Porcellio werneri

Porcellio werneri, commonly known as the pancake or Greek shield isopod, is a unique species endemic to Crete, Greece. It is instantly recognizable by its extremely flat, broad body and distinctive layered colouration, featuring a grey body and contrasting white skirts. Its one-of-a-kind shape has made it famous in the isopod world.

These isopods are captive-bred (CB).

Care Information

• Size: Mixed sizes.
• Diet: Rotting hardwood, leaf litter (oak, beech, maple, chestnut, Asian species), and lichen form the staple diet. Supplement regularly with calcium (cuttlefish bone, limestone, or powdered calcium carbonate), protein-rich treats (fish flakes, shrimp pellets) and vegetables (squash, carrot, zucchini, or sweet potato).
• Temperature: 20–28 °C.
• Humidity: 40-50%. Requires low humidity. Maintain a moist/dry gradient: 1/4 of the tub humid with moss or damp substrate, the remaining drier. Mist lightly or use a dropper every week to maintain stability without waterlogging.
• Ventilation: Provide good cross-ventilation to prevent stagnation, while keeping humidity stable.
• Substrate: Substrate minimum ~5cm deep mix, organic soil, flake soil, rotting wood, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter. Add cork bark and hardwood pieces for shelter.
• Enclosure: 3L Braplast tub or larger. For growing colonies 5L and 11L tubs may be more suitable.

Isopods are shipped securely in ventilated tubs with damp moss for safe travel.

Note: If you are interested in larger quantities than those listed, or want any advise, please get in contact!