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Powder Orange Isopod
Porcellionides pruinosus
IsopodbeginnerHarmlessCommunal OK
Harmless to people
Isopods are harmless to humans — no venom, no sting, and no bite that breaks skin. They are detritivores, so wash your hands after handling the substrate.
About
Among the fastest-breeding isopods in culture, which makes them the usual choice when a colony needs to establish quickly. Powder Orange and Powder Blue are colour forms of the same species. They are quick, climb well, and tolerate drier and warmer conditions than most — a well-ventilated tub with a damp corner suits them. Their speed makes them harder to count than Armadillidium, so a headcount here is honestly an estimate; record it as one. DETRITIVORE, harmless, cannot roll into a ball.
Taxonomy
FamilyPorcellionidae
GenusPorcellionides
Native regionCosmopolitan
TypeTerrestrial
Temperamentharmless, very fast
Size & growth
Adult size0.4 inches
Growth ratefast
Life stagesNo distinct stages
Climate
Temperature70–82°F
Humidity50–70%
Enclosure
Adult sizeshoebox tub or larger, well ventilated
Substratecoco fiber with a moisture gradient; leaf litter and bark
Substrate depth2 inches
Water dishOptional
Moisture gradientRequired — keep one end damp, one end dry
Bioactive clean-up crewYes
Feeding
Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)
Food & scheduleleaf litter always available; protein weekly
Supplemental calciumRequired — cuttlebone or a calcium powder
Times kept: 0 · Unverified community entry