Armadillidium Werneri

Armadillidium werneri | The Giant Greek Clown

If you love the Clown Isopod (A. klugii), the Armadillidium werneri is the ultimate upgrade. Often called the "Greek Clown," it takes that iconic spotted look and supersizes it. This species features a much wider, flattened body—almost like a trilobite—and a mesmerizing five-row spot pattern that makes the standard Clown look simple by comparison.

With its jet-black base and crisp white pearls, it is a "Holy Grail" for collectors who want a large, architectural isopod that is always active and visible in the terrarium.

🧬 Species Highlights

• Scientific Name: Armadillidium werneri
• The "Clown" Look: Larger and wider than A. klugii, featuring 5 rows of white spots (instead of 3).
• Visuals: Matte charcoal body with a wide, "shield-like" profile.
• Behavior: Bold and surface-active; they love to explore open spaces.
• Size: Large – Reaches an impressive 2cm in length.

🛠️ Care & Setup

The Werneri is a Mediterranean specialist. They are hardy but demand fresh air to thrive.

• Humidity: 50–60%. The Golden Rule: Keep them mostly dry. One corner of damp moss is all they need for hydration.
• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F).
• Ventilation: Very High. This is the most critical factor. Ensure your enclosure has excellent cross-ventilation.
• Substrate: A calcium-heavy organic mix with plenty of leaf litter.

🥗 Diet & Nutrition

• Hardwood Leaves: They prefer Oak and Magnolia.
• Calcium: Mandatory. Their wide, heavy armor requires constant access to cuttlebone or limestone.
• Protein: Provide dried shrimp or fish pellets 1–2 times a week.
• Lichen & Biofilm: They love grazing on textured cork bark.

💡 Expert Success Tip

Unlike other isopods that hide in the dirt, Werneri love to wedge themselves under flat objects. Use slate stacks or flat cork bark to mimic the limestone crevices of Greece. This is the best way to encourage them to breed and stay visible!

📦 What You Receive

A starter culture of healthy, captive-bred Armadillidium werneri. Our cultures include a mix of sizes to ensure your colony has a strong foundation for growth.

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.