Skirted Isopod (Oniscus asellus) - Woodlouse Culture
Looking for a classic, hardy isopod with a unique, "skirted" silhouette?
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.
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.
- Origins: Oniscus asellus is found across the British Isles and their distribution stretches across Europe.
- Moisture requirements: Due to being from the UK, Oniscus asellus requires a consistently damp environment. They have a higher "desiccation" rate, meaning a moist moss corner is essential for their survival.
- Appearance: A very underrated species which comes in a variety of colours, ranging from grey to brown to green. This species has a pretty marbled look to it with a paler grey skirting. Their name comes from the wide, flared edges of their body segments. This flattened shape allows them to squeeze into incredibly tight crevices under bark and stones to avoid predators.
- Temperature Sensitivity: A species that is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than most common isopods.
- Behaviour: A very shy and placid isopod which can grow to a fairly big size considering they prefer vegetation over protein. These are a fairly prolific species once settled and seem require a large amount of rotting wood as their preferred diet, which they both eat and hide under.
- Social & Non-Aggressive: These are very peaceful isopods that thrive in high-density colonies. They are excellent "clean-up crew" members for temperate amphibian or invertebrate setups, as they are non-intrusive and highly efficient.
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