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
Porcellio Scaber Care Guide
Housing- A standard 6 to 8 quart gasket sealed storage tote or small glass aquarium 5-10 gallons is sufficient for a small starter colony of 12-20 isopods. Provide hides such as cork bark, rotting wood slabs or egg crate on both the damp and dry side. Put good thought into your enclosure size and type as this will largely dictate the stability of other critical factors like temperature, humidity and ventilation.
Temperature- Average room temperature is fine for Porcellio Scaber isopods. A small night drop no lower than the mid to low 60sF will not do them any harm. Daytime highs should not exceed the very low 80sF. Fortunately, Porcellio Scaber is fairly adaptable to what most consider average room temperature and are not extremely sensitive. However higher average temperatures like mid to upper 70's will yield a more active and robust colony. 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- All morphs of Porcellio Scaber are not extremely sensitive to humidity so long as you provide the standard isopod moisture gradient within the enclosure. Around 1/3 but no more than 1/2 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 additional 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 semi dry to dry. We recommend a periodic light watering of the dry side as needed to keep a minimum level of moisture present. Also ensure your set up facilitates reasonable air flow to keep things from becoming stagnant.
Diet- Always have an abundance of dried leaf litter and soft rotting wood as their primary diet. They will eagerly accept most any veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and squash. Commercially available isopod foods like Repashy morning wood or bug burger can be offered on a supplemental basis 2-3 times per week. Scaber isopods relish a good protein source like freeze dried shrimp, minnows or fish food. These should also be offered on a supplemental basis 1-2 times a week. Be sure to place protein based foods on the dry side as they will spoil quickly in humid conditions.
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.