Porcellio scaber "Lava" Isopods

Porcellio scaber "Lava": Functional Ecosystem Contributors

Lava Isopods, a variant of Porcellio scaber, are terrestrial crustaceans renowned for their roles in vivarium ecosystems. They serve as essential cleanup crews and provide numerous benefits. Here’s a detailed description of their functions, preferred habitat, thriving conditions, and recommended cohabitation with other organisms:

Functions in Vivarium Ecosystems

Lava Isopods significantly contribute to vivarium health by:

• Decomposition: Efficiently breaking down decaying organic matter, ensuring substrate cleanliness and nutrient recycling.
• Nutrient Cycling: Recycling nutrients into the soil through their waste, enriching substrate quality for optimal plant growth.
• Aeration: Their burrowing activity enhances substrate aeration, promoting healthy root growth and preventing compaction.
• Bioactive Cleanup Crew: Consuming leftover food, mold, and debris, reducing the risk of pest infestations and mold outbreaks.

Preferred Habitat

• Substrate: Flourishes in a moist substrate rich in organic matter such as coconut fiber, peat moss, or leaf litter.
• Moisture Levels: Thrives in moderate to high humidity levels (60-80%) to maintain hydration and prevent dehydration.
• Temperature: Ideally maintained between 70-75°F (21-24°C), with tolerance to slight temperature variations.
• Ventilation: Requires adequate ventilation to ensure optimal air circulation and oxygen levels within the enclosure.

Thriving Conditions

To ensure optimal conditions for Lava Isopods:

• Hydration: Regular misting to maintain humidity levels, with moisture-retaining areas available within the substrate.
• Feeding: Offer small amounts of fresh vegetables, fruits, and calcium sources (e.g., cuttlebone or calcium powder) to supplement their diet.
• Substrate Depth: Provide a substrate depth of at least 1-2 inches to accommodate their burrowing behavior and ensure ample living space.
• Compatibility: Avoid overcrowding and provide adequate hiding places and surface area to support a thriving population.

Recommended Cohabitation

To enhance vivarium biodiversity and functionality, Lava Isopods can be cohabitated with:

• Springtails (Collembola): Assist in organic matter decomposition and contribute to soil health, complementing the isopods’ activities. Check out our colonies of White & Orange Springtails!
• Powder Orange Isopods (Porcellionides pruinosus): Share similar roles in nutrient cycling and substrate maintenance, promoting a balanced ecosystem.
• Earthworms: Beneath the substrate, earthworms improve soil aeration and nutrient enrichment, benefiting overall vivarium health.

By maintaining a balanced ecosystem with these inhabitants, you can establish a thriving vivarium that supports plant growth, maintains cleanliness, and enriches the habitat for its inhabitants. This setup ensures the health and functionality of Lava Isopods, fostering their natural behaviors and contributing to a sustainable, bioactive environment.