Giant Orange Woodlice Culture

Giant Orange Woodlice (Porcellio sp.) are a larger isopod species serving a dual role in the vivarium — effective clean-up crew for bioactive set-ups and a nutritious livefood for reptiles and amphibians. Adults reach up to 18mm in length and establish well in humid terrariums, making them a practical and long-term addition to any bioactive build or feeding rotation.

Bioactive Clean-Up Crew

These isopods are well suited to life as terrarium custodians, breaking down waste and organic matter within the substrate. To thrive and establish a colony, they require a consistently damp, humid microclimate — given the right conditions, they will breed readily and sustain themselves long-term. Expect them to spend most of their time concealed beneath cork bark, rocks, or within the substrate itself.

As a Livefood

Giant Orange Woodlice offer a meaningful nutritional benefit as a feeder insect: their calcareous exoskeleton gives them a high calcium content, which is useful for reptiles and amphibians that benefit from dietary calcium. For feeding, use a smooth-sided dish to prevent escape — the same approach as you would use with mealworms or calci-worms.

How They're Supplied

• Delivered in a ventilated plastic tub with perforated sides to maximise airflow while minimising escape risk
• Tub base is lined with a nutrient-rich, soil-based substrate
• Colony is typically hatched in transit and should be fully established within a week of arrival
• Supplied as a starter culture

Keeping Your Isopods Healthy

Whether you're using them as vivarium custodians or building up a feeder colony, Giant Orange Woodlice do best on a varied diet of fruit, vegetables, or dedicated insect food. Keeping their substrate damp and their diet nutritious will support a healthy, reproducing culture.

A straightforward, practical choice for keepers running bioactive setups or looking to add variety and calcium to their reptile or amphibian feeding regime.