Porcellio laevis Isopod Care Sheet

Porcellio laevis isopods, also known as smooth or tropical isopods, are popular as pets due to their interesting behavior and ease of care. Here is a basic caresheet for keeping Porcellio laevis isopods:

Housing: Porcellio laevis isopods can be housed in a variety of enclosures, such as plastic containers, glass terrariums, or specialized isopod enclosures. The enclosure should have a lid to prevent escape and maintain humidity. A substrate of coconut coir, peat moss, or a mixture of the two should be provided to allow for burrowing and moisture retention. Leaf litter, bark, and other natural materials can also be added for decoration and enrichment.

Temperature and Humidity: Porcellio laevis isopods are tropical species and require a temperature range of 70-85°F (21-29°C) to thrive. A heat mat or ceramic heat emitter can be used to maintain the desired temperature range. Humidity is also important for these isopods, and should be maintained at 70-80%. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure regularly or adding a moist hide.

Food and Water: Porcellio laevis isopods are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter such as leaf litter, wood, and other plant material. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods such as fish food flakes, vegetables, fruits, and commercial isopod diets. A shallow dish of water should be provided for drinking and soaking.

Maintenance: Porcellio laevis isopods are relatively easy to care for, but do require some maintenance. The enclosure should be spot-cleaned regularly to remove any uneaten food or feces. The substrate should also be moistened regularly to maintain humidity. Isopods will molt periodically as they grow, and the old exoskeletons should be left in the enclosure for the isopods to eat.

Breeding: Porcellio laevis isopods are prolific breeders and will reproduce readily in captivity. They are capable of parthenogenesis, meaning females can produce offspring without mating. However, introducing multiple males and females to an enclosure will increase the likelihood of successful mating and higher offspring production.

Overall, Porcellio laevis isopods are easy to care for and make fascinating pets for those interested in invertebrates. With proper housing, temperature and humidity, food and water, and maintenance, these isopods can thrive in captivity.