Field identity
Mardi Gras Isopods (Oniscus asellus)
Oniscus asellus
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Mardi Gras Isopods (Oniscus asellus)
$35.00 -
$159.99
Color for the cooler side of the collection. Mardi Gras isopods (Oniscus asellus) show a lively, colorful pattern across a flatter body type, native to Europe and now established across North America as well. Unlike many isopods, this species prefers cooler temperatures.
Oniscus asellus does best with cool, consistently moist conditions and a moderate calcium supply. It is a great pick for keepers who want to try a species that behaves differently from the warm, drier setups common in the hobby.
- Colorful, flat-bodied Oniscus morph
- Prefers cooler temperatures than most isopods
- Needs consistently moist conditions
- A great change of pace for the collection
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Care Snapshot
| Climate | Temperate |
| Temperature | 60 to 72 F |
| Humidity | 65 to 85% |
| Adult size | 12 to 18 mm |
| Origin | Europe; introduced North America |
| Care level | intermediate |
From the keeper’s royal archives
Mardi Gras Isopod Care Guide
Prepare their refuge, gather provisions, and follow the care journey for Oniscus asellus. Explore habitat, moisture, feeding and colony care before your companions arrive.
Open the kingdom care sheet →Know your colony
Care and Keeper Confidence
Plan a welcoming habitat before your colony arrives. Start with the care guide for the species you have chosen.
Best matched for
Keepers choosing a colony that suits their enclosure, experience, and care routine.
Keeper caution
Match moisture, ventilation, and space to your chosen species. Check its care guide before setting up.
Direct answers
Before this colony arrives
Prepare the refuge, gather provisions, and plan your first days as colony keeper.
What should I prepare?
Stabilize the enclosure before ordering. Use the temperature and moisture fields above when they are shown, and provide species-appropriate substrate, leaf litter, hides, calcium, and ventilation.
How should I compare this listing?
Keepers choosing a colony that suits their enclosure, experience, and care routine. Match moisture, ventilation, and space to your chosen species. Check its care guide before setting up.
What will my selected option mean?
The selected product option is carried into the cart and checkout. Review the option label, price, and current availability directly above before placing the order.
Where can I ask a species question?
Contact keeper support with the product name and your planned enclosure. We can help you choose the next step.