A striking black-and-white striped pillbug that can roll into a ball (conglobate), making it one of the most popular display isopods. Hardy and beginner-friendly, though it breeds more slowly than Porcellionides.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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Endemic to a small range in southeastern France; not naturalized elsewhere
Origin
Old World
Climate
🍂 Temperate
Family
Armadillidiidae
Genus
Armadillidium
Part of the Isopods
Terrestrial isopods (woodlice, pillbugs, sowbugs) are land crustaceans kept as bioactive clean-up crews and colorful display colonies. They are low-cost, low-maintenance detritivores ideal for beginners.
From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
Photo coming soon
Minimum
Humid bioactive tub
6 × 9 × 6 in bin, coco + leaf litter
Armadillidium maculatum 'zebra' is a slower-breeding striking species. Coco-fibre substrate with deep leaf litter, cork bark, calcium, and moderate-to-high humidity. Slightly cooler-tolerant than Cubaris.
Photo coming soon
Recommended
Larger bioactive tub
12 × 12 × 6 in bin, leaf litter
A larger bin with deep substrate, leaf litter, varied hides, sphagnum patch, and calcium. Display-worthy species — bold black-and-white stripes show beautifully.
Photo coming soon
Ideal
Bioactive display vivarium
10–20 gal bioactive vivarium
A planted bioactive display vivarium with leaf litter, mosses, and stable parameters. One of the most decorative isopods for display setups.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Photo coming soon
Egg
These invertebrates lay eggs — often in a guarded clutch, a silk sac (spiders), or a brood (carried by female isopods). The eggs are small and soft and develop without a true larval or pupal transformation.
Photo coming soon
Juvenile
Juveniles hatch as miniature versions of the adult and grow by molting their exoskeleton (or, in snails, by enlarging the shell). They gain size, segments, or leg pairs and gradually take on adult coloration with each molt.
Adult
Adults reach full size and reproductive maturity with the species' mature form and coloration. Many arachnids and myriapods continue to molt as adults, and sexes can differ in size or in specialized appendages.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Natural
representative
Standard Zebra
The classic high-contrast black-and-white striped form.
A 6 qt (5.7 L) or larger ventilated tub or glass enclosure with a moisture gradient (one moist side, one drier). Target 65-78 F (18-26 C) and 50-65% humidity; this species likes slightly cooler, well-ventilated conditions and dislikes being kept soaking wet. Provide ample surface cover and calcium-rich substrate.
Substrate
1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) of coco coir or ABG mix amended generously with crushed limestone or aragonite for calcium, plus leaf litter and a little decaying hardwood. Top with deep leaf litter, cork bark, and bark slabs for surface cover. Keep the surface from staying constantly soggy.
Equipment & setup
No heating or UVB required at room temperature. Needs a well-ventilated container (more airflow than tropical species), spray bottle, abundant leaf litter, cork bark, and a dedicated calcium supplement. Springtails optional for mold control.
Diet
Detritivore. Provide leaf litter and decaying hardwood as staples, with a strong, constant calcium source (cuttlebone, eggshell, limestone) since Armadillidium have heavily calcified shells. Offer protein (freeze-dried shrimp, fish flakes, dried insects) in moderation and vegetables such as carrot, squash, and cucumber. Avoid leaving wet food long enough to mold.
Behavior & temperament
Calm and non-defensive; rolls into a tight ball when disturbed, which makes it pleasant and easy to handle briefly. Largely surface-active and visible, unlike burrowing Cubaris. Active by day and night under cover. No risk to keepers, pets, or live plants.
Health
Hardy but slower-breeding than tropical isopods, so colonies build gradually. Main issues are excess moisture (causes lethargy and die-off) and calcium deficiency (failed molts, soft shells). Keep ventilation high and provide constant calcium. Use pesticide-free leaf litter; introduce springtails to manage mold.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Favor more ventilation and a drier overall setup than Cubaris; soggy conditions are the most common cause of failure. Provide heavy leaf litter and limestone for steady breeding. Patience is key, as colonies grow slowly at first then accelerate. Excellent first 'roller' for new keepers.
