Species profile and notes on cultivation
Porcellio expansus information
Origin: Spain
Scientific name: Porcellio expansus
Synonyms: N/A
Family: Porcellionidae
Common name: Giant Spanish Isopod; Dragon Isopod; Beetlejuice Isopod.
Porcellio expansus is an isopod species found on the cliffs of Spain and one of the Spanish giant isopods, reaching an impressive size. Porcellio expansus is one of the largest and most spectacular isopod species in captivity, reaching a total length of approx. 3,5 cm.
Porcellio expansus are resistant, with average husbandry difficulty and prolificacy. They are not as cleaners as other isopods.
Porcellio expansus care
Size: adults may reach a length of 35mm.
Activity: night; early morning
Terrarium: keep ⅓ moist with sphagnum moss and underneath a piece of rotting white wood. They require good air flow and adequate ventilation. They require more space because adult males are territorial and fight with other males. A 12 liter tub should be enough for a starter colony and a 25 liter tub for a large colony.
Temperature: 17 – 26°C
Humidity: 45 – 60%
Diet: fruits, veggies, greens, fish-food, decaying leaves, rotting white wood, molting of invertebrates and reptiles. And 2x times a week provide a source of protein. Be sure to check out our Protein mix foods. They eat less fresh leaves. They are picky eaters and they tend to eat alone or in small groups of 2 to 3 individuals.
Difficulty: moderate
Reproduction rate: low; they are seasonal breeders
My notes on cultivation
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tags: Porcellio expansus, Spanish giant isopod, Porcellionidae, isopods for sale, isopoda, invertebrate, detritivore, pill bug, woodlice, roly poly, sow bug, crustaceans, care sheet, insects
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