Scaber Isopod Care Sheet

RSS

Porcellio scaber

Rough Woodlouse, Scaber Isopod, Lava Isopod, Orange Scaber, Dalmatian Scaber, Calico Scaber

Difficulty level: Easy

Last updated 5/1/26 by Josh Halter

Endemic To / Natural Range

Porcellio scaber is native to Europe and surrounding temperate regions where it naturally inhabits forests, grasslands, rocky areas, and decaying woodlands rich in organic matter. In the wild, this species is commonly found beneath leaf litter, bark, logs, and stones where pockets of humidity remain available. Their adaptability and hardiness have allowed them to establish populations throughout much of the world, making them one of the most recognizable bioactive isopods in the hobby.

Ideal Temperatures

Ideal Range: 72–82°F
Tolerable Range: 65–90°F

Humidity Requirements

Ideal Humidity: 50–75%
Prefers a moisture gradient with damp retreat zones and moderate ventilation.
While Porcellio scaber tolerates drier conditions better than many tropical bioactive isopods, access to humid microclimates remains essential for proper molting and long-term colony health.

Favorite Foods

Primary food sources: decaying hardwood, leaf litter, and decomposing wood, with oak and magnolia leaves being especially beneficial.
Favorite supplemental foods: squash, zucchini, cucumber, carrots, peas, sweet potato, and leafy greens.
Preferred protein sources: Bug Grub, Repashy Morning Wood, Repashy Bug Burger, dried shrimp and krill, fish flakes, and Arcadia Custodian Fuel. Due to their strong appetites and rapid reproduction rates, this species benefits from regular protein supplementation and constant calcium availability through cuttlebone, eggshells, or SoilCal Plus.

Favorite Woods & Botanicals

Cork bark flats, hardwood bark, magnolia leaves, lotus pods, palm bark, seed pods, and cholla wood provide shelter, grazing surfaces, and supplemental food sources. These botanicals help create stable microhabitats and natural hiding areas throughout a bioactive terrarium or vivarium.

Best Substrate

For optimal health and long-term colony success, house this species on The Bio Dude Terra Isopoda Substrate layered over Terra Fauna, Terra Flora, or Terra Firma depending on enclosure type. This nutrient-rich bioactive substrate provides proper moisture retention, microbial activity, aeration, and long-term food availability for temperate and tropical bioactive habitats.

How to Help Them Thrive in a Bioactive Habitat

To help Porcellio scaber thrive in a bioactive habitat, provide abundant leaf litter coverage, cork bark hides, varied botanicals, and a stable moisture gradient throughout the terrarium or vivarium. This species benefits from moderate ventilation, regular supplemental feeding, and access to damp retreat zones within the bioactive substrate. Due to their strong appetites and active feeding behavior, Porcellio scaber requires consistent access to protein-rich foods and decomposing organic matter to support healthy colony growth. While they make highly effective clean-up crew members and detritivores for bioactive habitats, extra caution should be used when housing them with delicate or soft-bodied animals due to their protein-driven feeding behavior. When paired with Bio Dude substrates and botanicals, Porcellio scaber establishes quickly and serves as a hardy, adaptable bioactive isopod for temperate and tropical terrariums. The Bio Dude is happy to offer Isopod Habitat Kits and Isopod Culturing Kits to help your bioactive isopods establish and thrive!