Oniscus Asellus "Yellow"

product Description

Oniscus asellus "Yellow" is a stunning, high-contrast color morph of the classic "Common Woodlouse." While the wild type is known for its understated grey tones, the "Yellow" lineage features brilliant, neon-lemon to golden-yellow markings that splash across its broad, flattened back. This makes them one of the most visually "bright" species available for temperate forest setups.

Known for their wide, skirted appearance and impressively fast growth, Oniscus asellus is a staple in the hobby. They do not roll into a ball; instead, they rely on their flattened shape to cling tightly to surfaces. The "Yellow" morph is particularly bold and active, making it an excellent display animal. Because they are so prolific and hardy, they are often used as a premium Clean-Up Crew in temperate or semi-humid bioactive vivariums where a splash of color is desired.

Perfect for temperate forest displays, bioactive terrariums, and beginner-to-intermediate collectors who want a fast-breeding species with "designer" looks.

Species Information

• Species: Oniscus asellus "Yellow"
• Morph: "Yellow"
• Origin: Northern & Central Europe (Selected lineage)
• Size: ~1.5–1.8 cm (Broad and flat)
• Activity Level: High / Very Bold
• Rarity: Uncommon / Popular Color Morph

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Very Easy (Extremely hardy)
• Humidity: Medium to High. Unlike Mediterranean species, they love moisture. Maintain a 60/40 moisture gradient: a large, damp moss area is essential, as they are prone to drying out.
• Temperature: 15–23°C (59–74°F). They are cool-weather specialists and do not tolerate high heat (above 26°C/79°F) well.
• Ventilation: Moderate. They prefer the stable, humid air of a forest floor over the breezy conditions of a desert.
• Substrate: Rich organic soil mix with plenty of decaying wood and soft leaf litter.

Must Provide:

• Horizontal Hides: Flat pieces of cork bark or slate. They love to wedge themselves under things.
• Abundant Soft Leaf Litter: They are voracious eaters of Oak and Beech leaves.
• A large, consistently damp "hydration station" (Sphagnum moss).
• Constant access to calcium (cuttlebone).

Origin and Distribution

Oniscus asellus is native to Northern and Central Europe, where it is one of the most widespread isopod species.

They are naturally found in damp woodlands, gardens, and under the bark of fallen logs. The "Yellow" morph is a result of selective breeding from individuals that naturally showed higher concentrations of xanthophores (yellow pigment). Because they come from temperate climates, they are incredibly resilient to cold but require consistent humidity to breathe through their specialized pleopodal lungs.

Diet

• Primary: They are exceptional decomposers of leaf litter and white-rotted wood.
• Protein: Moderate demand. Provide dried shrimp, fish flakes, or isopod chow once a week.
• Vitamins: They love fresh vegetables like squash, carrots, and especially cucumber.
• Calcium: Essential for their wide, flat shells.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Oniscus asellus "Yellow" isopods.
• Mixed sizes (juveniles and sub-adults) to ensure a rapidly growing, golden colony.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Vividly marked, healthy captive-bred "Yellow" stock.

✔ Expertly packed for safe arrival in temperate conditions.

✔ The perfect "pop of color" for any forest-floor bioactive setup.