Scientific name
Porcellio bolivari
The catalogue recognises Porcellio bolivari. [1] Exuvium describes it as a large woodlouse with a relatively broad, flattened body. [2]
Origin
The catalogue places the species in south-eastern Spain. [1] The keepers consulted also report its presence in caves, without this establishing an exclusively cave-dwelling habitat. [2][4]
- Large Porcellio
- Essential gradient
- Distinguish from P. nicklesi
Identity according to a taxonomic catalogue; keeping and breeding from three keepers. Humidity and development discrepancies retained, without artificial averaging or diagnosis.
At a glance
A species from south-eastern Spain, distinct from Porcellio nicklesi. Differing captive instructions remain attributed to their authors [1][2][3].
| DOCUMENTED SIZE | Up to 30 mm Commercial value; inclusion of appendages unclear [2][3]. |
|---|---|
| LIFESPAN | To be documented No supported individual lifespan in the selected sources. |
| LIFESTYLE | Ground shelters Nocturnal and morning activity observed by Exuvium [2]. |
Adult size
Up to 30 mm at Exuvium and Insektenliebe; the profiles do not precisely define whether appendages are included in this measurement. [2][3]
Lifespan
No species-specific individual lifespan retained from the sources accessed.
Lifestyle
Exuvium reports early-morning and night-time activity in its colonies. This is a captive observation, not a comprehensive measurement of the natural activity pattern. [2]
Housing
SETUP AND SHELTERS
Bark and cork — Several shelters, good air circulation and a moist area in Insektenliebe’s protocol [3].
Several cork or bark shelters and good air circulation feature in Insektenliebe’s protocol. Part of the substrate remains moist. [3]
Care parameters
BREEDER REFERENCE
22–25 °C — Insektenliebe reference point; practices do not prove an optimum [3].
ANOTHER PRACTICE
18–26 °C — Exuvium reference point, not experimental tolerance limits [2].
Humidity
Differing practices — The keepers maintain a moist refuge, occupying different proportions of the enclosure [2][3][4].
Temperature
22–25 °C at Insektenliebe [3] Exuvium states 18–26 °C: these ranges describe practices, not experimental tolerance limits. [2]
Humidity
Commercial sources differ Compare them while distinguishing air, substrate and the moistened area; no universal value retained. [2][3][4]
Feeding
DIET AND CALCIUM
Leaves and decomposed wood, calcium and plant or protein supplements in the cited practices [2][3].
Scope of this profile
Identity according to a taxonomic catalogue; keeping and breeding from three keepers. Humidity and development discrepancies retained, without artificial averaging or diagnosis.
Do not confuse bolivari and nicklesi
P. bolivari nicklesi refers to P. nicklesi in the catalogue. [1] These two species must therefore not be merged because an old label uses a three-part name. Exuvium’s commercial profile contains an ambiguous synonymy statement on this point; the scientific classification takes precedence. Asking the supplier exactly what its group represents avoids spreading this confusion.
Why humidity advice appears contradictory
Exuvium states low ambient humidity and a single moist refuge. [2] For P. bolivari and several other large Porcellio, Smug Bug describes a setup in which 30 to 50 % of the surface is moist. [4] This percentage concerns the setup, not the relative humidity of the air. The two accounts do not constitute a comparative trial from which to choose a universal threshold; neither recommends an entirely dried-out enclosure.
Shelters and air circulation
Insektenliebe uses sphagnum mixed with soil in one part of the enclosure, with wood placed as shelter. The rest is kept drier, and ventilation is presented as more important than additional heating. [3] The watering frequency for its setup cannot automatically be copied: dimensions, ventilation and substrate alter the drying rate.
A diet based on plant debris
Exuvium mentions decomposing leaves, white-rotted wood, calcium and plant or protein supplements. [2] Insektenliebe reports acceptance of leaves, carrot, fish food and cuttlebone. [3] These examples establish foods used by the keepers, without defining a compulsory ration or proving that a fixed frequency suits every colony.
Breeding: a discrepancy to preserve
Exuvium states maturity at around six months, whereas Insektenliebe gives approximately nine months of development. [2][3] The protocols and criteria do not allow these figures to be considered equivalent. The profile therefore sets no date for first breeding. A colony already producing juveniles does not, by itself, provide proof of the parents’ exact age.
What remains to be documented
Lifespan, the usual number of juveniles and thermal limits are not established here by a species-specific study. Useful additions to the account would require dated observations of individuals of known age and described conditions. This profile remains a preparation document, without validation of a universal husbandry protocol.
Checklist
- Confirm bolivari or nicklesi before acquisition.
- Provide ventilation, shelters and permanent access to a moist refuge.
- Distinguish air measurements from substrate condition.
Observations to record
- Group identity
- Humid shelter
- Young observed
- Changes in food provision
The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.
Sources
Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- Schmalfuss — World catalog of terrestrial isopods, entrées Porcellio bolivari et P. nicklesi
Source accessed - Exuvium Isopods — Porcellio bolivari, fiche de maintien
Source accessed - Insektenliebe — Porcellio bolivari, compte rendu d’élevage
Source accessed - Smug Bug — Misconceptions in Giant Isopod Care (2021)
Source accessed