Porcellio echinatus “Calico”

Porcellio echinatus “Calico” – Eye-catching designer Isopod

Porcellio echinatus “Calico” is a particularly attractive color form of the isopod species Porcellio echinatus. This species originally comes from the Mediterranean regionwhere it is found in warm and rather dry habitats. At the same time, its robust nature has made it a popular terrarium isopod.

The color variant “Calico” has a striking and high-contrast pattern. The animals usually show a mixture of light, dark and partly orange-colored areaswhich gives each animal an individual pattern. This makes a group of these Isopods look particularly lively and varied in the terrarium.

With a size of approx. 1.5 to 2.0 cm belongs to Porcellio echinatus is one of the medium-sized isopod species. At the same time, the animals are very active and can therefore often be observed in the terrarium. As they cannot curl up into a ball, they quickly flee under leaves or bark when disturbed.

Suitable for keeping isopods are isopod terrarium as well as a well ventilated plastic box. Just one container from about 5 liters volume is sufficient for a small breeding group. At the same time, the animals benefit from larger tanks as they have more structure and opportunities to retreat.

A suitable substrate is nutrient-rich substrate from forest humus, leaves and white rotten wood. In addition, a generous Foliage layer on the substrate, as it serves both as food and a hiding place. Pieces of bark, moss and small roots create further hiding places.

They are best kept at temperatures between 22 and 25 °C. The terrarium should Partly moist and partly dry be held. This allows the animals to choose the area that suits them best.

Like many isopod species Porcellio echinatus “Calico” a source of calcium for the construction of their tank. Therefore, always cuttlefish or crushed eggshell should be present in the terrarium.

The main food sources are rotten leaves and white rotten woodbut the animals also like to eat vegetables vegetables, flowers or special isopod food to. This allows you to create a varied diet.

Due to their robust attitudetheir active way of life and their striking color pattern is Porcellio echinatus “Calico” is an exciting isopod species for beginners and experienced terrarium keepers alike and ensures lively movement in the isopod terrarium.