Discover the ethereal beauty of these stunning albino European isopods! Whiteout Scabers represent one of the most striking color mutations of the legendary rough woodlouse, showcasing beautiful yellowish-white bodies, distinctive white eyes, and transparent skirts that create an absolutely captivating ghostly appearance. These remarkable specimens combine the bullet-proof reliability and beginner-friendly nature that made Porcellio scaber famous with unique albino characteristics that make them stand out dramatically in any bioactive setup.
A Glimpse
• Origin: Europe (Captive Bred) • Scientific Name: Porcellio scaber 'Whiteout' • Difficulty Level: Low - Beginner Friendly • Adult Size: Up to 18mm (0.7 inches) • Rarity: Medium • Temperature: 60°F to 79°F (15°C to 26°C) • Humidity: 50% to 60% with moisture gradient • Favorite Foods: Decaying leaves, vegetables, fish food, rotting wood • Supplements: Protein twice weekly, calcium sources
Overview
Whiteout Scabers represent one of the most visually stunning mutations in the isopod hobby, showcasing the incredible genetic diversity possible within the world's most successful terrestrial crustacean species. These captivating specimens display beautiful yellowish-white bodies that appear almost luminous against dark substrates, complemented by their distinctive white eyes and transparent skirts that create an otherworldly appearance. Not purely white as their name suggests, they possess a subtle yellowish tint that adds warmth to their ghostly beauty, with some individuals displaying faint V-shaped markings on their backs. They maintain every positive characteristic that made rough woodlice the foundation of the hobby - incredible hardiness, prolific breeding, and forgiving care requirements - while offering unique coloration that rivals much more expensive rarities.
Basic Care
Whiteout Scabers epitomize beginner-friendly isopod keeping with their legendary tolerance for environmental variations and incredibly forgiving nature. They thrive in room temperatures between 60-79°F and readily adapt to minor fluctuations that would stress more delicate species. Humidity should be maintained between 50-60% with essential moisture gradients - approximately one-third of their enclosure should remain consistently moist while the majority stays well-ventilated and moderately humid. These robust isopods actually prefer good airflow and slightly drier conditions than tropical species, making them perfect for beginners still learning proper ventilation balance. Their substantial size, active nature, and striking white coloration make them exceptionally easy to observe and count, while their calm temperament allows for safe handling when necessary.
Feeding
Calcium • Cuttlefish bone pieces (essential for their white exoskeletons) • Crushed eggshells mixed into substrate • Limestone granules for ongoing supplementation • Calcium powder occasionally dusted on vegetables
Protein (Twice Weekly) • High-quality fish flakes or pellets • Dried shrimp (remove after 24 hours) • Freeze-dried bloodworms • Reptile shed skin when available • Commercial isopod protein supplements
Primary Diet • Hardwood leaf litter (oak, maple, birch preferred) • Fresh vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, squash, cucumber) • White rotten wood pieces • Decomposing organic matter • Commercial isopod pellets as supplements
Appearance and Behaviour
Whiteout Scabers are absolutely mesmerizing specimens that showcase one of nature's most beautiful genetic expressions. Adults reach 18mm length with robust, oval-shaped bodies covered in the characteristic tubercles that give rough woodlice their name. Their most striking feature is their beautiful yellowish-white coloration that appears almost luminous, especially under terrarium lighting. Their distinctive white eyes create an otherworldly appearance, while their transparent skirts add an ethereal quality that makes them appear almost ghostly. Some individuals display subtle V-shaped markings on their backs that add visual interest to their pale beauty. These active foragers are constantly exploring their environment with methodical, purposeful movements, and their inability to roll into balls means they rely on speed and their hardy exoskeletons for protection. Their social nature leads them to aggregate under favorite hiding spots, creating striking displays of their pale beauty.
Habitat
A minimum 6-quart container works perfectly for starter colonies, while established groups thrive in 15+ quart setups or 10+ gallon terrariums that showcase their active behaviors. Substrate depth should be 2-3 inches to support their natural surface-dwelling and light burrowing behaviors. Create distinct environmental zones with approximately one-third of the enclosure maintained as consistently moist using quality sphagnum moss, while the remainder stays well-ventilated and moderately humid. Cork bark pieces, wooden hides, and thick hardwood leaf litter coverage provide essential shelter and foraging opportunities. Excellent ventilation is crucial - provide ample airflow at the container top to prevent stagnation while maintaining proper humidity zones. Their pale coloration makes them particularly visible against dark substrates, creating beautiful visual displays.
Substrate Mix
Create the ideal environment with this proven mixture:
Base Layer (70%): • Quality organic topsoil (pesticide and fertilizer-free) • Aged leaf mold for natural decomposition cycles • Small amount of peat moss for moisture retention
Organic Amendments (20%): • White rotten wood pieces (10% - essential nutrition source) • Aged hardwood bark pieces • Earthworm castings for soil fertility
Mineral Supplements (10%): • Limestone granules (essential for their white exoskeletons) • Crushed oyster shell pieces • Optional: Fine sand for drainage in deeper areas
Moisture Management: Maintain substrate that feels like a well-wrung sponge in designated moist zones, never waterlogged or oversaturated. The dry areas should remain just slightly humid to the touch but well-aerated. Whiteout Scabers are remarkably tolerant of varying moisture levels and actually prefer conditions slightly drier than tropical species. Monitor with gentle substrate compression - moist areas should produce a drop or two when squeezed, while dry areas should feel barely damp and spring back quickly. Their white coloration makes moisture management easier to monitor as they become more visible when they move to optimal humidity zones.
Special Considerations: Whiteout Scabers have excellent appetites and outstanding foraging abilities, making them exceptional bioactive team members who efficiently process organic waste. Their pale coloration may intensify or show subtle color variations based on their diet, as their semi-transparent nature allows their internal contents to show through slightly. They're incredibly prolific breeders when well-maintained, and their striking white babies are particularly adorable and easy to spot against dark substrates. Their legendary hardiness means they're very forgiving of substrate variations, but they reward consistent care with enhanced coloration and vigorous breeding activity.
