Porcellio spatulatus

Porcellio spatulatus – rare terrarium Isopod with a broad silhouette

Porcellio spatulatus is one of the isopod species that you don’t forget at first glance. Its body is significantly wider than that of many other Porcellio species, and the pleura appear almost “spatula-like”. It is precisely this special silhouette that makes this species so popular in the hobby. In warm, partly rocky regions of southern Europe, it lives under stones and wood, where it prefers dry but well-ventilated microhabitats. There it is surprisingly active and displays a self-confident behavior that can also be regularly observed in the terrarium.

In the terrarium Porcellio spatulatus very visible, especially with good structure. It uses pieces of bark, cork caves and coarse pieces of wood not only as hiding places but also as climbing surfaces. The animals move quickly but never appear nervous. Their behavior resembles Porcellio expansus or Porcellio magnificusbut remains spatulatus usually somewhat smaller and more compact. Nevertheless, it has an impressive presence that is immediately recognizable.

When kept, this species prefers clearly demarcated zones. The majority of the terrarium should be dry, while only a small area is kept slightly moist. This humid zone is important for moulting and water uptake, but Porcellio spatulatus reacts sensitively if the entire setup becomes too damp. Good ventilation is therefore crucial. Foliage, white rotten wood and mineral-rich supplements such as cuttlefish shell are part of the species’ basic requirements. Due to its strong body structure, it needs a regular source of protein, for example in the form of fish food or dried insects, which promotes the development and vitality of the colony.

The species exhibits interesting social behavior. The animals often sit close together in groups, especially under pieces of cork or in self-created crevices. At the same time, they disperse throughout the terrarium in the evening and are easy to observe. They reproduce reliably under stable conditions, but often more slowly than classic beginner isopods. This makes Porcellio spatulatus ideal for owners who are looking for a special species that does not grow too quickly, but is still active and present.

If you are looking for a robust, unusually shaped and highly visible isopod species, you will find it in Porcellio spatulatus a real specialty. It combines an impressive appearance with exciting behavior and enriches every terrarium with its striking appearance.