Porcellio Haasi

Product Description

Porcellio haasi (often called the "Giant Spanish Isopod") is a true titan of the invertebrate hobby. This species is renowned for its impressive length and elegant, slender build, complemented by strikingly long antennae and uropods that give it a prehistoric, "armored" appearance.

What truly sets P. haasi apart is its high-contrast coloration. The most popular strains, like the "High Yellow," feature a deep charcoal or midnight-black base adorned with vibrant, lemon-yellow spots and clean white margins. They are bold, active, and highly visible, often seen climbing cork bark or exploring the enclosure with speed and confidence.

Perfect for large Mediterranean display terrariums, advanced bioactive setups, and collectors who want a centerpiece species that is as active as it is beautiful.

Species Information

• Species: Porcellio haasi
• Origin: Western Mediterranean (Northern Spain / Pyrenees)
• Size: ~3.0–3.5 cm (One of the longest Porcellio species)
• Activity Level: Very High / Bold
• Rarity: Popular / High-End Collector Choice

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Moderate (Requires specific moisture gradients)
• Humidity: Low to Medium. Like other Spanish giants, they are sensitive to damp, stagnant air. They require a sharp moisture gradient: 75% of the enclosure should be bone-dry, with one corner of damp sphagnum moss.
• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F). They prefer slightly more temperate conditions than the southern Spanish species.
• Ventilation: High/Excellent. Significant cross-ventilation is mandatory to keep them healthy and active.
• Substrate: Deep organic soil mix with plenty of calcium and dry hardwood leaf litter.

Must Provide:

• Vertical Cork Bark: They are excellent climbers and love to congregate on vertical surfaces.
• Thick layers of dry hardwood leaf litter (Oak/Beech).
• A dedicated "hydration station" (damp moss corner).
• Constant access to high-quality calcium.

Origin and Distribution

Porcellio haasi is native to Northern Spain, particularly the limestone-rich regions of the Pyrenees and surrounding areas.

Unlike the desert-dwelling species, P. haasi comes from an environment with rocky outcrops and Mediterranean forests. They have evolved to be highly agile to navigate these vertical terrains. Because their native habitat is rich in limestone, they have a biological requirement for high calcium levels, which reflects in their sturdy, well-armored exoskeletons.

Diet

• Primary: Massive amounts of dry leaf litter and decaying white wood.
• Protein: Very High Demand. They are highly predatory towards protein sources. Provide dried shrimp, fish flakes, or minnows 2-3 times a week.
• Vitamins: Occasional fresh vegetables (carrots and squash are favorites).
• Calcium: Crucial. Essential for their frequent molting and massive size.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Porcellio haasi isopods.
• Mixed sizes (juveniles and sub-adults) to ensure a strong, breeding-ready colony.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Stunning, high-contrast captive-bred "High Yellow" lines.

✔ Specialized packaging to ensure the safe arrival of these large specimens.

✔ Expert support to help you manage the specific needs of Spanish Giants.