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Keeping Report

Porcellio bolivari nicklesi is also commonly referred to as Porcellio nicklesi among hobbyists. For the strain described here, well-ventilated, predominantly dry areas and a consistently moist hiding place are particularly important.

Porcellio nicklesi
Porcellio nicklesi

Porcellio bolivari nicklesi at a Glance

OriginSpain
Temperature22–25 °C
Sizeup to 3.0 cm
SubstrateNutrient-rich soil with decomposed leaves and decayed hardwood
HumidityMostly dry, with one consistently damp area

The temperature figures are approximate values based on previous experience. Measure the temperature at the location of the box. Direct sunlight and an uncontrolled heat source can quickly cause the container to overheat.

The product card shows you the variety available and its current availability.

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Porcellio nicklesi

Great isopod species with huge antennae.

Caring for Porcellio bolivari nicklesi: Housing and Environment

Choose an escape-proof box with securely covered ventilation openings. Larger species and growing groups require more floor space. Fill the enclosure with several centimeters of nutrient-rich soil and cover it with decomposed leaves. Flat pieces of bark provide hiding places. Pure coconut fiber is not a sufficient food source.

Most of the surface tends to stay dry. However, one corner—under leaves or moss—must remain slightly moist at all times. Moisten this hiding spot specifically, rather than spraying the entire container. Good ventilation prevents moist air from becoming trapped.

Food for Porcellio bolivari nicklesi

Leaves and white-rotten hardwood should always be kept in the box. They serve as both food and shelter. You can collect clean, suitable leaves yourself; if you don’t have a safe place to collect them, pre-prepared leaf litter is a practical alternative.

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Fodder leaves

Price range: 3,00 € through 12,00 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

Staple food for many invertebrates.

A source of calcium supplements their diet. Cuttlefish powder can be offered sparingly in an easily accessible spot. Small portions of earthworm food are a supplement, not a substitute for leaves and wood. Check for leftovers the next day and remove any perishable items promptly.

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Sepia powder

2,50 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

The perfect source of calcium for your offspring!

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Isopod food

Price range: 4,99 € through 23,50 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

Perfectly complementary Isopod food in a resealable zip bag!

Behavior and Offspring

The large Isopods use bark and leaves for cover. Make a note of your colony’s place of origin instead of mixing animals together based solely on a similar-sounding name.

The development process takes several months. Our previous report mentioned approximately nine months; temperature, feed, and starting age can affect this timeframe. Patience is more helpful than providing additional heat without monitoring the conditions.

Check the food and humidity levels regularly without rearranging the entire setup. If you find mold, first remove the affected food dish and check the amount of food and the ventilation. A complete bedding change is usually unnecessary for a group that is otherwise stable.

Discover More Isopods

Here you’ll find a selection from our store. Before purchasing, make sure the specific species’ needs are compatible with your terrarium.

Still unsure? Feel free to ask us your question in the comments section below the article.