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Dwarf White Isopods “Trichorhina Tomentosa”
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The ultimate hidden bio-active cleanup crew—the gold standard for tropical vivariums, dart frog setups, and sensitive enclosures.
Trichorhina tomentosa, famously known as the Dwarf White Isopod, is arguably the most essential and popular cleanup crew species in the bioactive hobby. Measuring a tiny 2mm to 3mm, these micro-isopods spend their lives burrowed deep within the substrate layer. They work tirelessly around the clock to consume mold, waste, and decaying matter. Because they are strictly subterranean and completely non-aggressive, they are the safest and most reliable choices for delicate or highly sensitive terrarium inhabitants.
- Package Size: Shipped in a starter cup containing a 25+ mixed-age colony (including juveniles and breeding adults for immediate population growth).
- Subterranean Specialists: Lives entirely below the soil surface, keeping the root zone aerated, healthy, and free of toxic waste.
- Safe for Tiny Livestock: Their micro size and reclusive nature mean they will never stress or nibble on fragile amphibians, eggs, or recent hatchlings.
- Prolific Parthenogenetic Breeders: A completely female species that reproduces without mating—allowing populations to establish incredibly fast.
- Perfect For: Poison dart frog vivariums, crested gecko terrariums, tarantula enclosures, and high-humidity tropical setups.
Description
Supercharge your tropical bioactive ecosystem with our premium Dwarf White Isopods. Known scientifically as Trichorhina tomentosa, these tiny powerhouse invertebrates are the undisputed heavy lifters of automated waste management for humid, indoor habitats.
The Invisible, High-Performance Micro Cleanup Crew
Each starter cup features a thriving colony of 25+ individual Dwarf White Isopods across various age groups. Because this unique species reproduces via parthenogenesis (meaning all individuals are female and can reproduce without a mate), your colony is hardwired to multiply at an explosive rate once introduced to your soil.
Unlike larger Porcellio or Armadillidium species that spend time roaming the open surface, Dwarf Whites are master burrowers. They create tiny tunnels throughout your substrate, constantly turning over the soil, aerating plant roots, and neutralizing hidden waste before harmful bacteria or bad odors can take hold.
Why Choose Dwarf White Isopods?
- Zero Stress for Delicate Pets: Because they stay buried beneath leaf litter and soil, they won’t overrun the surface or annoy your animals. They are completely safe to use in breeding setups containing delicate reptile eggs, newborn froglets, or sensitive tarantula slings.
- Nutritious “Accidental” Snack: When they do happen to wander near the surface, their micro sizing makes them a highly nutritious, calcium-rich supplemental snack for tiny insectivores like dart frogs and baby geckos.
- Relentless Mold Eaters: They are exceptionally fond of consuming fungal spores and mold outbreaks, making them a crucial tool for balancing newly set-up tropical vivariums experiencing initial mold cycles.
💡 Colony Care & Seeding Instructions
Dwarf White Isopods are highly resilient and incredibly low-maintenance, provided their environmental baseline is met:
- How to Seed Your Enclosure: Gently tip the contents of the culture cup directly onto the dampest zones of your substrate. We highly recommend burying the media slightly under your top layer of moss or a thick pile of damp leaf litter to let them transition smoothly.
- Substrate & Constant Moisture: Dwarf Whites are a true tropical species and lack the drought tolerance of larger isopods. They require constant moisture to survive. Ensure your substrate mix (such as coco coir, peat moss, or specialized bioactive soil) stays consistently damp—but never muddy or waterlogged.
- Dietary Habits: Their primary fuel source is decaying organic matter, decomposed hardwood leaves, and rotting wood. Supplement their diet once a week with a small pinch of active dry yeast, fish flakes, or specialized isopod diet powders to keep their reproduction surging.
- Temperature: They thrive effortlessly at warm room temperatures between 22°C and 28°C. Avoid letting their habitat drop below 18°C, as cold temperatures will dramatically slow down their reproduction.
Additional information
| Weight | .250 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 × 12 × 6 cm |
Reviews (18)
18 reviews for Dwarf White Isopods “Trichorhina Tomentosa”
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I always have to remind myself that these guys play dead. They were, in fact, alive and well.
These guys were smaller than I was expecting which is not a bad thing. They will have to hide from my lizard. 😁
They were lively, though there didn’t look to be very many.
Thanks alot! Great service!!