Porcellio spinicornis (Brickwork Isopod)

Porcellio spinicornis

(Brickwork Isopod)

*Under Construction*

Porcellio spinicornis (the Brickwork Isopod) is a polymorphic crustacean that ranges across the United States, Canada, and Europe. This species gets its common name from the affinity it has for rocky hiding places. If you saw two of these isopods next to each other, you may not believe that they were the same thing. And I'll tell you why - the coloration. P.spinicornis is highly variable, coming in an array of color forms from almost white to nearly black. Identification is not impossible though. The major distinguishing feature is the head, which always seems to be a dark brown-grey color regardless of what the rest of the body looks like. Something that's also unique about this animal is its cold tolerance. Even in the middle of winter, individuals can be spotted out and about, all the while their crustaceous counterparts are busy hibernating.

Porcellio spinicornis (the Brickwork Isopod) This species is the most ornately pattered of the U.S's commonly encountered isopods. The Brickwork Isopod seems to appreciate drier conditions than many other commonly encountered isopods in the U.S.

Adult Size - Male (18 mm), Female (18 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

P.spinicornis aren't particularly large or crowding sensitive, so their enclosure doesn't need to be spacious.

Ventilation level - Moderate

Hides - Necessary

Barrier/Secure Lid - Not necessary

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Substrate

P.spinicornis 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 - 1/3 moist & 2/3 dry

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Food

P.spinicornis 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.spinicornis can be kept into the high 60s, but grows and breeds fastest at warmer temperatures

Range - 68 F to 82 F