Origin & Behavior

Porcellio laevis is cosmopolitan in distribution, often found in stables, compost heaps, and greenhouses. The " Panda " (also known as "Dairy Cow"/"Dalmatian") color variant displays a high-contrast black and white pattern. Porcellio laevis are fast, active foragers, and can be seen in well-structured setups even during the day—especially at dusk.

Terrarium & furnishings

Size & Ventilation

For a starting group of 25–35 animals , boxes of 5–10 liters or glass terrariums of 20×20×20 cm or larger are sufficient. Excellent ventilation (lid and sides) is crucial to prevent stagnant "wet air" and to ensure that the humidity can be controlled as a humid zone.

Substrate & soil layers

A good base is a layer of at least 5 cm of loose forest soil with plenty of white-rot hardwood (crumbled) and dry leaves . A practical starting mix is ​​forest soil: wood: leaves ≈ 2:1:1 . Mix in crushed cuttlebone and add additional pieces – Laevis consume calcium quickly.

Humidity management

Laevis tolerate drier setups overall than tropical Cubaris, but require a permanently humid zone (approximately 60–75% RH) for drinking and molting. The remaining area remains predominantly dry to slightly humid, allowing the animals to actively choose between microclimates.

Feeding

Continuous food: Rotted leaves and dead wood should always be available. Supplement small portions of vegetables/leaves (e.g., zucchini, carrot, pumpkin, blackberry/beech leaves) once or twice a week .

Protein: Animal protein is important for litter size, growth, and molting: Gammarus, dried insects, or fish flakes in small , clean portions. Protein deficiency increases stress and cannibalism—feed regularly but sparingly.

Lime: cuttlefish bones/mineral mix/eggshells – add regularly.

Breeding & Development

The gestation period is usually around 3–5 weeks , depending on temperature and stress. 20–40 young are typical per litter. At approximately 25°C, young reach breeding maturity after about 4 months ; adult size is typically reached after 6–8 months . The lifespan is approximately 12–18 months ; high-performing females produce multiple litters.

The average interval between litters in laboratory studies is ~7 weeks; in practice, this depends on climate and feeding.

Genetics & Lines

The " Panda "/"Dairy Cow" pattern is a piebald pattern described in the hobby as recessive . Crossbreeding with wild-colored animals will dilute the pattern in the medium term. Note: The wild type of P. laevis is usually gray to dark gray .

Care & Hygiene

• Partial substrate change every 3–4 months (never all at once) to maintain the microfauna.
• Detect overstocking and, if necessary, thin out the colony or enlarge the tank.
• Mite prevention through strong ventilation, moderate feeding and removal of protein residues.
• Remove mold in specific areas; adjust humidity and airflow.

Posture report – step by step

1. Choose a tank: Faunabox 5–10 liters; lid and sides well ventilated.
2. Prepare substrate: at least 5 cm; starter mix 2:1:1 (forest soil: wood: leaves); mix in cuttlefish.
3. Structure & hiding places: Cork bark, pieces of bark, piles of leaves; arrange airily.
4. Create a wet zone: permanently moisten one corner; keep the rest of the area mostly dry.
5. Establish a starting colony: 25–35 animals; 24 hours of rest.
6. Start feeding: Leaves/dead wood permanently; 2x/week small portions of green fodder + protein.
7. Check after 14 days: no standing water, good air circulation; add more cuttlefish if necessary.