Dairy Cow Isopods
Porcellio laevis "Dairy Cow"
Large black-and-white spotted Porcellio laevis. Fast, bold, and a beginner favourite.
Quick facts
- Genus
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Temperature
- 18–26°C
- Humidity
- Moderate moist/dry gradient (55–70%)
- Adult size
- ~20 mm
- Origin
- Selectively bred (P. laevis)
- Temperament
- Bold, active
About this species
Dairy Cow Isopods (Porcellio laevis 'Dairy Cow') are one of the most popular morphs in the hobby thanks to their bold black-and-white speckling and impressive size. They breed quickly, tolerate a wide range of conditions, and are noticeably bolder than many smaller Porcellio. An excellent display species and clean-up crew for temperate bioactive setups.
- Size:
- ~20 mm
- Enclosure:
- A plastic storage bin or glass terrarium with good airflow and a dry side.
- Diet:
- Leaf litter and decaying wood, vegetables, and protein like fish flakes. Keep cuttlebone or limestone in the tub. Porcellio eat more protein and calcium than most isopods.
- Temperature Range:
- Maintain temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are tolerant but dislike extremes.
- Reproduction:
- Prolific, fast breeders with large broods once established.
- Substrate:
- Coconut coir, peat moss, or topsoil with leaf litter. Keep one side lightly moist and one side dry.
- Humidity:
- Maintain a moderate, semi-arid environment with a damp corner. Water one side of the enclosure to establish a moisture gradient.
