Dairy Cow Isopod Care Guide & Terrarium Set-Up
Species Info
Dairy Cow Isopods are a lineage/strain of the swift woodlouse (Porcellio laevis). Isopods are terrestrial crustaceans that are detritivores, consuming organic matter and waste from decaying plants, animals, and fungi. These isopods get their name from their black and white markings that closely resemble the Holstein Friesian cow, an iconic dairy cow breed. Dairy cows and other isopod species/strains in the Porcellionidae family can't roll into a ball. To avoid being detected by predators, included species actually play dead.
Adult isopods generally reach about one inch in length and can breed rapidly. This means with the right care, you will have a larger colony of isopods in no time! Similarly to Neocaridina shrimp, dairy cow isopods will carry their developing until they hatch. The fertilized eggs are carried in the marsupium under their abdomen.
Dairy Cow isopods generally live for about 1-3 years in captivity.
Why are Dairy Cow Isopods Important?
Dairy Cows and other isopods are very ecologically important. Being detritivores, they assist with the breakdown of decaying organic matter originating from plants, fungi, and animals. Many people with bioactive terrariums include isopods in their habitats to assist with breaking down organic matter as well.
Caring for Dairy Cow Isopods
Temperature: 65-80°F
Humidity: Aim for 60-80% with a humidity gradient. This can be achieved by placing Sphagnum Moss on one side or corner of your colony's housing.
Enclosure/Terrarium Size: 10-20 isopods can thrive in a space as small as 6 quarts. For larger colonies of 100+ isopods, it is recommended to provide them a space at least 4 gallons in volume.
We recommend this enclosure for isopods and other terrestrial invertebrates:
Polycarbonate Tarantula Enclosure – Scholarly Exotics LLC
Essential Supplies: The following are absolutely necessary to ensure that your isopods thrive under your care
1) Organic Substrate with no additives, or one specifically designed for isopods
4) Leaf Litter- leaves and other botanicals are crucial to an isopod's habitat. This supplements your isopod's diet with organic matter and also ensures they always have something to eat!
5) Springtails- springtails are invaluable to have with any isopod. They assist with additional waste breakdown and are well known for consuming mold and other unpleasant organic matter that may appear among your isopod colony.
Diet: Isopods should receive a well balanced, varied diet for optimal nutrition. We provide leaf litter every time as needed or when it is all consumed.
We also offer fresh produce such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce in small portions once weekly. This ensures that your isopods receive additional moisture and nutrients not found in leaf litter or other food sources.
Porcellionidae isopods are well known for their additional protein demands and have been known to cannibalize if they have inadequate protein. We recommend using a high-quality aquarium fish food, or dried fish/shrimp/krill to ensure this need is met.
Isopods should be provided sources of calcium and other minerals to ensure that they can safely molt and grow under your care. We recommend a calcium fortified food to ensure that you are providing protein and essential minerals altogether!
Conclusions:
Thank you for reading this article on dairy cow isopods. If you have any questions, please contact us at our email address: scholarlyexotics@gmail.com; we will respond back as soon as possible!
Shop for Isopod & Other Terrarium Supplies with Scholarly Exotics