Porcellio scaber 'Calico' Isopods

Porcellio scaber 'Calico' Isopods

Origin

• Native to Europe

Environmental Preferences

• Temperature Range: 63–79°F (17–26°C)
• Humidity Preference: Medium (50–70%)

Physical Characteristics

• Average Adult Size: Up to 1.8 cm (~0.71")
• Females exhibit orange to red mottled “Calico” pattern
• Males appear as typical gray scabers (carry calico gene recessively but do not express it)

Diet

• Soft or rotting wood
• Leaf litter and decaying plant matter
• Calcium sources (e.g., cuttlebone, eggshell, PangeaCal Calcium)
• Protein (e.g., freeze-dried shrimp, minnows, fish pellets, dried insects)
• Commercial insect food (e.g., Pangea Roach & Cricket Food)
• Vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cucumber)
• Fruits (e.g., bananas, apples, watermelon, mango)

Note: Porcellio laevis and Porcellio scaber have high protein requirements and may bite reptiles if not provided with adequate supplemental protein.

Description

Porcellio scaber “Calico” is unique in that only females visually express the calico coloration, while males carry the gene recessively without showing it. This is similar to the genetic pattern seen in calico cats. They are hardy isopods that tolerate moist, hot, and dry environments well and breed quickly.