Invertebrate · Isopod
Dairy cow isopod care guide
Porcellio laevis
The dairy cow isopod is a beginner-level isopod from Mediterranean origin, now cosmopolitan. Adults reach Body 1.5–2 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Colony species. Fast breeders.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 20–27°C
- Humidity 60–80% with a dry end
How much does a dairy cow isopod cost in Canada?
Dairy cow isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 1.5–2 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Mediterranean origin, now cosmopolitan
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 20–27°C
- Humidity
- 60–80% with a dry end
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Dairy cow isopod enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 60–80% with a dry end. UVB: Not needed.
What does a dairy cow isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein. Keep leaf litter and wood always available and add vegetables and a protein source 1–2 times weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and skittish but harmless; best observed rather than handled.
Health watch: Watch for mass die-offs from stagnant, overly wet substrate or poor ventilation.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a dairy cow isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Dairy cow isopod FAQ
Is the dairy cow isopod good for beginners?
Yes – the dairy cow isopod is a good choice for beginners. Fast and skittish but harmless; best observed rather than handled.
What size enclosure does a dairy cow isopod need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a dairy cow isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $20–40 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–50 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a dairy cow isopod need?
Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 60–80% with a dry end.
What does a dairy cow isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, protein. Keep leaf litter and wood always available and add vegetables and a protein source 1–2 times weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.