Zebra Isopod Care Guide: Setup, Feeding, and Breeding Tips
The first isopod species we have ever worked with!
What are Zebra Isopods
Zebra isopods are a species of isopod originating from a small region in southeastern France. Their scientific name is Armadillidium maculatum. Surprisingly, the black and white striped coloration is a normal/wild-type coloration for this species. The patterning can be different across isolated captive strains including Chocolate Zebras, Yellow Zebras, and High White Zebras. In some individuals, they will have broken stripes.
Isopods in the Armadillidium genus are able to roll into a ball as a defense mechanism to avoid predation. Hence, the name roly-poly.
Zebra Isopod Care & Terrarium Setup
Temperature: 65-85°F
Humidity: Aim for 40-60% with a humidity gradient. This can be achieved by placing Sphagnum Moss on one side or corner of your colony's housing.
Enclosure/Terrarium Size: 10-20 isopods can thrive in a space as small as 6 quarts. For larger colonies of 100+ isopods, it is recommended to provide them a space at least 4 gallons in volume.
We recommend this enclosure for isopods and other terrestrial invertebrates:
Polycarbonate Invertebrate Enclosure – Scholarly Exotics LLC
Essential Supplies: The following are absolutely necessary to ensure that your isopods thrive under your care
1) Organic Substrate with no additives, or one specifically designed for isopods
4) Leaf Litter- leaves and other botanicals are crucial to an isopod's habitat. This supplements your isopod's diet with organic matter and also ensures they always have something to eat!
5) Springtails- springtails are invaluable to have with any isopod. They assist with additional waste breakdown and are well known for consuming mold and other unpleasant organic matter that may appear among your isopod colony.
Diet: Isopods should receive a well-balanced, varied diet for optimal nutrition. We provide leaf litter every time as needed or when it is all consumed.
We also offer fresh produce such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce in small portions once weekly. This ensures that your isopods receive additional moisture and nutrients not found in leaf litter or other food sources. Effective management of food waste will prevent fungus gnats and excessive springtails.
Isopods should be provided sources of calcium and other minerals to ensure that they can safely molt and grow under your care. We recommend a calcium fortified food to ensure that you are providing protein and essential minerals altogether!
*Please note, Armadillidium genus sp. Isopods have been observed to switch to herbivory (eating live plants, moss, etc.) when insufficient food/leaf litter is unavailable*
Breeding: To breed many species of isopod including Armadillidium maculatum, additional protein is required. We recommend using a high-quality aquarium fish food, or dried fish/shrimp/krill to ensure this need is met.
Conclusions:
Thank you for reading this article on Zebra Isopods. If you have any questions, please contact us at our email address: scholarlyexotics@gmail.com; we will respond back as soon as possible!
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