Oniscus asellus 'Skirted Isopod'

Native Locale: Europe (cosmopolitan today)
Reproductive Rate: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Adult Size:  10 - 15 mm
Difficulty: Beginner to  intermediate

 

'Oniscus' (Greek)= small woodlouse that is unable to conglobate, and 'asellus' (Latin)= small ass/donkey. Fully translated = 'Small Ass Woodlouse'.

 

The O. asellus Skirted Isopod is shiny brown-grey in color with a grey-white skirt. Their carapace (shell) often has yellow/gold flecks. They are flat and wide-bodied with long antennae measuring 1/2 their body length. Species of the Oniscidea family can be identified by the flagellum of the second antennae, which has three joints/segments. 

 

These are surface isopods that thrive in habitats with cool temperatures and moist soil (not wet). Consistent temperature is important.  

Not sexually dimorphic and can reproduce sexually and asexually. Females have a brood pouch that holds eggs and hatchlings until the point they can survive on their own.

 

NOTE: Color morphs are a product of unnatural selection and captive stock that produces numerous variations in the standard color pattern. In the case of O. asellus, the wild/original color is a medium brown with a lighter skirt. 

AKA "Sowbug" and is unable to roll into a ball. Defense is to run or cling to the underside of wood.

 

Captive bred. Colonies include various sizes/ages.

The pictures are for reference only and may not reflect the actual specimen you'll receive.