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Porcellio werneri Isopod
AdvancedPorcellio werneri
A Greek woodlouse with an almost round, extremely flat body. The grey body is framed by a white border and it plays dead when disturbed. Balancing dry substrate with a damp moss corner for moulting makes it a species for experienced keepers.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
23〜26℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
Up to about 20mm
Humidity
50〜65%
Diet
Leaf litter and rotten wood as staples, with vegetables, protein and a calcium source.
About
Porcellio werneri, described by Strouhal in 1929, is a Greek woodlouse known in English as the Greek Shield Isopod or Pancake Isopod. Adults reach about 20mm, and the almost circular, extremely flat body is its defining feature, with a white border framing the grey body. It presses itself flat against roots and stones and plays dead the moment it is picked up. Keeping it takes experience: like many Porcellio it prefers a dry substrate, yet it needs a damp moss corner for moulting and suffers under constantly wet conditions, so the layout must balance the two. Good ventilation is essential, and adult males can be territorial, so start in about a 12-litre tub and allow around 25 litres for a large colony. Use leaf humus, rotten wood and a thick leaf layer with bark, cork and stones as hides. Breeding is seasonal and colony growth moderate.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Porcellio werneri Isopod
The Porcellio werneri Isopod lives 2-3 years.
Size of the Porcellio werneri Isopod
The Porcellio werneri Isopod grows to Up to about 20mm.
Temperature & humidity for the Porcellio werneri Isopod
The ideal temperature for the Porcellio werneri Isopod is 23〜26℃. Ideal humidity is 50〜65%.
Keep at 23-26C and 50-65% humidity; it does not need the extreme dryness of Spanish Porcellio.
Basic Info
Origin
Greece
Care Specifications
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate
Sources: Insektenliebe (temperature, difficulty, care) / Exuvium Isopods (size, humidity, tub size) / WoRMS
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Porcellio werneri Strouhal, 1929
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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