Dwarf White Isopod Care
| Dwarf White Isopod Care | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Common name | Dwarf White Isopod |
| Scientific name | Trichorhina tomentosa |
| Size | 3-5 mm |
| Lifespan | Unknown |
| Care level | Easiest |
| Activity level | High |
| Behavior | Fossorial |
| Burrowing | Yes |
| Enclosure type | Tropical |
| Recommended substrate | 50/50 Organic potting soil / topsoil mix |
| Temperature range | 68°-80°F |
| Humidity | 50%-100% |
| Ventilation | Low-High |
| Food |
|
| Supplements |
|
| Reproductive rate | Very Fast |
| Rarity | Common |
Dwarf White Isopod (Trichorhina tomentosa)[edit | edit source]
Description[edit | edit source]
Dwarf White Isopods are known throughout the hobby for their tendency to invade other isopod bins and fast reproduction. They can reproduce parthenogenetically — such that females do not require assistance from a male to reproduce. They are a popular cleanup crew member for tropical vivariums.
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Adult Dwarf White isopods are among the smallest terrestrial isopods kept in captivity and only reach 3 - 5 mm long. They are distinctly small, and white — and when full of food, may appear to have a faint dark stripe down their back.
Reproduction[edit | edit source]
Dwarf White Isopods reproduce quickly and in abundance in warm, humid conditions. With sufficient protein, they can establish large colonies in a short period.
Care[edit | edit source]
Easiest. Dwarf White isopods will thrive so long as they are kept in a humid environment, and will multiply very fast given a protein-rich diet with access to calcium.
Shopping List[edit | edit source]
Required:
- 12 qt (11.4L) or larger waterproof storage bin (e.g., ezystorage 11.4L Storage Box, Sterilite 12Qt Gasket Box)
- Organic potting soil (e.g., FoxFarm Happy Frog)
- Rotting hardwood chunks / orchid bark
- Crushed charcoal
- Shredded sphagnum moss
- Leaf litter
- Spray or misting bottle
- Mesh (120 mesh or finer recommended to prevent pests & escapes)
- Hot glue gun or Cyanoacrylate-based super glue
- Utility knife
Recommended:
- Cuttlebone
- Log or bark hides
- Scissors
Enclosure[edit | edit source]
The enclosure should include
- At least 4 inches (10 cm) of substrate
- Hardwood leaf litter for cover and foraging
- Hides consisting of hardwood logs or bark, or cork bark
- Calcium sources, like cuttlebone or calcium carbonate
- A "wet" area at one end of enclosure consisting of damp, shredded Sphagnum moss
- A "dry" area at the opposite end with exposed substrate
- Mesh-covered vents cut into the sides of the bin, about 2"x2" in size to provide ventilation
Substrate[edit | edit source]
The enclosure should have at least 4 inches (10 cm) of substrate.
Mix:
- 1 gallon organic potting soil
- 1 gallon topsoil
Temperature[edit | edit source]
Temperature should remain between 68-80°F (20-27°C).
Humidity[edit | edit source]
Ideal humidity levels are between over 75%, though a wider range may be tolerated. Mist about 3/4 of the enclosure at least once per week.
Hides[edit | edit source]
Hardwood pieces and bark, or cork bark should be added to the enclosure along with leaf litter and stones to provide cover.
Feeding & Supplementation[edit | edit source]
Diet[edit | edit source]
Dwarf White isopods will accept a wide variety of foods, including raw or blanched vegetables, commercial diets, fish flakes or pellets, cat food, and dried protein (like minnows). For faster reproduction, offer protein-rich foods, like dried minnows, fish flakes, and commercial prepared foods (e.g., Repashy Bug Burger and Morning Wood) once per week.