Trichorhina tomentosa also known as white dwarf isopod is a dwarf transparent-white isopod measuring just 4 mm. They are a great addition to a humid terrarium / vivarium due to their great decomposing capabilities. Their prolific nature, ease of care, and ability to consume waste, made the dwarf white isopods widely favoured and used in bioactive setups, along with other isopods and springtails. Not only are they used as clean-up crews; they may also provide a food source for other terrarium animals, such as dart frogs and geckos.
The unique characteristic of this isopod is that it can reproduce asexually, via parthenogenesis. Easy to care for isopods and highly prolific. They are escape artists however, thus we recommended using air vents with extremely fine mesh.
 
 
Origin: Originally from central and south America, and then introduced to Europe as an alien species.
Common name: Dwarf White Isopod; White Dwarf Isopod.
Size: adults reach a length of 3 – 4 mm
Terrarium: keep ⅔ moist with sphagnum moss and pieces of rotting white wood, covered with decaying leaves. Trichorhina tomentosa isopods love to dig into the substrate, thus make sure your substrate is at least 5 cm deep. They also eat it.
Temperature: 15 – 26°C
Humidity: 55 – 75%
Activity: night-time; early morning
Diet: fruits, veggies, greens, fish-food, decaying leaves, rotting white wood, mushrooms, molting of invertebrates and reptiles. This large and highly active isopod species requires protein as well, at least 2x each week. For alternative sources of protein be sure to check out our Protein mix foods. Also don’t forget a calcium source (cuttlefish bone, limestone & oyster seashell, limestone rock) to keep them healthy.
Difficulty: easy
Reproduction rate: extremely prolific with large broods; reproduction age starts early.
Growth rate: fast