Porcellio hoffmannseggii (Titan Isopod)

Porcellio hoffmannseggii

(Titan Isopod)

Porcellio hoffmannseggii is an isopod that calls Spain, Morocco, and Portugal home. It sports a multitude of common names with none having stuck in particular, but they all point to one thing - the size (and for good reason). This species grows to become one of the largest isopods in the world at over an inch in length!!! Males are especially massive, exhibiting longer bodies and uropods many times the magnitude of those on the females. They range in color from gray to chocolate with always at least a sprinkle of white bordering. It's not all about appearance for them though. These crustaceans will also execute fascinating social behaviors that include territorial fights (on the part of the males) and offspring protection (on the part of the females)!

Porcellio hoffmannseggii (the Titan Isopod)

Adult Size - Male (40 mm), Female (40 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

P.hoffmannseggii are massive and rather crowding sensitive, so their enclosure should have some space.

Ventilation level - High

Hides - Necessary

Barrier/Secure Lid - Not necessary

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Substrate

P.hoffmannseggii aren't picky about their substrate as long as it holds moisture well, isn't abrasive, and is deep enough to burrow in.

Type - Not picky

Moisture level - Dry w/ 1 moist corner

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Food

P.hoffmannseggii aren't picky about their food and can be fed an average isopod diet.

Type - Proteinaceous pet foods, dead hardwood leaves, vegetables

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Temperature

P.hoffmannseggii can be kept into the low 70s, but grows and breeds fastest at warmer temperatures

Range - 72 F to 80 F