This experiment was conducted in order to investigate the preferred soil moisture levels of the Porcellio scaber (Slater), because they had recently been observed on a farm in Waikari and it was interesting to find out further information about them. The main focus on the Slaters within this experiment was their soil moisture, and that is why they have been investigated to see what soil moisture levels they will prefer to live in when given the choice of very dehydrated soil (Soil Sample no.1 containing a very low soil moisture level of 0 mL water (dehydrated)), dehydrated soil (Soil Sample no.2 containing a low soil moisture level of 20 mL water), relatively dehydrated soil (Soil Sample no.3 containing a relatively low soil moisture level of 40 mL), relatively moist soil (Soil Sample no.4 containing a relatively high soil moisture level of 60 mL), moist soil (Soil Sample no.5 containing a high soil moisture level of 80 mL) and very moist soil (Soil Sample no.6 containing a very high soil moisture level of 100 mL (saturated)).
1.2 Ecology.
1.2.1 Feeding relationships.
Porcellio scaber (Slaters) are omnivorous terrestrial isopods. They feed on a variety of dead and decaying vegetation including tree bark, rotting wood and decaying plant matter etc. Slaters also feed on Fungi associated with decay or dead animal matter such as dead insects or larger animal carcasses. Although Slaters mainly eat dead and decaying plant matter and are not known to eat living vegetable matter, they have been proven to sometimes consume seedlings, root vegetables and even fallen fruit damaged by birds and insects. Many animals will eat terrestrial isopods. The likes of small mammals, birds, centipedes and ground beetles all prey on the Slater. For example, The Dysdera crocata is a spider found in New Zealand gardens which preys on Slaters exclusively[1]. .
1.2.2 Habitat.
Temperature.
Slaters are known to live in cool conditions.