The Porcellionides pruinosus 'Powder Orange' is a popular, captive-bred orange morph of the fast-moving terrestrial isopod, known for its active nature, hardiness, and rapid reproduction, making it an ideal choice for beginners or as a vivarium clean-up crew. 
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: These isopods have a vibrant, solid orange coloration. They have a smooth, segmented, and flattened oval-shaped exoskeleton which has a unique, fine "powdery" or velvety appearance, particularly after moulting. Adults typically reach a size of 1 to 1.5 cm (about 0.4 to 0.6 inches).
Behavior: 'Powder Orange' isopods are active and social creatures, often seen foraging in groups on the surface of the substrate, even during the day. When threatened, they use their speed to escape rather than rolling into a defensive ball like some other species.
Role: Their voracious appetites and rapid breeding make them highly effective clean-up crews in bioactive terrariums, where they consume decaying plant matter, wood, and other organic debris, helping to aerate the soil and control mold. 
 
Habitat and Care
P. pruinosus 'Powder Orange' are very adaptable and easy to care for, tolerating a wide range of conditions, which is why they are great for beginners. 
Enclosure: A plastic tub or glass enclosure with good cross-ventilation is suitable. A moisture gradient is crucial; one side should be kept damp with sphagnum moss while the other can be allowed to dry out, allowing the isopods to self-regulate their moisture needs.
Temperature & Humidity: They thrive in standard room temperatures, ideally between 20–27°C (68–80°F). They require moderate humidity, typically between 60–80%.
Diet: As detritivores, their primary diet is decaying organic material.
Main diet: An abundance of pesticide-free leaf litter (oak, magnolia, beech) and rotting white wood.
Supplements: Offer protein-rich foods two to three times a week, such as fish flakes or freeze-dried shrimp, to support growth and reproduction.
Calcium: A constant source of calcium, such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells, is vital for healthy exoskeleton development.
Breeding: They are highly prolific breeders and will establish a large colony quickly if conditions are met, reaching maturity in about three months.