Common Pill Bug

Armadillidium vulgare

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

The pill bug most people already know from under a garden paving slab, and a forgiving first colony. Rolls into a tight ball when disturbed, which makes it slower and considerably easier to count than the Porcellio species. Wants a drier, better-ventilated setup than dwarf whites, with a reliably damp end. Calcium matters more here than for most — limestone chips or cuttlebone should be permanently available or the exoskeleton suffers. Many colour morphs exist in the trade under this species. DETRITIVORE, harmless.

Taxonomy

FamilyArmadillidiidae

GenusArmadillidium

Native regionEurope; introduced worldwide

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentharmless, slow

Size & growth

Adult size0.5-0.7 inches

Growth ratemedium

Life stagesNo distinct stages

Climate

Temperature65–78°F

Humidity50–65%

Enclosure

Adult sizeshoebox tub or larger

Substratetopsoil and coco fiber with a moisture gradient; limestone or cuttlebone

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishOptional

Moisture gradientRequired — keep one end damp, one end dry

Bioactive clean-up crewYes

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