Porcellio Laevis Orange is the orange mutation of the well known Dairy Cow. However this version is solid orange. Porcellio Laevis is likely the most nearly "bullet proof" isopod in the hobby today. If you are just getting your feet wet and perhaps have some reservations, this is the species fort you! Like all isopods, they do have some minimum basic care needs, but beyond that so long as you provide these things they will thrive and reproduce rapidly once settled in their new enclosure. P. Laevis is also ideal for use as feeders if you have pets that eat insects like crickets. They are daytime active and very bold. Even taking food directly from your hand with no hesitation when they're hungry!
A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. Be aware that they will outgrow this much sooner than other isopods so it's not a bad idea to start with a larger set up if you can. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature in the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Slightly warmer is desirable if you wish to see a thriving culture that is active and reproduces faster. A standard moisture gradient with around 30-40% of one side moist (not wet) with the remainder tapering off is adequate. Note though even the driest section should still have a nominal amount of moisture in it. They will not fare well if the entire enclosure becomes too dry. They will often migrate between moist and dry areas at different times of the day to self regulate as needed. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient.
This hardy isopod will eat all of the typical food options like various vegetables, powdered isopod diets like Repashy Morning Wood, Bug Burger and others. But like most Porcellio, they are very fond of protein based foods like freeze dried minnows, shrimp pellets, fish flakes and dried insects. Remember that isopods in their natural elements are detrivores. Their primary diet is decayed wood and dried leaf litter which should always be available.
Overall Porcellio Laevis Orange is a very low maintenance isopod that only needs 3 basic things to survive. Average moisture/humidity, food, and steady average room temperatures. Remember to be prepared once they start reproducing. You will need to either upgrade the enclosure size, use as feeders if applicable or sell/give away to friends or other interested parties. If they get too cramped this can lead to cannibalism and a total crash of the colony due to stress and ammonia build up.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Europe & Northern Africa
- Family Classification: Porcellionidae > Porcellio > P. Laevis
- Average Size: 0.70" inch
- Activity level: Active both day & night
- Difficulty: Easy