Porcellio laevis “Dairy Cow”

Description

Dairy Cows are on the larger size and are very prolific breeders.  They like protein rich foods, but are also happy to devour organic matter like leaves. They are very easy to care for and are popular for beginners.

A “piebald” form of Porcellio laevis, with black and white coloration reminiscent of a cow. This piebald form is sometimes referred to as a “dalmatian gene” by those who keep this morph in captivity. It is caused by an absence of pigment in portions of the animal, creating a pattern against the pigmented sections.

Porcellio laevis (commonly called the swift woodlouse, dairy cow isopod, or smooth slater in Australia) is a species of woodlouse in the genus Porcellio. As the species epithet laevis as well as the vernacular name “swift woodlouse” suggests, the species is capable of quick bursts of speed when provoked.

This species of woodlouse is distinctively large, appearing up to 20 millimetres (0.79 in) long with a smooth dorsal surface. The males can be identified by their long, spear-shaped uropods. Porcellio laevis has a smooth dorsal surface, which separates its visually from many other species of the Porcellio genus.

It is commonly kept as a pet due to its somewhat easy care requirements. The species is easy to keep and can be easily established in a terrarium within a few weeks.

This animal cannot be shipped to Louisiana because of state regulations.