Porcellio Silvestrii "High Red"

Product Description

Porcellio silvestrii is widely considered one of the "Crown Jewels" of the isopod hobby. This Mediterranean giant is world-renowned for its stunning vivid orange and red coloration, often contrasted against a soft grey or white base. Its large, broad body and majestic presence make it one of the most visually striking invertebrates you can keep.

This is a high-energy, bold species that doesn't spend its life hiding. P. silvestrii is famous for being incredibly active and curious, often seen patrolling its enclosure or climbing on cork bark. Due to its size and magnificent "fire-like" patterns, it is almost exclusively kept as a high-end display species rather than a simple clean-up crew.

Perfect for specialized Mediterranean displays, advanced collectors, and anyone looking for the most colorful "giant" isopod in the world.

Species Information

• Species: Porcellio silvestrii "High Red"
• Origin: Western Mediterranean (Southern Spain / Andalusia)
• Size: ~2.5–3.2 cm (Massive and broad-bodied)
• Activity Level: Extremely High / Very Bold
• Rarity: Rare / High-End Collector Species

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Moderate (Success depends on proper ventilation)
• Humidity: Low to Medium. Like other Spanish giants, they are highly sensitive to stagnant, wet air. They require a strict moisture gradient: one damp corner with sphagnum moss and the rest of the enclosure kept dry.
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F). they prefer slightly warmer conditions than common isopods.
• Ventilation: Extreme/Maximum. Cross-ventilation is essential to keep them healthy.
• Substrate: High-quality organic soil mixed with calcium sand or limestone.

Must Provide:

• Multiple layers of dry hardwood leaf litter (Oak/Beech).
• Plenty of vertical cork bark for climbing and hiding.
• A dedicated hydration station (damp moss corner).
• Constant access to high-quality calcium.

Origin and Distribution

Porcellio silvestrii is native to the sun-drenched regions of Southern Spain, particularly in the Andalusia area.

Evolved to thrive in a Mediterranean climate with intense summers, this species is exceptionally well-adapted to heat and semi-arid conditions. In the wild, they are found in rocky crevices and under the bark of ancient trees where they can avoid the peak midday heat. Their striking colors are thought to be a form of aposematism or simply a result of their unique evolutionary path in the Iberian Peninsula.

Diet

• Primary: Voracious eaters of leaf litter and decaying wood.
• Protein: Very High Demand. They require frequent protein feedings (dried minnows, shrimp, or high-protein pellets) to support their large size and activity.
• Vitamins: Carrots, squash, and sweet potato are favorites.
• Calcium: Mandatory for their massive, colorful carapaces.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Porcellio silvestrii isopods.
• Carefully selected mixed sizes to ensure a productive and stable breeding colony.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Premium, ethically captive-bred "Spanish Giant" stock.

✔ Specialized, temperature-controlled packaging for rare species.

✔ Full support to ensure your silvestrii colony thrives.