Armadillidium maculatum

Armadillidium maculatum
commonly known as the zebra pill bug, is a striking isopod species native to southern France, appreciated for its black and white striped pattern and ability to roll into a ball when disturbed. It is a popular choice for both bioactive setups and display colonies.

These isopods are medium‑sized (up to 18 mm), active, and adaptable to temperate conditions. They breed readily under stable conditions and are well suited to hobbyists with basic habitat management skills.

Environment:
Use a ventilated terrarium or plastic container. Provide a substrate layer of 5–10 cm composed of organic topsoil or coco fiber, sphagnum moss, leaf litter, and decaying hardwood. Include bark pieces or cork for hiding and climbing 

Humidity:
Maintain a moisture gradient: keep 25–50 percent of the substrate damp and the rest moderately dry. Mist regularly to prevent the moist area from drying out .

Diet (adults):
Primarily detritivores eating leaf litter and rotting wood. Supplement with vegetables like carrot or squash weekly and provide occasional protein sources such as fish flakes or shrimp 1–2 times per week. Always include calcium (cuttlebone or crushed eggshell) 

Behavior:
Nocturnal and social. They often roll into a ball when threatened and prefer hiding under bark or leaf litter. Colonies thrive with stable moisture and ventilation and can be easily observed in surface accumulation .

Temperature:
Ideal range is 18–25 °C (65–77 °F). They tolerate typical room temperatures; slight night dips to 18 °C are fine. Avoid sustained temperatures above 28 °C or below 15 °C .

Shipped as a mix of healthy juveniles and subadults
Weather appropriate packaging with insulation or cooling if needed
Shipping only when temperatures allow safe delivery