Spherillo spec. “Godzilla”

Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” – The gigantic tropical isopod from Vietnam

Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” It is one of the most impressive woodlouse species in the terrarium hobby. It owes its name to its exceptionally robust build and its massive-looking back shell. With a body length of up to 19 mm it is one of the largest known members of the genus Spherillo. As a result, it quickly becomes the centerpiece of any terrarium, while its calm nature makes every observation particularly fascinating.

This species is native to the tropical forests of Vietnam. There, it lives among a thick layer of leaves, decaying wood, lichens, and mosses. This not only provides it with food but also with numerous hiding places where where it stays safe during the day. It is not until the evening hours that the animals leave their hiding places, to go out in search of food.

Tropical Forest Terrarium

Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” requires a well-set-up tropical forest terrarium. The substrate should be kept constantly moist without becoming waterlogged, because Animals do not tolerate wet floors well. At the same time, good ventilation is particularly important, so that excess moisture can escape while still allowing a stable climate to develop.

A terrarium measuring at least 20 × 20 × 20 cm is suitable for a small group. Larger terrariums, however, offer more space for different climate zones and additional hiding spots, as a result of which the animals behave much more naturally.

Recommended for the installation:

• Forest humus
• Fodder leaves
• White rotten wood
• Lichens
• Mosses
• Cork bark
• Sepia shells

Above all, there should always be a thick layer of leaves, because That’s where the animals particularly like to spend time. At the same time, lichens are not only used as hiding places, but they also love to eat it.

Temperature and Humidity

Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” prefers temperatures between 22 and 26 °C. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures should be avoided, since the species originates from relatively cool tropical forest regions.

Humidity should remain consistently high. At the same time, the terrarium must be very well ventilated to prevent a stuffy environment from developing. This is the only way to maintain a lasting balance between the substrate and the air.

Nutrition

Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” It is a primary decomposer and feeds primarily on dead plant material. At the same time, it supplements its diet with various natural food sources.

The menu includes, among other things:

• Fodder leaves
• White rotten wood
• Lichens
• Woodlouse food
• Vegetables as a Supplement
• Cuttlefish shells as a source of calcium

Leaves and wood affected by white rot should always be present in the terrarium because they are the animals’ primary food source. At the same time, cuttlefish shells provide the animals with calcium, the is necessary for a healthy shell and successful molts.

Behavior

Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” exhibits a calm and rather reclusive behavior. During the day, the animals spend most of their time under leaves, wood, or lichen, while they become particularly active in the evening hours. This makes for exciting observations time and again when the animals emerge from their hiding places.

When in danger, they curl up completely into a ball. This allows their massive shell to protect their delicate bodies particularly effectively.

Not for Beginners

Although Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” Although it appears to be a hardy Isopod, it has higher care requirements than many other species. For this reason, it is best suited for experienced Isopod keepers who can provide a terrarium that remains consistently moist yet is also exceptionally well-ventilated. Only when these conditions are met will the animals thrive in the long term and exhibit their natural behavior.

Advantages at a glance

• Rare tropical isopod from Vietnam
• Up to 19 mm in body length
• Sturdy back armor
• Fully ball-bearing
• Tropical forest species
• Loves thick layers of leaves
• Lichens are a favorite food
• Calm and interesting behavior
• Ideal for bioactive forest terrariums
• Suitable for experienced woodlouse keepers

Suitable accessories for your setup

To ensure proper care for your pet, we recommend the following:

• Insektenliebe Terrarium – provides ideal conditions for tropical woodlouse species.
• Forest humus – creates a natural, moisture-retaining forest soil.
• Food leaves – serves as the most important food source and provides numerous hiding places.
• White-rot wood – provides food and additional hiding places.
• Cuttlefish shells – provide the animals with natural calcium for a strong shell.
• Mushrooms – are particularly popular and add variety to the diet.

This creates a natural-looking forest terrarium in which itself Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” can develop optimally.

Conclusion

Spherillo spec. “Godzilla” It is one of the most extraordinary woodlouse species in the terrarium hobby. At the same time, it impresses with its impressive size, sturdy exoskeleton, and fascinating behavior. Since it is constantly damp, yet at the same time exceptionally well-ventilated forest terrarium, this tropical species is primarily suited for experienced keepers. However, those provides it with the right conditions, however, will be rewarded with a rare and exceptionally beautiful species of woodlouse.