Description: This listing is for 12+ Oniscus Asellus Mardi Gras Dalmatian Isopods. You will receive a mix of juveniles and adults with a few extra to offset any possible losses in the shipping process. Oniscus Asellus "Mardi Gras" is one of those few isopods you must see in person to truly appreciate their diverse black and white patterns with a vibrant splotch or two of lemon yellow. This morph was isolated and refined through selective breeding of individuals exhibiting this unique dalmatian pigmentation. It is a species worth adding to your collection and at this time is still highly sought after. Oniscus Asellus is a species that does have some unique care needs and tends to be less forgiving if their requirements are not correct and consistent. A starter group of 10-15 individuals can be kept in a small enclosure like a 6qt storage bin or small glass tank. Natural botanicals are a great way to decorate your enclosure in a way that mimics the isopods natural habitat. They are also fond of concave cork bark which they can often be found huddled up in small groups. These isopods (wild types) naturally occur in northern parts of the USA and up into Canada. As such, they thrive in cooler temperatures which sets them apart from the vast majority of other terrestrial isopods. 65-72F is ideal though they can tolerate slightly warmer ranges. Wide swings in temperature are generally not tolerated well and could result in a crash, so ensure your bin is in a location where fluctuations will be minimal. They also are noted to do better with a minimal moisture gradient leaning more towards the moist side. It is recommended to keep some area drier, but this needs not be more than 25% of the available space. Isopods have evolved to be detrivores with their primary diet being decayed organic matter. In the wild this is largely things like soft rotting wood and dried leaf litter along with any other deceased plant or animal they might stumble upon. Supplemental vegetables items like carrots, squash, potatoes and similar are readily accepted. Commercial powdered isopod diets like Repashy Morning Wood are also highly recommended. A serving or two of protein each week is appreciated and devoured. Fish pellets, freeze dried shrimp or minnows are just a few types these isopods will eat without hesitation. Oniscus Asellus is most active at night. You may see a few out and about during the day, but the majority tend to be reclusive until they lights are out. They make an ideal clean up crew if used in a bioactive as they do like to burrow and eat the substrate to some degree. This isopod is not a prolific breeder so understand that building a sizeable culture will take time and patience. Though this gorgeous isopod does have some potentially challenging care needs, it is worth keeping if it's required parameters can be maintained without large deviations. Quick Facts Origin: Native to Europe Family Classification: Oniscidae > Porcellio > Ornatus Morph Name: Mardi Gras Dalmatian Average Size: .50" to .75" Activity level: Primarily nocturnal Difficulty: Advanced Shipping and LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee) Information We only ship Isopods Monday through Wednesday. Delivery addresses close enough to our location to facilitate one day delivery will be shipped on Thursdays as well when possible. If your order is placed Wednesday after 2PM EST through Sunday, the next possible shipping date would be the following Monday. Please note depending on the factors that affect how a specific live animal(s) order is boxed up, the lead time can be 1-2 days from the time the order is placed. We will make every effort to ship quick as possible, but the welfare of the animals will always come first.If temperatures between origin and destination is forecast to be over 90°F, or below 40°F, we reserve the right to hold the order until weather conditions are more favorable for live animal shipping. If weather is determined to cause more than a minimal delay we will contact you or issue a refund if we can't establish communication in 24 hours or less. We use heating and cooling elements as needed to ensure safety for the isopods.We will happily combine shipping on all orders to which it applies. LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee) only applies with "hold for pick up" through UPS. This is the EXPEDITED shipping option when checking out. Hold for pick up while not required in all cases is highly encouraged to minimize the chance of the animals perishing. Packages left outside on a doorstep or similar significantly elevates the risk factor. Regular sunlight even in fair weather conditions can quickly raise temperatures to deadly levels inside of the box. LAG orders will be delivered to the nearest UPS store of the delivery address. UPS stores will hold the package up to 3 days before it's RTS (returned to sender). If a package isn't picked up in the 3 day window and is returned to us, this greatly increases the odds of the isopods perishing. LAG protection requires delivery to a UPS store & you must pick up the package the same business day it's first available. No refunds for unclaimed packages returned to sender. If you elect EXPEDITED shipping at checkout, please send a message immediately after you make your purchase to indicate you want LAG coverage using UPS hold for pick up. You are welcome to provide us a preferred UPS store location or we will provide the nearest UPS store location to your shipping address if needed.
Price: 39.95 USD
Location: Dayton, Ohio
End Time: 2024-09-16T02:24:13.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Isopod Factory LLC
Climate Type: Temperate
Unit Type: Unit
Model: Oniscus Asellus Mardi Gras Dalmatian
MPN: OA-MARD-12
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Unit Quantity: 12
Reproduction Rate: Average
Species: Oniscus Asellus Mardi Gras Dalmatian
Care Level: Advanced