Zebra Isopod

Armadillidium maculatum

IsopodbeginnerHarmlessCommunal OK

Harmless to people

Isopods are harmless to humans — no venom, no sting, and no bite that breaks skin. They are detritivores, so wash your hands after handling the substrate.

About

Striking black-and-white banding and one of the most popular display isopods. Care matches Armadillidium vulgare, but growth and reproduction are noticeably SLOWER — a new colony can look static for months before it takes off, and that is normal rather than a sign of failure. Keep calcium permanently available. Rolls into a ball, so counts are reasonably accurate. DETRITIVORE, harmless.

Taxonomy

FamilyArmadillidiidae

GenusArmadillidium

Native regionSouthern France

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentharmless, slow

Size & growth

Adult size0.6-0.8 inches

Growth rateslow

Life stagesNo distinct stages

Climate

Temperature65–78°F

Humidity55–70%

Enclosure

Adult sizeshoebox tub or larger

Substratetopsoil and coco fiber with a moisture gradient; limestone, leaf litter

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishOptional

Moisture gradientRequired — keep one end damp, one end dry

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Food & scheduleleaf litter always available; protein every 1-2 weeks

Supplemental calciumRequired — cuttlebone or a calcium powder

Times kept: 0 · Unverified community entry