Dairy Cow
20 Count Per Culture
The Dairy Cow Isopod (Porcellio laevis) is a popular and relatively easy-to-care-for species, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced isopod keepers. Here's a rundown of their key characteristics:
Appearance:
Size: They are a medium-sized isopod, reaching about 1-2 centimeters (0.4-0.8 inches) in length.
Coloration: They have a distinctive black and white coloration, resembling the pattern of a dairy cow. The black base color is accented with white or cream-colored patches or stripes.
Shape: They have an oval-shaped, segmented body, typical of Porcellio isopods.
Habitat and Care:
Origin: Porcellio laevis is a widespread species, found in many parts of the world. The "Dairy Cow" variety is a selectively bred morph.
Environment: They prefer warm, humid environments with good ventilation.
Temperature: They thrive in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Humidity: High humidity is essential for their well-being, ideally around 60-80%.
Substrate: A mix of damp soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and sphagnum moss provides an ideal substrate.
Enclosure: A well-ventilated container with plenty of hiding places (cork bark, leaf litter, etc.) is necessary.
Other Characteristics:
Temperament: They are generally peaceful and easy to handle, though they prefer to stay hidden.
Breeding: They breed readily in captivity, with females carrying the eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch.
Lifespan: They can live for several years with proper care.
Bioactive Clean-up Crew: They are a popular choice for bioactive terrariums, where they help break down organic waste and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
Important Notes:
Humidity: Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for their health. Insufficient humidity can lead to molting problems and even death.
Ventilation: While they need high humidity, they also require good ventilation to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Diet: They are detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter, leaf litter, and wood. They also benefit from supplemental feeding with fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like fish flakes or dried shrimp.