Common Name: Giant Orange Isopod, Giant Orange Woodlouse
Scientific Name: Porcellio laevis 'Orange'
Origin: Cultured colour morph of a species native to Europe and North Africa (now cosmopolitan).
Adult Size: Large, typically up to 2.0–2.3 cm (around 0.75 inches).
Temperament: Bold, active during the day (diurnal), and known to be prolific. They have a hearty appetite.
Lifespan: Up to 2 years.
Difficulty: Easy (excellent beginner species).
 
🏡 Habitat & Environment
Enclosure: A plastic tub (6-32 quart, depending on colony size) or a small terrarium with good ventilation is recommended. They are fast breeders, so be prepared for colony growth.
Substrate: A deep layer (1-3 inches) of a mix like organic topsoil, peat moss, and/or coco coir, mixed with decaying hardwood (non-pine) and leaf litter.
Humidity/Moisture: Moderate to High (55-80%). They need a clear moisture gradient.
Keep one side of the enclosure moist with damp sphagnum moss or wet substrate—this is the "hydration station."
The rest of the enclosure should gradually taper to a mostly dry area covered in leaf litter and bark. Avoid waterlogging the entire enclosure.
Temperature: Room temperature is usually fine. Optimal range is 64-79F (26C(. They can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures, which promotes faster breeding.
Hides/Decor: Provide plenty of leaf litter (oak, beech, maple, etc.) and pieces of cork bark or decayed white-rot hardwood for food and hiding spots.
 
🍽️ Diet & Nutrition
P. laevis are known for their high protein and calcium requirements.
Primary Diet: Decaying hardwood and an abundance of leaf litter should always be available as their main food source.
Protein Supplement: Offer protein 1-2 times per week. Good sources include:
Fish flakes / Fish pellets
Freeze-dried shrimp or minnows
High-protein insect food or powdered diets
Calcium Supplement: Crucial for their calcified exoskeleton. Always include a source in the enclosure:
Cuttlebone (Sepia shell)
Crushed eggshells
Limestone powder
Vegetables: They enjoy occasional slices of fresh vegetables like carrots, zucchini, sweet potato, and cucumber. Remove any uneaten fresh food within a day or two to prevent mold.
 
⚠️ Important Note on Clean-Up Crew (CUC) Use
Due to their large size, fast nature, and high protein demand, P. laevis 'Orange' are generally considered more "aggressive" than smaller or slower isopod species.
They are highly effective CUC members, but there are reports of them outcompeting or potentially harming very small, soft-bodied, or slow-moving tank inhabitants (like certain species of juvenile dart frogs or smaller isopods) if their protein needs are not met.
It is generally recommended to house them with larger reptiles or amphibians or to keep them in a dedicated culture bin.