Porcellio dilatatus care

Porcellio dilatatus care
Common name	"Giant Canyon"
Scientific name	Porcellio dilatatus
Size	1.8 - 2.0 cm
Lifespan	Unknown
Care level	Easy
Activity level	High
Behavior	Terrestrial
Burrowing	Yes
Enclosure type	Arid to Tropical
Recommended substrate	50/50 Organic potting soil / topsoil mix
Temperature range	68°-80°F
Humidity	30%-60%+
Ventilation	Low-High
Food	Fish food Repashy Morning Wood Repashy Bug Burger Dried minnows
Supplements	Cuttlebone Calcium carbonate
Reproductive rate	Moderate
Rarity	Common

Porcellio dilatatus

Description

Porcellio dilatatus are among the largest isopods kept by hobbyists. Reaching a maximum size of just under 1 inch (2.5 cm), it comes as no surprise that the most common morph is was nicknamed "Giant Canyons". Porcellio dilatatus are a frequently recommended cleanup crew member for arid setups.

Appearance

Adult Porcellio dilatatus reach 1.8 - 2.5 cm in length. The "Giant Canyon" morph is the most established in the hobby, and is characterized by a large, grey-colored body, which is accented by an off-white "skirt" in some individuals.

Reproduction

Porcellio dilatatus reproduce moderately quickly in a wide variety of conditions. With sufficient protein and an enclosure that offers a range of humidity options, they will reproduce readily.

Care

Moderate. Porcellio dilatatus are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, from arid to tropical. They do not require frequent misting, and must always have access to dry conditions.

Shopping List

Required:

• 12 qt (11.4L) or larger waterproof storage bin (e.g., ezystorage 11.4L Storage Box, Sterilite 12Qt Gasket Box)
• Organic potting soil (e.g., FoxFarm Happy Frog)
• Rotting hardwood chunks / orchid bark
• Crushed charcoal
• Shredded sphagnum moss
• Leaf litter
• Spray or misting bottle
• Mesh (120 mesh or finer recommended to prevent pests & escapes)
• Hot glue gun or Cyanoacrylate-based super glue
• Utility knife

Recommended:

• Cuttlebone
• Log or bark hides
• Scissors

Enclosure

The enclosure should include

• At least 2 inches (10 cm) of substrate
• Hardwood leaf litter for cover and foraging
• Hides consisting of hardwood logs or bark, or cork bark
• Calcium sources, like cuttlebone or calcium carbonate
• A "wet" area at one end of enclosure consisting of damp, shredded Sphagnum moss
• A "dry" area at the opposite end with exposed substrate
• Mesh-covered vents cut into the sides of the bin, about 2"x2" in size to provide ventilation

Substrate

The enclosure should have at least 2 inches (10 cm) of substrate.

Mix:

• 1 gallon organic potting soil
• 1 gallon topsoil

Temperature

Temperature should remain between 68-80°F (20-27°C).

Humidity

Ideal humidity levels are between 30-60%, however Porcellio dilatatus are tolerant of higher humidity as well, so long as parts of the enclosure are also kept very dry. Mist about 25%-33% of the enclosure once per week, and keep the opposite side of the enclosure completely dry to allow escape from moisture.

Hides

Hardwood pieces and bark, or cork bark should be added to the enclosure along with leaf litter and stones to provide cover.

Feeding & Supplementation

Diet

Porcellio dilatatus will accept a wide variety of foods, including leaf litter, raw or blanched vegetables, commercial diets, fish flakes or pellets, cat food, and dried protein (like minnows). For faster reproduction, offer protein-rich foods, like dried minnows, fish flakes, and commercial prepared foods (e.g., Repashy Bug Burger and Morning Wood) once per week.