Porcellio Expansus Care Sheet

Introduction

Porcellio expansus, also known as the giant Spanish isopod, is a land-dwelling crustacean that belongs to the family Porcellionidae. They are native to Spain and parts of the Mediterranean, where they inhabit moist and humid areas such as forests, leaf litter, and under rocks. They are one of the largest isopod species, reaching up to 2.6 cm in length. They have a segmented body and a tough shell, which is colored in shades of gray and brown. The back of their shell is covered in granular patterns, which provide them with camouflage from predators. They have several pairs of legs, which are equipped with sharp claws for burrowing and digging in the soil. They have two long antennae on their head that are used for sensing their environment and locating food.

Porcellio expansus are popular among hobbyists for their size, shape, and color, as well as their ability to help maintain a healthy and balanced vivarium. They are beneficial for cleaning, aerating, and fertilizing the soil, as well as providing food for other animals. They are also easy to care for, as long as they are provided with the proper conditions and diet.

Housing

Porcellio expansus can be kept in a variety of enclosures, such as plastic bins, glass tanks, or terrariums. The minimum size of the enclosure should be 5-10 gallons, depending on the number of isopods. The enclosure should have a secure lid with ventilation holes to prevent escape and ensure air circulation.

The substrate is the most important part of the enclosure, as it provides the isopods with moisture, food, and hiding places

We keep our enclosures about 25% moist and feed them our in-house blend of “Isopod Supreme Feed” Additionally we provide carrots and Zucchini for additional hydration.