2 days max and remove any uneaten food that shows signs of spoiling.
Supplements- Crushed oyster shell, eggs shell or cuttlebone are highly recommended for calcium and can be replaced as needed. A good calcium source helps ensure easier molting, fast growth rates and optimal reproduction success for your culture.