Guide on Distinguishing Dalmatian Isopod Species: Identify Your Isopod!
Spotted Wonders: Let's Talk Dalmatian Isopods
What's the big deal with Dalmatian Isopods? Well, they're more of a zany family than a specific species!
Any isopod species that carries the "Dalmatian gene" can produce its unique, colorful pattern. That's why these dapper critters are among the most sought-after isopod varieties in the market.
But which one rules the roost? Let's dive in and find out!
Now, when talking about Dalmatian Isopods, it's crucial to understand that a true "Dalmatian Isopod" is born of the particular Dalmatian mutation. Other genes, like the Koi gene, may produce similar visual effects through different means, but they're not the same as the Dalmatian Isopod.
Without beating around the bush, let's get started!
1 | Porcellio scaber 'Dalmatian'
Porcellio scaber 'Dalmatian' is the original and best-loved option when it comes to spotted isopods. Known for its iconic black-and-white pattern, it fits the Dalmatian description better than any on this list.
But is it the best isopod? We'll put it to the test.
We're thrilled to say P. scaber 'Dalmatian' is not all bark and bite! These adaptable creatures breed quickly, are effortless to care for, and are suitable for almost any setup. Plus, they make excellent bioactive cleaners, capable of handling household temperatures and typical humidity levels of 70% and above.
These relatively large species, growing up to around 1.5cm, are real helper creatures in a bioactive vivarium.
👉 Get your Porcellio scaber 'Dalmatian' Isopods right here from our partners, Rubber Ducky Isopods. They also come in a spiffy 'Orange Dalmatian' variety!
2 | Dairy Cow Isopods (Porcellio laevis)
Dairy Cow Isopods aretop contenders for the Dalmatian Isopod title. With their mottled black and white carapaces, they take a slightly different approach to the classic Dalmatian look.
If we were judging Dalmatian Isopods to Dairy Cow Isopods in a snazzy competition, the Dairy Cow would score high on size and overall appearance. But they'd lose points for visual accuracy.
At almost 2cm fully grown, these critters are big dudes.
As with Porcellio scaber Dalmatians, Dairy Cow Isopods are terrific bioactive custodians. Their active nature combined with a large appetite makes them efficient cleaning machines. However, be cautious about mixing them with other isopod species. Competing with them isn't always easy, and they don't always play fair.
👉 Get your Dairy Cow Isopods.
3 | Porcellionides pruinosus 'Orange Cream' & 'Oreo Crumble'
For those who love the classic Powder Orange and Powder Blue Isopods but crave something with more flair, these Porcellionides pruinosus color morphs should do the trick!
They come in the same bioactive power but now in fresh, eye-catching colors!
First up, we have the classic black-and-white mottled Oreo Crumble Isopods. Hard to resist, don't you think?
Then, we have the pied variety with a mottled brown/orange coloration. Quite the contrast, wouldn't you agree?
👉 Shop Oreo Crumble Isopods and Orange Cream Isopods.
4 | Japanese Magic Potion Isopod (Armadillidium vulgare)
Here's where we add some serious color to the mix!
The Japanese Magic Potion Isopod offers an interesting spin on the Dalmatian gene.
As it only affects dark pigments, some of the dark elements of the carapace have been stripped to a creamy translucent white. Leaving behind dark spots and some striking acid-yellow splashes.
The contrast is electric, and it's fascinating to see genes play out this way.
You can get this species from two distinct lineages: American and Japanese. The American is larger and more visually distinctive, but the Japanese are much easier to breed.
👉 Shop Magic Potion Isopods.
5 | Shiro Utsuri Isopods
Last but certainly not least, we have our favorites from the list.
Shiro Utsuri Isopods resemble the long-lost cousins of the Dairy Cows. These guys are named for their resemblance to the beautiful Japanese koi fish.
👉 Shop Shiro Utsuri Isopods.
Final Thoughts on Dalmatian Isopods
Dalmatian Isopods are all the rage these days, and the hobby is only going to grow!
We'll likely see even more isopod species emerge with the Dalmatian gene, and we're here for it! Keep an eye out as we explore these new species, and hopefully, we'll have them in our store someday!
Ready to start a Dalmatian colony? Check out our selection of isopods today.
- Belonging to the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle, owning a colony of Dalmatian Isopods, such as the Porcellio scaber 'Dalmatian', can be an interesting and educational addition to one's pet collection.
- For those who love a blend of science and pets, exploring the different gene expressions, like the Koi gene in various isopod species, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of genetics and biodiversity.
