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Powder Orange Isopod
Porcellionides pruinosus
OtherbeginnerHarmlessCommunal OK
No venom, no sting
This species is considered harmless to humans, with no medically significant venom or sting. Handle gently and wash your hands afterward.
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
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
Feeding
Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)
Prey sizen/a (detritivore)
Adult cadenceleaf litter always available; protein weekly
Times kept: 0 · Unverified community entry