Zebra Isopod

Armadillidium maculatum

OtherbeginnerHarmlessCommunal OK

No venom, no sting

This species is considered harmless to humans, with no medically significant venom or sting. Handle gently and wash your hands afterward.

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

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

Feeding

Feeding modeDetritivore (decaying matter)

Prey sizen/a (detritivore)

Adult cadenceleaf litter always available; protein every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0 · Unverified community entry