Trachelipus Trilobatus

Product Description

Trachelipus trilobatus (The "Trilobite Isopod") is a true marvel of evolutionary design. This species is famous for its extraordinarily flat and wide morphology, mimicking the silhouette of the ancient, extinct marine trilobites. Its body is composed of broad, overlapping plates that extend far beyond its central frame, creating a "shielded" look that is unique among terrestrial isopods.

Visually, they possess a rugged, textured exoskeleton in shades of charcoal and slate-grey, often finished with a dusty, matte patina. Their wide "skirts" (epimera) allow them to press their bodies completely flat against rocks and bark, making them masters of camouflage. Despite their prehistoric and heavy appearance, they are surprisingly fast and agile when they decide to move, scuttling across vertical surfaces with ease.

Perfect for prehistoric-themed displays, rocky bioactive setups, and collectors looking for the most structurally unique species in the Trachelipus genus.

Species Information

• Species: Trachelipus trilobatus
• Common Name: Trilobite Isopod
• Origin: Eastern Europe / Balkans / Romania
• Size: ~1.8–2.2 cm (Very wide and broad)
• Activity Level: Moderate / Master of Stealth
• Rarity: Uncommon / High-End Specialist Choice

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Moderate (Sensitive to moisture swings)
• Humidity: Medium to High. Unlike the arid Spanish giants, T. trilobatus comes from more temperate, humid forests. They require a consistent moisture gradient: 50% of the enclosure should be damp sphagnum moss.
• Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F). They prefer cooler, temperate conditions and can be sensitive to extreme heat (above 26°C).
• Ventilation: Moderate. They need fresh air but must not be allowed to dry out completely like Mediterranean species.
• Substrate: Rich, moisture-retaining organic soil mixed with plenty of decaying wood and leaf litter.

Must Provide:

• Flat Slate or Cork Bark: Essential for their "flattening" behavior. They love to wedge themselves between tight, flat surfaces.
• Thick Layer of Hardwood Leaf Litter: Oak and Beech are vital for nutrition and cover.
• A large, consistently damp "hydration zone."
• Constant access to high-quality calcium (cuttlebone).

Origin and Distribution

Trachelipus trilobatus is primarily found in Eastern Europe, particularly in the forested, rocky regions of Romania and the Balkan Peninsula.

They have evolved to live in the humid microclimates found under the bark of fallen logs and within deep limestone fissures. Their wide, flat shape is a specialized adaptation that allows them to hide in crevices that are too narrow for more "rounded" isopods, protecting them from both predators and temperature fluctuations.

Diet

• Primary: They are heavy feeders on decaying white-rotted wood and softened leaf litter.
• Protein: Moderate demand. Provide dried shrimp, fish flakes, or minnows once or twice a week.
• Vitamins: They enjoy supplemental feedings of squash, sweet potato, and seasonal mosses.
• Calcium: Crucial. Their wide plates require significant mineral intake to remain strong and healthy.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Trachelipus trilobatus isopods.
• Mixed sizes (juveniles and sub-adults) to ensure a stable, long-term colony.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Authentically sourced, healthy captive-bred stock.

✔ Secure packaging designed to maintain the necessary humidity during transit.

✔ One of the most visually impressive "pancake-style" isopods in the world.