Porcellio Sp Valencia

Product Description

Porcellio sp. "Valencia" is a fantastic representative of the Spanish "giant" isopod group. Native to the eastern coast of Spain, this species is highly regarded for its sleek, metallic silver-grey or orange body and its impressively broad, armored physique. It features clean, pale margins that give it a sophisticated, high-contrast look against dark substrates.

While some Spanish giants can be shy or slow to establish, the "Valencia" is known for being robust, active, and highly prolific. They are bold explorers, frequently seen out in the open during the day, making them an excellent choice for a dynamic display. Their large size and high activity level make them not just a great pet, but a heavy-duty clean-up crew for larger Mediterranean or semi-arid bioactive setups.

Perfect for bioactive terrariums, intermediate keepers, and collectors who want a "giant" species that is both beautiful and easy to manage.

Species Information

• Species: Porcellio sp Valencia
• Locality: Valencia (Eastern Spain)
• Size: ~2.5–3.0 cm (Large and robust)
• Activity Level: Very High / Extremely Bold
• Rarity: Popular / High-Utility Giant

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Very hardy for a Spanish species)
• Humidity: Low to Medium. They require a distinct moisture gradient. Keep 70% of the enclosure dry with one corner of damp sphagnum moss. They are more tolerant of slight humidity fluctuations than other giants.
• Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F). They thrive in warm, stable environments.
• Ventilation: High. Good cross-ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant air and promote healthy molting.
• Substrate: Organic soil mix enriched with calcium and a thick layer of dry hardwood leaf litter.

Must Provide:

• Cork Bark Hides: They love to congregate in groups under large, dry pieces of bark.
• Thick layers of dry hardwood leaf litter (Oak/Beech).
• A dedicated "hydration station" (damp moss corner).
• Constant access to high-quality calcium (cuttlebone).

Origin and Distribution

As the name suggests, this species is native to the Valencia region along the eastern coast of Spain.

Evolved in a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, Porcellio sp. "Valencia" is naturally adapted to handle semi-arid conditions. In the wild, they are found in coastal scrublands and rocky areas, often hiding under stones or within deep leaf litter to stay cool. This natural resilience makes them one of the more "forgiving" species among the large Spanish Porcellio.

Diet

• Primary: Large amounts of dry leaf litter and decaying white-rotted wood.
• Protein: High Demand. They are very opportunistic. Provide dried shrimp, fish flakes, or insect-based protein 2 times a week.
• Vitamins: They enjoy fresh vegetables like carrots, squash, or sweet potato.
• Calcium: Crucial. Essential for their thick, armored carapaces.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Porcellio sp. "Valencia" isopods.
• Mixed sizes (juveniles and sub-adults) to ensure a rapidly growing colony.

Why Buy From Us

✔ High-vitality, healthy captive-bred Spanish stock.

✔ Secure and professional packaging for guaranteed live arrival.

✔ An excellent entry-point species for those new to "Giant" isopods.