Armadillidium Maculatum

Armadillidium maculatum | The Zebra Isopod

The Armadillidium maculatum is a stunning masterpiece of natural design. Native to the coastal regions of France, the "Zebra" isopod is beloved for its striking alternating black and white vertical stripes. Each individual has a unique pattern, with some leaning towards "high-white" and others showcasing deep, jet-black bands.

Beyond their looks, Zebras are legendary for their activity levels. Unlike many isopods that hide away, Maculatum are "day-active" foragers, making them the perfect choice for a display bioactive setup where you actually want to see your inhabitants at work.

🧬 Species Highlights

• Scientific Name: Armadillidium maculatum
• Common Name: Zebra Isopod
• Visuals: High-contrast black and white "Zebra" stripes with a glossy finish.
• Behavior: Very active, bold, and surface-oriented.
• Size: Medium (reaches approximately 1.5cm).
• Reproduction: Prolific; once established, they form large, stable colonies quickly.

🛠️ Care & Setup

The Zebra is an excellent "entry-level" species because it is incredibly hardy, but it does have a specific preference for ventilation.

• Humidity: 60–70%. Like most Armadillidium, they require a strict moisture gradient. One side of the bin should be damp moss, while the other side remains dry.
• Temperature: 19–25°C (66–77°F).
• Ventilation: High. They are sensitive to stagnant, "heavy" air. Ensure your enclosure has plenty of air holes for cross-ventilation.
• Substrate: A standard organic isopod mix with plenty of leaf litter.

🥗 Diet & Nutrition

• Leaf Litter: They are heavy consumers of Oak and Maple leaves.
• Calcium: Mandatory. Cuttlebone or limestone is required to maintain their crisp, white banding and shell strength.
• Protein: They love protein! Offer dried shrimp, fish pellets, or yeast-based foods 1-2 times per week.
• Vegetables: They particularly enjoy squash, cucumber, and carrots.

💡 Expert Success Tip

If you notice your Zebras are spending all their time on the "dry" side, your enclosure might be a bit too damp. They are a temperate species, not tropical. To see the best breeding results, provide plenty of stacked cork bark; they love to congregate in the tight crevices between the wood layers.

📦 What You Receive

A starter culture of healthy, captive-bred Armadillidium maculatum. Our cultures contain a mix of ages to ensure your new colony is balanced and ready to thrive.

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.