Armadillidium Maculatum Zebra Isopod

Armadillidium Maculatum Zebra Isopod Care Guide

The Armadillidium Maculatum Zebra Isopod is among the first isopod species to be maintained as a pet and appreciated for its upkeep and beauty rather than merely as a cleaning aid in a terrarium or vivarium. They are also a great terrarium keeper. They are both incredibly trendy and effective.

Although they are related to the typical pill bug (Armadillidium Maculatum), it is simple to understand why this specific variety caught the attention of potential keepers. They will match any clothing or terrarium setting because of their iconic black and white stripes.

Zebra isopods are generally quite hardy, and their maintenance requirements are extremely simple. For newbies, they make a fantastic first isopod. Aesthetically, these striped creatures are truly stunning, and there may soon be Chocolate Zebra Isopods!

Once they’ve settled in, zebra isopods are quite active, not as shy as other isopod species. They’re also not too tough to handle if you want to handle one or more at a time because they’re one of the slower and bigger isopod kinds.

Size, Appearance, and Behavior

The Armadillidium Maculatum Zebra Isopod’s brilliant white stripes on a black background make them a definite highlight. This isopod species is particularly outgoing. They grow to half an inch and once established, reproduce at a moderate level. 

Their social behaviour is dependent on how many you have in the terrarium or vivarium. If you wish to see them, put a sufficient number in the container, as you won’t be able to see them in a large tank with only a few isopods.

Caring for Zebra Isopods

• Habitats

Since these isopods are on the bigger side, you must use a reasonable-sized container for breeding. The size of the container depends on how many you want to breed at a time.

Additionally, they require lots of air, so either you choose a container with a partial closure or you’ll have to drill to create vents yourself. Ensure all vents are covered with a fine mesh to stop any jailbreaks even if they’re not great climbers.

They are not a good fit for the small containers because of their adult size, intense activity, and requirement for air.

• The Substrate

A standard tropical terrarium blend is an excellent option for the substrate. Preferably filled with leaves for nourishment and hiding places, with lots of cocoa coir as well as peat moss for water holding capacity and a wonderful loose texture for digging.

Earthworm deposits are a great source of nourishment. If possible, a moisture gradient can be provided – it implies a zone that is somewhat dryer for the isopods.

• Feeding

Zebra isopods generally prefer food with high protein content. They can be fed fish food flakes and vegetable cuttings. There should be sufficient decaying organic matter in the container, to aid their nourishment and meet dietary requirements.

• Temperature and Humidity

Warmer temperatures are preferred by zebra isopods, but nothing abnormal. A comfortable room temperature between 21 and 26 degrees Celsius is just right.

With artificial lighting and heat mats, most vivaria should be able to accomplish this with ease. However, it’s better to keep them warm or place them on a heating pad if they’re in a smaller container.

Since they require sufficient ventilation and, preferably, a dry environment, high humidity is not optimal for them.