The Porcellio laevis 'Orange' is a vibrant, captive-bred colour morph of the common swift woodlouse or giant orange isopod, popular in the pet trade for its bright hue and ease of care. This hardy and active isopod species is excellent for beginners and makes an efficient clean-up crew in terrariums.
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: The isopods are a vivid, solid orange colour across their smooth, elongated bodies. Adults can grow quite large, typically reaching between 1 to 2.3 cm in length.
Behavior: They are known for being very active and can move quickly when disturbed, which is why they are sometimes called "swift woodlice". They are diurnal, meaning they can often be observed moving around their enclosure during the day.
Origin: While the wild-type P. laevis has a cosmopolitan distribution (originating in Europe/North Africa and spreading globally), the 'Orange' morph is a result of selective breeding in captivity to isolate this specific recessive colour mutation. 
 
Husbandry and Care
'Orange' isopods are very robust and tolerant of a range of conditions, making them ideal for new keepers. 
Habitat: A ventilated plastic tub or glass enclosure is suitable. They require a moisture gradient, with one area kept damp (e.g., with sphagnum moss) and a drier side where they can retreat.
Substrate & Hides: A substrate rich in organic materials like decaying oak or beech leaf litter and rotting white wood is essential as both food and shelter. Cork bark pieces provide excellent hiding spots.
Temperature & Humidity: They thrive in standard room temperatures, roughly 18–26°C (64–79°F). They are drought-tolerant but need access to humidity in the 55-75% range for respiration.
Diet: They are voracious detritivores and need a varied diet.
Main diet: Decaying leaves and wood.
Supplements: Regular protein sources (fish flakes, dried shrimp, or other dead insects) and a source of calcium (cuttlebone or crushed eggshells) are crucial for growth and exoskeleton health.
Breeding: They are prolific breeders and establish colonies quickly once settled into a proper habitat.