Invertebrate · Isopod
Calico isopod care guide
Porcellio scaber
The calico isopod is a beginner-level isopod from Europe (introduced across North America). Adults reach Body 1.5–1.7 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Hardy colony species.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 18–25°C
- Humidity 60–75%
How much does a calico isopod cost in Canada?
Calico isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 1.5–1.7 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Europe (introduced across North America)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 18–25°C
- Humidity
- 60–75%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Calico isopod enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 60–75%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a calico isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein. Keep leaf litter and wood available and add vegetables and protein 1–2 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Hardy and calm enough to handle gently.
Health watch: Prone to losses in constantly soaked substrate without a drier area.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a calico isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Calico isopod FAQ
Is the calico isopod good for beginners?
Yes – the calico isopod is a good choice for beginners. Hardy and calm enough to handle gently.
What size enclosure does a calico isopod need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a calico isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $15–35 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a calico isopod need?
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 60–75%.
What does a calico isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein. Keep leaf litter and wood available and add vegetables and protein 1–2 times weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.