Mostly in black-and-white striped fur similar to that of a black-and-white milch cow, these are very easy to breed, gentle, tame, and resistant insects. 

They are excellent for first-time pet keepers as well as veterans. It is essential to know how to take care of them ideally. TopFlight Dubia is introducing this guide to help you out with the process. Let’s find out together.

What Are Dairy Cow Isopods?

The dairy cow isopods (Porcellio laevis) are originally found in warm and wet habitats or tropical climates and are mainly of the detrital feeding type. 

Their attractive colors, dynamism, and importance as cleaners make them popular with pet lovers.

Setting Up The Habitat

To offer adequate care, it is necessary to establish conditions that resemble those they are used to. Here's what you need:

01. Housing

• Container: Ensure you use a well-fitted, well-aired plastic or glass container. Simple storage bins that you can open easily. 

• Size: A 10-gallon or larger tank is suitable for the increasing colony.

02. Substrate

Coco fiber, sphagnum moss, hetero astrea, and moist leaf litter are ideal substrates for the housing. The substrate should be deep enough for the isopods to dig in it.

Ensure the substrate is not dry or waterlogged since these isopods have a high moisture content.

03. Hides & Decor

Pieces of cork bark, stones, or pots used in planting flowers or food crops can provide hiding places. They are most desirable resting sites in dark and secure habitats.

04. Humidity and Temperature

They recommended that relative humidity should be kept around 60-80%. Mist the enclosure as needed.

Maintain the temperature range of 70%—85°F/ 21%—29°C. 

Feeding Process

They feed on various foods and, hence, are omnivorous. Offer them:

• Leaf Litter: Their staple diet to replicate what they take in the natural world.

• Fruits and Vegetables: Give small portions of zucchini, carrots, or apples. Do not consume foods containing citrus and high acid content.

• Protein: At times, include other protein sources, such as fish flakes, dried shrimp, and cuttlebone, for calcium only.

• Daily: Take out leftover food because mold or pests may develop in the enclosure.

How often do isopods reproduce?

Ideally, they reproduce swiftly. Reproduction starts when the males fertilize the females, and these females guard their young in a sac-like pouch until they are hatched.

Stable Conditions: Reproduction is favored by proper humidity levels, temperature, and availability of hiding places.

Nutrition: A colony fed the food it needs to breed will breed.

Space: This means young isopods must also be given adequate space to grow with adults.

On average, it can take approximately 3-4 weeks to reproduce, which is fast compared to most of the isopod species.

Breeding Process

While they are sexually mature within 6 weeks of hatching, they are very fertile breeders that would require little or no replenishment in a colony.

Steps for Breeding Success

1. Start with a Healthy Colony: Make sure your first group consists of males and females.
2. Enrich the Habitat: Store food and clean the environment.
3. Observe the Colony: If the conditions are favorable, you will see small white juveniles after weeks.

How Do Isopods Reproduce?

Like most isopods, dairy cow isopods possess sexual reproductive activities. After mating, females bear fertilized eggs in a marsupium, where the eggs hatch and give birth to small replicas of the parent. 

The young come out of the water entirely developed and start to feed on carrion as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Dairy cow isopods are fun to keep alive, promote clean environments, and serve as great pets. 

If you provide the right environment with proper food and notice the humidity and temperature changes, you can watch as these intriguing isopods reproduce and grow. 

Are you a beginner at isopods, or do you have isopods as a hobby? Then, dairy cows will take your breath away because of their vibrant colors and playful disposition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)