White Skull Spiky

White Skull Isopods (Laureola sp. “White Skull”)

The White Skull isopod is a terrestrial isopod originating from Vietnam and sold under the trade name Laureola sp. “White Skull.” It is recognized by its dark body and pale, bone-white marking across the front portion of its exoskeleton, which resembles a skull. Its formal species-level identity has not been established in the available hobby references.

Care Information

• Humidity: Specialist sellers recommend high humidity, with reported ranges of approximately 75–95%. Maintain a moisture gradient so the substrate is not uniformly saturated.

• Ventilation: Good airflow is important to maintain air exchange while keeping the enclosure humid.

• Enclosure: Use a secure, well-ventilated enclosure with sufficient substrate, leaf litter, and hiding places.

• Substrate: A mixture of forest humus, decaying hardwood, leaf litter, and moisture-retaining material is recommended.

• Diet: Primarily decaying leaves and rotting wood. Supplementary foods and a calcium source, such as cuttlebone, can also be provided.

• Temperature: Reported recommendations vary. One specialist seller lists 22–25°C (72–77°F), while another recommends 24–28°C (75–82°F).

• Habitat structure: Provide cork bark, moss, leaf litter, and pieces of bark for cover and shelter.

• Adult size: One seller reports under 8 mm, while another lists approximately 8–10 mm.

• Care level: Described as medium difficulty by one seller and high difficulty by another; these ratings are not standardized.