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Porcellio silvestrii
A woodlouse of pine forests in southern Spain. Males are bright orange and females grey or dull orange, a rare case of sexual dimorphism in isopods. Dislikes wet conditions and settles well in a drier, well-ventilated setup.
Porcellio silvestrii, described by Arcangeli in 1924 from southern Spain, is named after the Italian entomologist Filippo Silvestri; WoRMS lists P. curvisetosus and P. perplexus as synonyms. Adults reach about 25mm. Sexual dimorphism is unusually clear for an isopod: mature males are bright orange while females are grey or dull orange, and a spotted 'Dalmatian' line is also known. It is sensitive to waterlogging and poor airflow, so ventilate well. Leaf litter and rotten wood are the staples; it also likes fresh leaves, plus vegetables, fruit, protein about twice a week and calcium. Calm in temperament, it is often visible by day and in the evening and moves about in groups.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Silvestrii Isopod lives 2-2.5 years.
Breeding is slower than average, maturity comes at about six months, and lifespan is 2-2.5 years.
The Silvestrii Isopod grows to Up to about 25mm.
The ideal temperature for the Silvestrii Isopod is 18〜22℃. Ideal humidity is 50〜60%.
It prefers a setup with both dry and damp zones like its native pine forests, at a slightly cool 18-22C and 50-60% humidity, with only about one third of the enclosure kept moist with moss and rotten wood.
Origin
Southern Spain
Sources: Exuvium Isopods (size, temperature, humidity, lifespan, dimorphism) / Insektenliebe (temperature, behaviour) / WoRMS
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.
Accepted name: Porcellio silvestrii Arcangeli, 1924
Synonyms: Porcellio curvisetosus, Porcellio monticola silvestrii, Porcellio perplexus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
2-2.5 years
Size
Up to about 25mm
Temperature
18〜22℃
Humidity
50〜60%
Leaf litter and rotten wood as staples, with vegetables, fruit, fresh leaves, protein about twice a week and a calcium source.
18-22C and 50-60% humidity. Prefers cooler conditions; keep only one third of the enclosure moist.
Ventilate well and build dry and damp zones with leaf litter, rotten wood and a little moss.
Keep leaf litter and rotten wood available; add fresh leaves, vegetables, fruit, protein about twice a week and calcium.
Harmless and calm. Visible by day and evening, moving in groups.
Sensitive to wet conditions and slow to breed. Males and females differ in colour, so do not mistake them for different species.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Silvestrii Isopod is 18〜22℃. Recommended humidity is 50〜60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Silvestrii Isopod is 2-2.5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Silvestrii Isopod typically reaches Up to about 25mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Silvestrii Isopod feeds on: Leaf litter and rotten wood as staples, with vegetables, fruit, fresh leaves, protein about twice a week and a calcium source.. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Silvestrii Isopod varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026