Skirted Isopods For Sale UK (Oniscus asellus)
Looking for a classic, hardy isopod with a unique, skirted patterning? Oniscus asellus, the Common Woodlouse, is a staple of the European hobby, beloved for its wide, flattened body and glossy, mottled-grey exoskeleton. Unlike many other species, the Skirted Isopod features broad epimera (the edges of their body segments) that give them a distinct, low-profile appearance.
Perfect low cost option for reptile live feed
🔍 At A Glance: Skirted Isopod Husbandry Summary
Scientific Name: Oniscus asellus
Common Names: Skirted Isopod | Common Woodlouse
Adult Size & Lifespan: 1.6cm | Up to 2 years
Breeding & Growth Rate: Fairly prolific once settled; a steady and reliable breeder that establishes high-density colonies under consistent environmental conditions.
Ideal Climate: Temperature: 18–23°C (Maintained at 21–22°C The EntoScapes Way) | Humidity: 70–80% (Maintained at 70% The EntoScapes Way). This species is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and has a higher desiccation rate, making a permanently damp hydration zone essential.
Physical Identification & Behaviour: Features a wide, distinctively flattened body with broad, flared skirting (epimera) and a glossy, mottled marbled-grey exoskeleton. Remarkably shy, placid, and completely non-aggressive; uses its low-profile shape to squeeze into tight crevices under wood and stones.
Place of Origin: Widespread across the British Isles and mainland Europe.
Enclosure Sizing Guide: Smaller starter colonies thrive in a compact 20x15x15cm enclosure, whereas large, expanding master colonies scale cleanly up to a 40x20x20cm setup.
Dietary Base: Highly dependent on decaying plant matter and vegetation over heavy protein (Requires large quantities of rotten hardwood, hardwood leaf litter, flake soil, organic waste, and sphagnum moss).
Supplemental Nutrition: Fresh vegetables once a week (favourites include cucumber slices, carrot, and sweet potato) to deter pests, alongside a high-quality protein source once a week and a constant supply of calcium (crushed cuttlebone, sepia, or eggshells).
At EntoScapes, our O. asellus are UK captive-bred and raised on our nutrient-dense forest-floor substrates to ensure they arrive robust and ready to thrive. Whether you are stocking a temperate bioactive terrarium or starting a dedicated display colony, these adaptable and social isopods are a reliable and charming addition.
Explore the sections below for our biology-led guide on humidity gradients, their love for decaying wood, and why these 'skirted' natives are the ultimate survivors.
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