Terrarium-culture
Guides
Porcellio laevis
swift woodlouse, smooth slater
Porcellio laevis is a large terrestrial isopod distinguished by its smooth dorsal surface and rapid escape response when disturbed. Native to North Africa, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated transport and now occurs across Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Pacific islands. The species exhibits direct development with eggs and juveniles brooded in a fluid-filled marsupium, representing extensive parental care among terrestrial arthropods. It is widely kept in captivity due to ease of maintenance and the availability of selectively bred color morphs.