Porcellio Spenipes

Product Description

Porcellio spinipes (frequently referred to as the "Spiny-Footed Isopod") is a magnificent and architecturally unique species belonging to the "giant" Spanish Porcellio group. This isopods’ most striking feature is its elongated, slender body and its exceptionally long appendages (antennae and uropods), which give it a delicate yet prehistoric silhouette.

The P. spinipes is covered in a series of fine, spine-like granules along its back, providing a fascinating tactile texture. Unlike the more colorful "Sevilla" or "Silvestrii," the Spinipes relies on its unique morphology and impressive length to stand out. They are incredibly fast and agile, often seen "stilt-walking" across the enclosure with their long legs, making them a captivating species to observe in a display setup.

Perfect for Mediterranean-style bioactive terrariums, specialized displays, and collectors who appreciate unique anatomical structures.

Species Information

• Species: Porcellio spinipes
• Origin: Southern Spain (Western Mediterranean)
• Size: ~2.5–3.0 cm (excluding the long uropods)
• Activity Level: High / Extremely Fast
• Rarity: Uncommon / Collector's Choice

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Moderate (Requires attention to ventilation)
• Humidity: Low to Medium. They are very sensitive to damp, stagnant air. A strict moisture gradient is mandatory: keep 80% of the enclosure dry, with only one corner of damp moss.
• Temperature: 20–27°C (68–80°F). They prefer a warm, stable environment.
• Ventilation: Very High/Excellent. Cross-ventilation is essential to prevent respiratory issues and promote healthy molting.
• Substrate: Well-draining organic soil mix with a deep layer of hardwood leaf litter.

Must Provide:

• Large, flat pieces of cork bark or slate (they love to squeeze into tight, dry crevices).
• Abundant dry hardwood leaf litter (Oak/Beech).
• A small "hydration station" (consistently damp moss corner).
• Continuous access to calcium (cuttlebone).

Origin and Distribution

Porcellio spinipes is native to the Iberian Peninsula, primarily found in the arid and rocky regions of Southern Spain.

Adapted to the Mediterranean scrublands, this species is a master of surviving in semi-arid conditions. In the wild, they use their long legs and antennae to navigate complex rocky terrains and deep crevices where they find refuge from the Spanish sun. Because of their origin, they are much more comfortable in a "dryer" setup than most common isopods, making them a great choice for keepers in warmer climates.

Diet

• Primary: Heavy consumption of dry leaf litter and decaying wood.
• Protein: Moderate to High demand. Provide dried shrimp, fish flakes, or insect-based protein once or twice a week.
• Vitamins: Occasional fresh vegetables like carrots or squash.
• Calcium: Essential for maintaining their elongated and textured exoskeleton.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Porcellio spinipes isopods.
• Mixed sizes (juveniles and sub-adults) to ensure a successful colony transition.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Healthy, robust captive-bred Spanish stock.

✔ Secure, climate-controlled packaging for safe arrival.

✔ Expertly selected individuals for optimal breeding potential.