Porcellio scaber "Ghost" is a selectively bred colour morph of the common rough woodlouse, displaying reduced pigmentation that results in pale mauve to yellowish-white colouration. As a Porcellio scaber morph, they inherit all the hardiness and ease of care that has made this species one of the most reliable isopods in the hobby. They're an excellent choice for beginners, bioactive setups, or anyone wanting a visually interesting isopod without the demanding care requirements of tropical species.
A Glimpse
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Origin: Europe (selectively bred morph)
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Scientific Name: Porcellio scaber "Ghost"
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Maintenance required: Low
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Average Size: 17-18mm
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Rarity: Low-Medium
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Lifespan: 2-3 years
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Temperature: 60°F-80°F (15°C-27°C)
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Ventilation: Medium-High
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Humidity: 50-60%
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Favourite food: Leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables
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Supplements: Fish flakes, cuttlefish bone
Ghost Scaber Isopods: Introduction
Ghost Scabers are a hypomelanistic morph of Porcellio scaber - the same species you'll find under logs and plant pots across the UK and Europe. Through selective breeding, this morph displays reduced pigmentation, giving them their distinctive pale appearance. Colour can vary between individuals, ranging from soft mauve-purple through to pale cream or yellowish-white.
Because they're a morph of such a well-established species, Ghost Scabers retain all the bulletproof qualities that make P. scaber such a popular choice. They're forgiving of beginner mistakes, breed readily, and adapt to a wide range of conditions.
Ghost Scaber Isopods: Physical Traits and Characteristics
- Adults reach 17-18mm, making them a decent-sized isopod that's easy to observe.
- Colour varies from pale purple-mauve to creamy yellowish-white depending on the individual.
- Their bodies have the characteristic rough, tuberculate texture that gives P. scaber its "rough woodlouse" common name.
- Hard, calcified exoskeletons - more rigid than many tropical species.
- Unlike Armadillidium species, they cannot roll into a complete ball when threatened.
- Fast movers - they rely on speed rather than defensive rolling when disturbed.
- Two white uropods (tail appendages) are clearly visible.
Ghost Scaber Isopods: Diet
Ghost Scabers have healthy appetites and aren't fussy eaters.
Leaf litter forms the foundation of their diet. Oak, beech, and other hardwood leaves work well. Keep a thick layer available at all times - this is the single most important food source.
Rotting wood - particularly soft, white-rotted hardwood - provides essential nutrition and should always be present in the enclosure.
Vegetables like carrots, potato, squash, and courgette are readily accepted. Remove uneaten portions after a day or two.
Protein is important for this species - they have higher protein requirements than some other isopods. Offer fish flakes, dried shrimp, or similar 1-2 times per week.
Calcium via cuttlefish bone, crushed eggshells, or limestone helps ensure successful moulting.
Ghost Scaber Isopods: Behaviour
Ghost Scabers are active isopods that you'll actually see moving around, unlike many shy tropical species. They're active during the day as well as at night, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
They're social creatures and naturally form groups, especially in favoured spots within the enclosure. When disturbed, they scatter quickly rather than freezing or rolling up - their speed is their primary defence.
These are confident isopods that settle into new environments quickly. You won't need to wait months before seeing activity in your colony.
Ghost Scaber Isopods: Breeding
One of the biggest advantages of P. scaber morphs is their prolific breeding rate. Under good conditions, colonies establish and grow quickly. Females carry eggs in a brood pouch (marsupium) and release fully-formed miniature isopods.
You can expect to see juveniles appearing within a few weeks of setting up a colony in appropriate conditions. This makes Ghost Scabers excellent for building up numbers quickly, whether for a bioactive cleanup crew or as feeders.
Ghost Scaber Isopods: Habitat
A standard 6-litre container is adequate for a starter colony, though larger enclosures allow populations to grow more substantially.
Temperature: Very adaptable - anywhere from 60-80°F (15-27°C) works well. Room temperature in most UK homes is perfectly suitable year-round.
Humidity: This is a semi-arid species that doesn't tolerate constantly wet conditions. Keep humidity around 50-60% with a clear moisture gradient. Around one-third of the enclosure should be kept slightly moist (using sphagnum moss), while the rest remains dry.
Ventilation: Important for this species. They need good airflow - more than tropical Cubaris species would tolerate. Ensure your enclosure has adequate ventilation holes.
Substrate: A simple mix works well:
- Organic topsoil as a base
- Leaf litter mixed through and covering the surface
- Pieces of rotting white wood
- Optional: small amount of sand for drainage
Substrate depth of 1-3 inches is sufficient - they'll burrow but don't need the deep substrate that some tropical species require.
Hides: Cork bark, wood pieces, and thick leaf litter provide shelter. They'll congregate under hides during the day.
Ghost Scaber Isopods: Bioactive Use
P. scaber "Ghost" makes an excellent cleanup crew for bioactive terrariums and vivariums. They're:
- Hardy enough to tolerate the varied conditions in reptile enclosures
- Active processors of waste and decaying matter
- Prolific enough to maintain population numbers
- Visible enough to actually observe doing their job
They work well in setups ranging from semi-arid to moderately humid. However, note that like all P. scaber, they have healthy appetites and may nibble on delicate live plants or soft-bodied tank mates if hungry. Ensure adequate food is always available if housing with sensitive species.
Who Are Ghost Scaber Isopods Suited For?
These are genuinely beginner-friendly isopods. If you're new to the hobby, P. scaber morphs like the Ghost are an ideal starting point - they're forgiving of mistakes and will thrive in conditions that would stress more sensitive species.
They're also well-suited to:
- Bioactive terrarium keepers wanting a reliable cleanup crew
- Keepers wanting a visible, active species
- Anyone wanting to breed isopods for feeders
- Collectors looking for an affordable, attractive morph
At this price point, Ghost Scabers offer excellent value - you get the interesting appearance of a selectively bred morph combined with the rock-solid reliability of one of the hobby's most established species.
