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Armadillidium maculatum "Chocolate" | The Cocoa Zebra
The Armadillidium maculatum "Chocolate" is a warm and elegant variation of the iconic Zebra isopod. This designer strain features a rich, chocolate-brown base accented by crisp white vertical stripes. The result is a high-contrast animal that looks as if it were sculpted from dark artisan chocolate.
Perfect for keepers who love the active, bold nature of the Zebra isopod but want a unique color palette, the "Chocolate" morph is a standout resident for any bioactive terrarium. Their glossy shells and constant surface activity make them a joy to observe throughout the day.
🧬 Species Highlights
- Scientific Name: Armadillidium maculatum "Chocolate"
- Visuals: Warm chocolate-brown body with clean white stripes; glossy exoskeleton.
- Behavior: Very bold and "day-active"; they are frequent explorers.
- Size: Medium (reaches approximately 1.5cm - 1.8cm).
- Personality: Excellent "rollers" and very hardy for bioactive cleanup duties.
🛠️ Care & Setup
The Chocolate Zebra thrives in temperate environments and is famously adaptable as long as they aren't kept in stagnant air.
- Humidity: 60–70%. Provide a clear moisture gradient: one side damp with Sphagnum moss and one side dry for foraging.
- Temperature: 19–25°C (66–77°F).
- Ventilation: High. This is the secret to success with Maculatum. Ensure your enclosure has excellent airflow to prevent respiratory issues.
- Substrate: A blend of organic soil, decayed wood, and plenty of calcium.
🥗 Diet & Nutrition
- Leaf Litter: They are voracious leaf eaters. Keep a steady supply of Oak or Magnolia leaves.
- Calcium: Mandatory. Their thick shells require constant access to cuttlebone or limestone to ensure healthy molts.
- Protein: Provide dried shrimp, fish pellets, or minnows 1-2 times per week.
- Veggie Treats: They love supplemental feedings of carrots, zucchini, and sweet potato.
💡 Expert Success Tip
The "Chocolate" trait is highly stable, but to keep their colors rich and deep, provide plenty of rotten white wood. The minerals found in decaying wood help maintain the luster of their shells. Because they are so active, they make an incredible "Clean Up Crew" for temperate reptile setups—just make sure they have a moist hide to retreat to!
📦 What You Receive
A starter culture of healthy, captive-bred Armadillidium maculatum "Chocolate." We provide a mix of sizes to ensure your colony establishes itself quickly and begins breeding.
Why Shop With Us?
- ✅ Premium Stock: Guaranteed healthy, captive-bred genetics.
- ✅ Secure Shipping: Moisture-stable, professional-grade insulated packaging.
- ✅ Elite Choice: We specialize in rare and specialized Armadillidium species.