Scientific name
Porcellio magnificus
Schmalfuss recognises Porcellio magnificus Dollfus, 1892 as a species and associates the former name Porcellio hoffmannseggi magnificus with it. [1]
Origin
The catalogue places this species in the Almería region of south-eastern Spain. [1] This does not prove its presence throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
- Large Porcellio
- Almería
- Elongated uropods
Distribution and nomenclature from the natural history catalogue; commercial keeping explicitly attributed. Dimensions including appendages remain separate from body dimensions; no validated breeding protocol.
At a glance
A species from the Almería region, distinct from Porcellio hoffmannseggii. The long uropods explain some of the large dimensions stated [1][2].
| DOCUMENTED SIZE | 25–30 mm stated Another measurement >55 mm with uropods; different methods [2][3]. |
|---|---|
| LIFESPAN | To be documented No supported individual lifespan in the selected sources. |
| LIFESTYLE | Terrestrial Does not roll into a ball according to the commercial guide [3]. |
Adult size
Scuttle & Squeak describes adults of 25–30 mm or more. Richard’s Inverts gives over 55 mm for some old males including the uropods: the measurement method differs. [2][3]
Lifespan
No numerical lifespan retained: the sources accessed do not present individual follow-up from which to establish it.
Lifestyle
Scuttle & Squeak describes a terrestrial animal with a broad body, unable to roll into a ball. [3]
Housing
SETUP AND SHELTERS
Ventilated box — Leaves and bark, one moist end and a less-moist remainder in the Scuttle & Squeak guide [3].
Scuttle & Squeak proposes a ventilated box with leaves and bark, one end of which remains moist while the rest is less moist. [3]
Care parameters
BREEDER REFERENCE
18–26 °C — Richard’s Inverts practice, not physiological limits [2].
ANOTHER PRACTICE
20–25 °C — Scuttle & Squeak; a distinct commercial reference point [3].
Humidity
Localised shelter — Scuttle & Squeak maintains a moist shelter and advises against uniformly waterlogged soil [3].
Temperature
18–26 °C at Richard’s Inverts [2] Scuttle & Squeak proposes 20–25 °C. These are two captive reference points, not measured physiological limits. [3]
Ventilation
Sustained air circulation [2] The recommendation for a less-moist environment concerns the keeper’s husbandry; it does not mean an entirely dried-out substrate.
Feeding
DIET AND CALCIUM
Leaves and decomposed wood, a calcium source and supplements in the commercial guides; no experimental ration retained [2][3].
Scope of this profile
Distribution and nomenclature from the natural history catalogue; commercial keeping explicitly attributed. Dimensions including appendages remain separate from body dimensions; no validated breeding protocol.
Appendages that change the comparison
The long uropods of older males explain part of the spectacular dimensions stated by Richard’s Inverts. [2] Separating body length from total length avoids a false difference between a profile stating a few centimetres and an advert giving a much larger figure. A sale size does not, by itself, indicate the animal’s exact age.
Base diet and supplements
Richard’s Inverts describes consumption of dead leaves and decomposed wood, with a calcium source and fish food. [2]
Scuttle & Squeak also proposes vegetables and protein, with fresh leftovers removed. [3]
These commercial menus do not constitute an experimentally validated nutritional formula.
Providing several conditions within one box
Scuttle & Squeak recommends a moist refuge and advises against uniformly waterlogged soil. [3]
Moisture beneath a shelter and humidity in the air describe distinct environments: a single measurement does not replace checking the gradient.
Breeding: observations, not a production yield
Scuttle & Squeak reports moderate colony growth and eggs carried in a marsupium, the brood pouch. [3]
This commercial account does not provide data from which to calculate production. No number of juveniles by a given date is promised.
What prior experience?
Richard’s Inverts rates keeping as difficult, compared with intermediate at Scuttle & Squeak. [2][3]
These assessments are not standardised scores. Ask for the colony’s previous conditions and check that the setup can reproduce them before acquisition.
Checklist
- Ask for traceable provenance.
- Compare sizes measured in the same way.
- Provide a moist refuge and a less-moist area.
Observations to record
- Maintaining the gradient
- Replenishing leaves
- Young observed
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.