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Isopods are one of the most beneficial microorganisms that thrive in your bioactive habitat. Many of them are very efficient at breaking down waste, organics and ensuring the nutrition and longevity of your bioactive substrate.
Ideal Temperature Range: 70F-90F
Ideal Humidity Range: 40%-70%
Ideal Bio Dude Substrate: Terra Isopoda, Terra Aranea, Terra Firma, Terra Fauna, Terra Sahara (in some cases, not all).
Ideal food choices: Repashy Morning Wood, Repashy Bug Burger, Cucumber, Carrots.
Please read our Live Arrival Guarantee and Shipping Policies here:
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO HIGH TEMPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, OVERNIGHT SHIPPING MUST BE UPGRADED AT CHECKOUT FOR ALL SPRINGTAILS AND ISOPODS FOR THE LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEE.
Porcellio laevis “White Out” Isopods are an easy-to-keep and prolific variety of Porcellio laevis featuring a striking pale white to cream coloration. Unlike the darker pigmentation seen in many other varieties of this species, White Outs lack most dark body pigmentation, giving colonies a bright, uniform appearance that makes them especially noticeable against dark bioactive substrates. As they mature, some individuals may develop subtle cream or yellow coloration.
Like other Porcellio laevis varieties, White Outs are fast-growing, active isopods with a voracious appetite and forgiving nature. Their ability to reproduce readily and consume significant amounts of decomposing organic material makes them an excellent choice for established bioactive terrariums, dedicated isopod cultures, and feeder colonies. Their larger adult size also makes them an excellent supplemental feeder for many reptiles and amphibians.
Their Role in a Bioactive Terrarium: Isopods are commonly found in moist environments and play a vital role in bioactive or naturalistic terrariums. Acting as essential members of the clean-up crew, they facilitate the decomposition of organic matter such as dead plants and animal waste. This activity is instrumental in maintaining a healthy environment by mitigating waste buildup and averting foul odors. Isopods typically consume resources such as The Bio Dude Leaf Litter, rotting wood, various barks, and fecal waste from inhabitants.
Bioactive Vivarium Seeding: Moreover, isopods contribute to bioactive vivarium seeding by dispersing beneficial microorganisms as they traverse the substrate. This process enhances soil enrichment and fosters plant growth, thereby establishing a harmonious ecosystem. Introducing them to the terrarium is a simple process; one can gently place them into the habitat. For guidance on determining the optimal quantity of isopods for habitat seeding, consult our guide on terrarium seeding.
Nutrition and Long-Term Health: Ensuring the well-being of Porcellio laevis “White Out” requires providing a diverse diet comprising decaying plant matter, vegetables, calcium-rich foods, and supplemental protein. Like other P. laevis, White Outs have a strong appetite and benefit from regular access to protein in addition to their primary diet of decomposing organic material. Calcium sources such as eggshells or calcium bones should remain available to support healthy growth and reproduction. The availability of ample rotting wood, biodegradables, and leaf litter is pivotal for success. Fresh vegetables such as zucchini, potatoes, carrots, or squash can also be utilized, though any uneaten fresh food should be removed within 24 hours of application to prevent mold and unwanted pests.
Isopods as Feeders: Porcellio laevis “White Out” Isopods can also serve as natural and nutritious supplemental feeders for certain reptiles and amphibians. Due to their relatively large adult size and active nature, many lizards and larger amphibians will readily hunt them. When using White Outs as part of a bioactive cleanup crew, providing adequate substrate depth, leaf litter, cork bark, and other hiding places can help maintain an established breeding population despite predation.
Culturing Isopods: Culturing Porcellio laevis “White Out” entails creating a suitable environment that provides both moisture and ventilation while allowing the isopods to regulate their own moisture needs. Maintaining a moisture gradient—with a consistently moist area and a comparatively drier area—is preferable to keeping the entire culture uniformly wet. Regular monitoring and maintenance are imperative to sustain a healthy culture and ensure a continuous population.
We recommend utilizing a minimum of an 18-quart locking tub with adequate ventilation, containing a 2”-4” layer of Terra Isopoda, abundant Bio Dude leaf litter/biodegradables, and some Bio Dude Sphag Moss concentrated toward one portion of the enclosure for humidity retention. Cork bark, wood, and other hides provide additional surface area and shelter for the colony.
