Porcellionides pruinosus care

Porcellionides pruinosus care
Common name	"Powder Orange", "Powder Blue"
Scientific name	Porcellionides pruinosus
Size	1.0 - 1.5 cm
Lifespan	Unknown
Care level	Easy
Activity level	High
Behavior	Terrestrial
Burrowing	Moderate
Enclosure type	Tropical to Arid
Recommended substrate	50/50 Organic potting soil / topsoil mix
Temperature range	68°-80°F
Humidity	50%-80%+
Ventilation	Low-High
Food	Fish food Repashy Morning Wood Repashy Bug Burger Dried minnows
Supplements	Cuttlebone Calcium carbonate
Reproductive rate	Fast
Rarity	Common

Porcellionides pruinosus

Description

Porcellionides pruinosus are known throughout the hobby for their unique colors and varieties, including "Powder Orange", "Powder Blue", "Oreo Crumble", "Orange Cream", "Whiteout" and more. They are popular isopods among hobbyists due to their ease of care and striking appearances. They are hardy and prolific, and will reproduce rapidly in a variety of environments.

Appearance

Adult Porcellionides pruinosus reach 1.0 - 1.5 cm in length. Among morphs, names tend to describe their coloration and appearance. For instance, "Powder Blues" display a shiny blue-gray color.

Reproduction

Porcellionides pruinosus reproduce quickly and in abundance in a wide variety of conditions. With adequate nutrition, and sufficient protein, they can establish a large colony in a short period of time.

Care

Easy. Porcellionides pruinosus are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and will thrive in moderate humidity with ventilation, and a protein-rich diet with access to calcium.

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 50-80%, however Porcellionides pruinosus are tolerant of higher humidity as well. Mist about half the enclosure at least once per week.

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

Porcellionides pruinosus will accept a wide variety of foods, including 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.