Giant orange isopods (Porcellio laevis ) x 10

Giant orange isopods are small, land-dwelling crustaceans with bright orange bodies and hard, segmented shells. They are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying leaves, wood, and other organic matter. They are popular in bioactive enclosures because they help break down waste and recycle nutrients.

care

• Enclosure: Use a well-ventilated container with moist soil and leaf litter.

• Temperature: Keep around 20–26°C.

• Humidity: Maintain high humidity, with one side kept slightly drier.

• Food: Provide decaying leaves, rotting wood, and small amounts of vegetables.

• Calcium: Add a calcium source such as cuttlebone for healthy shells.

• Hiding places: Add bark, cork, and leaf litter for shelter.

• Cleaning: Remove mouldy or uneaten fresh food, but leave their natural leaf-litter substrate undisturbed.