Porcellio Werneri

Product Description

Porcellio werneri (the "Giant Greek Pancake Isopod") is arguably the most visually iconic and anatomically extreme species in the entire Porcellio genus. This isopod is world-renowned for its unbelievably flat, wide, and circular body, making it look like a silver coin or a miniature shield.

Native to the arid, rocky landscapes of Greece, P. werneri has evolved this "pancake" morphology to a master level. Its body is so compressed that it can disappear into the thinnest hairline fractures in limestone rocks. Its coloration is a beautiful, frosted slate-gray with translucent, wide margins that catch the light. This is not just an isopod; it is a masterpiece of natural engineering and a high-end centerpiece for any world-class collection.

Perfect for advanced collectors, arid/Mediterranean display terrariums, and those who appreciate the most specialized morphology in the hobby.

Species Information

• Species: Porcellio werneri
• Origin: Greece (Southern Europe)
• Size: ~2.5 cm (Notably wide and perfectly flat)
• Activity Level: Moderate / Reclusive (Master of hiding)
• Rarity: Rare / High-End Prestige Species

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Advanced (Extremely sensitive to humidity and airflow)
• Humidity: Very Low. This species is highly intolerant of moisture. The enclosure must be 90% bone-dry. Provide only one very small, localized "hydration station" (a small clump of damp moss) in a single corner.
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F). They thrive in warm, stable environments.
• Ventilation: Extreme/Maximum. Absolute cross-ventilation is mandatory. P. werneri will not survive in stagnant or "stuffy" air.
• Substrate: Arid soil mix with crushed limestone, calcium sand, and dry leaf litter.

Must Provide:

• Flat Limestone or Slate: They vastly prefer heavy, flat rocks over cork bark. They love to "suction" themselves to the underside of stones.
• Dry, crunchy hardwood leaf litter (Oak/Beech).
• A tiny, consistently damp corner.
• Constant access to high-quality calcium (cuttlebone).

Origin and Distribution

Porcellio werneri is endemic to Greece.

It evolved in some of the hottest and driest rocky regions of the Mediterranean. In the wild, they are extreme specialists, living exclusively in deep rock fissures where they are protected from predators and desiccation. Because their native habitat is so dry and breezy, they have almost no tolerance for the high humidity levels that other isopods enjoy, making them a "challenge" species for many keepers.

Diet

• Primary: Dry leaf litter and decaying white wood.
• Protein: Moderate demand. Provide dried shrimp, fish flakes, or insect frass once a week.
• Vitamins: Occasional slices of carrot or sweet potato.
• Calcium: Crucial. Their wide, reinforced shells require a constant supply of calcium for successful molting.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Porcellio werneri isopods.
• Carefully selected mixed sizes to ensure a stable and successful colony start.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Premium, ethically captive-bred Greek stock.

✔ Specialized, climate-controlled packaging for high-end species.

✔ Professional guidance to help you master the care of this rare giant.