Black Rib & Other Porcellio Isopods

Porcellio is one of the most popular genera of isopods among hobbyists thanks to their active behaviour, larger size, and fascinating diversity of species. Unlike many pill-type isopods, Porcellio species cannot roll into a ball, but instead rely on speed and agility to explore their environment.

Many species such as the striking Black Rib are known for their bold patterns and strong personalities. Porcellio species are often very visible inside their enclosure, making them excellent display isopods.

These isopods originate from a variety of habitats across Europe and the Mediterranean where they live under bark, stones, and leaf litter. In captivity they adapt well to naturalistic setups with deep substrate, plenty of hides, and good airflow.

What makes Porcellio unique?

Porcellio species are known for their elongated body shape and long antennae. Many grow larger than typical pill bugs and show highly active behaviour, often exploring their enclosure during the day.

Common characteristics of Porcellio species include:

  • Longer body shape compared to pill isopods
  • Active and fast-moving behaviour
  • Strong antennae and sensory organs
  • Many species grow quite large
  • Excellent display isopods

Because of their activity levels and size, Porcellio species are often a favourite among keepers who enjoy watching their colonies explore.

Habitat and enclosure setup

Most Porcellio species prefer well-ventilated enclosures with a clear moisture gradient. Unlike some tropical species, they generally tolerate slightly drier conditions provided a humid refuge is available.

A typical Porcellio enclosure should include:

  • Deep organic substrate
  • Plenty of leaf litter
  • Cork bark hides
  • Pieces of decaying hardwood
  • A calcium source such as limestone or cuttlebone
  • A clear moisture gradient with a damp corner

Good airflow is particularly important for many Porcellio species, as stagnant conditions can cause problems for the colony.

Temperature and humidity

Porcellio species are generally comfortable at standard room temperatures.

  • Temperature: 18–25°C
  • Humidity: Moderate with a defined moisture gradient

Most species appreciate a slightly drier enclosure than tropical isopods, provided they still have access to a humid area.

Feeding Porcellio isopods

Porcellio species feed primarily on leaf litter and decaying wood, which should always be available inside the enclosure.

They also benefit from occasional protein-rich foods such as:

  • Fish flakes
  • Shrimp pellets
  • Dried insects
  • Vegetables such as carrot or courgette

Providing a calcium source helps support healthy moulting and shell development.

Popular Porcellio species

Some of the most popular Porcellio species include:

Discover Porcellio isopods

Porcellio species are some of the most active and entertaining isopods in the hobby. Their larger size, curious behaviour, and striking patterns make them fantastic display animals.

Explore our Porcellio species to discover active and fascinating isopods for your collection.

Beginner-Friendly Isopods

If you’re new to keeping isopods, these species are the perfect place to start. Beginner isopods are hardy, adaptable, and forgiving if conditions aren’t perfect while you’re learning. They establish quickly and are excellent for both display colonies and bioactive setups.

Explore our beginner species to find an easy, reliable starting point.

Beginner-Friendly Isopods

Duckies & Other Cubaris

Cubaris is one of the most famous genera in the isopod hobby, known for unusual shapes, bold colours, and highly sought-after collector species. The iconic Rubber Ducky isopod helped spark global interest in exotic isopods.


These tropical species thrive in warm, humid enclosures with deep substrate, leaf litter and natural hides.


Discover Rubber Duckies, Panda Kings, Phipun Tigers and other fascinating Cubaris species.

Duckies & Other Cubaris Isopods

Zebra Isopods & Other Armadillidium

Armadillidium species are among the most recognisable isopods in the world and are commonly known as pill bugs. Their ability to roll into a ball makes them both distinctive and fascinating to observe.


Hardy species such as Zebra isopods are popular with beginners and experienced keepers alike.


Explore Armadillidium species including Zebra, Klugi, Peraccae and other colourful pill bugs.

Zebras & Other Armadillidium Isopods

Ember Bees & Other Ardentiella Isopods

Ardentiella is a colourful tropical genus known for striking patterns and active behaviour. Species like the Ember Bee are especially popular thanks to their vivid orange and black markings.


These tropical isopods thrive in warm, humid environments with strong ventilation and naturalistic substrates.


Discover Ember Bees, Aurora, Pink Lambo, Scarlet and other beautiful Ardentiella species.

Ember Bees & Other Ardentiella Isopods

Black Rib & Other Porcellio

Porcellio species are known for their larger size, fast movement and fascinating behaviours. Unlike pill bugs, they cannot roll into a ball and instead rely on speed and agility.

Many species are excellent display isopods thanks to their activity and striking patterns.

Explore popular Porcellio species including Black Rib, Expansus, Bolivari and Haasi.

Black Rib & Other Porcellio Isopods

Clean-Up Crew (CUC)

Clean-up crew isopods are widely used in bioactive terrariums and vivariums where they help recycle waste, break down organic matter and improve soil health.

These species reproduce quickly and thrive alongside reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Discover the best isopods for bioactive setups including Porcellio scaber, Cubaris murina and Armadillidium species.

Clean-Up Crew (CUC) Isopods

Tropical & Collector Isopods

Collector isopods include some of the most unusual and beautiful species in the hobby. Many originate from tropical forests and limestone cave systems where they live in warm, humid environments.

These species are prized for their colours, patterns and rarity.

Explore exotic isopods including Cubaris, Laureola, Troglodillo and other rare collector species.

Tropical & Collector Isopods