Armadillo Officinalis "Red Brick"

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Product Description

Armadillo officinalis "Red Brick" is a stunning color morph of one of the most iconic and charismatic isopod species in the world. Known as the "Pill Bug" of the Mediterranean, the officinalis is famous for its ability to roll into a perfect, tight sphere. The "Red Brick" lineage takes this to the next level with a deep, earthy terracotta-to-rust coloration that replaces the typical slate-grey.

These isopods are "heavyweight" rollers—they are thick-bodied, slow-moving, and incredibly sturdy. One of their most fascinating traits is stridulation: when disturbed or rolled up, they can produce a faint, audible buzzing or "hissing" sound by vibrating their plates. They are long-lived, hardy, and possess a calm temperament that makes them a joy to handle and observe.

Perfect for Mediterranean bioactive setups, educational displays, and keepers who want a robust, long-lived isopod with a unique "antique" aesthetic.

Species Information

• Species: Armadillo officinalis "Red Brick"
• Morph: "Red Brick" (Terracotta/Rust)
• Origin: Southern Europe / Mediterranean Basin
• Size: ~1.8–2.2 cm (Very bulbous and thick)
• Activity Level: Moderate / Calm
• Rarity: Uncommon / High-End Morph

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Very Easy (Extremely hardy)
• Humidity: Low to Medium. They are very drought-tolerant. Maintain a 70/30 gradient: most of the enclosure should be dry, with one corner of damp sphagnum moss.
• Temperature: 18–26°C (64–79°F). They are very adaptable to household temperatures.
• Ventilation: Moderate to High. They appreciate fresh air but are less sensitive to airflow than the large Porcellio species.
• Substrate: Organic soil mix enriched with calcium and limestone. They prefer a slightly alkaline environment.

Must Provide:

• Flat Rocks or Cork Bark: They love to wedge themselves under heavy, dry objects.
• Hardwood Leaf Litter: Oak and Beech are their primary food source.
• A small, consistently damp "hydration station."
• Significant Calcium: Their shells are exceptionally thick and require constant calcium access.

Diet

• Primary: Decaying leaf litter and white-rotted wood.
• Protein: Low to Moderate demand. Provide fish flakes or dried shrimp once a week.
• Vitamins: They enjoy supplemental feedings of carrots, sweet potato, and squash.
• Calcium: Critically Important. Because they are so heavily calcified, they need a constant supply of cuttlebone or crushed limestone.

What You Receive

• Starter culture of X Armadillo officinalis "Red Brick" isopods.
• Mixed sizes (juveniles and sub-adults) for a long-lasting and stable colony.

Why Buy From Us

✔ Beautifully colored, healthy captive-bred "Red Brick" stock.

✔ Secure and professional packaging for guaranteed live arrival.

✔ A hardy, fascinating species that literally "hums" with personality.