Porcellio laevis “Milkback”

Description

Porcellio laevis are likely native to northern Africa, but have become cosmopolitan in distribution. “Milkbacks” are an example of piebaldism, with splotches of white across their backs that resemble splashes of milk. They are prolific breeders, voracious eaters, and highly value sources of protein. We encourage feeding your P. laevis cultures dried insects at least once per week.

Isopods should be housed in a secure terrarium or plastic tub. Some ventilation is required for all species, although care should be taken that ventilation holes are not too large to allow escape. We recommend 15-quart plastic storage bins for most starter cultures. Use a deep, moisture-retaining substrate, such as a mix of flake soil, leaf litter, and unfertilized top soil, and maintain humidity around 70-80% with regular misting. Keep the temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C). Isopods thrive with a variety of hiding places, such as sanitized bark, decaying wood, or cork bark. We recommend keeping damp sphagnum moss on one side of your enclosure to provide a moist environment at all times.

Isopods are detritivores, meaning they will eat any and all organic matter that is offered to them. Decaying leaf litter is a staple for any isopod diet while also providing hiding places and protection. They do best with a varied diet including blanched vegetables, freeze dried insects, and decaying wood, along with a calcium source such as cuttlebone.