The Porcellionides pruinosus 'Orange Dalmatian', also known as 'Orange Pied' or sometimes confused with 'Orange Cream', is a popular captive-bred colour morph of the hardy and fast-moving plum woodlouse. This variant is a "pied" (patterned) form of the 'Orange' morph, featuring a vibrant orange base colour scattered with dark or white spots and flecks, giving it a unique "Dalmatian" appearance.
Appearance and Behavior
- Appearance: This isopod displays a striking orange base colour with varying amounts of white or dark spotting across its body. Each individual has unique markings, adding visual interest to a colony. They have a smooth, segmented body and a slightly "powdery" look.
- Size: Adults typically reach a size of 1 to 1.5 cm in length.
- Behavior: They are known for being active and social, often foraging on the surface of their substrate. They move quickly when disturbed and do not roll into a complete ball for defense. Their robust nature and efficiency as detritivores make them highly effective clean-up crews in bioactive terrariums.
Husbandry and Care
P. pruinosus 'Orange Dalmatian' are very hardy and considered excellent for beginners due to their adaptability and ease of care. They are more tolerant of drier conditions than many other isopod species.
- Habitat: A well-ventilated enclosure with a moisture gradient is essential. One area should be kept damp with sphagnum moss, while the rest of the enclosure can be drier, with just periodic light misting.
- Temperature & Humidity: They thrive in standard room temperatures, ideally between 18–26°C (64–79°F). While they can tolerate lower humidity, the ideal range is typically 60–80%, ensuring a moist retreat is always available.
- Diet: Their diet is primarily decaying organic matter (detritus).
- Main diet: An abundance of decaying leaf litter (like oak or beech) and soft, rotting white wood should always be available.
- Supplements: Offer protein-rich foods like fish flakes, dried shrimp, or a commercial isopod food 2-3 times per week to prevent them from potentially nibbling on plants or other tank inhabitants.
- Calcium: A constant source of calcium, such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells, is crucial for their exoskeleton health.
- Breeding: They are highly prolific breeders, with females capable of laying hundreds of eggs in their lifetime. They reproduce quickly once a colony is established.
Porcellionides pruinosus 'Orange Dalmatian'
£6.00Price
