Trichorhina tomentosa
Species of crustacean
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trichorhina tomentosa, known informally as the dwarf white isopod, is a species of woodlouse in the family Platyarthridae. It is a parthenogenetic species, and only female individuals are known. Native to tropical regions throughout the Americas, dwarf white isopods have been introduced to other tropical regions worldwide.[3]
| Trichorhina tomentosa | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Isopoda |
| Suborder: | Oniscidea |
| Family: | Platyarthridae |
| Genus: | Trichorhina |
| Species: | T. tomentosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Trichorhina tomentosa (Budde-Lund, 1893) [1] | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Description
Dwarf white isopods can grow to around 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) in length.[4][better source needed] They are uniformly white in color, and like other members in its family, cannot roll into a ball. Like many other woodlice, dwarf white isopods prefer moist soil, feeding on detritus. Dwarf white isopods give birth asexually.[5]
Relationship with humans
As clean-up crews
Dwarf white isopods are widely favored and used in bioactive setups, along with other isopods and springtails due to ease of care, and ability to consume waste. They also provide a food source for other terrarium animals, such as dart frogs and geckos.[4][better source needed]
