Armadillidium maculatum "Zebra"
Armadillidium maculatum "Zebra" isopods for sale!
Most commonly known as the "Zebra Isopod" for obvious reasons. Maculatum are one of the most popular beginner pods in the hobby but are a must have in any collection. They're hardy, easy to care for and breed rather prolifically. They tend to be more bold and active that other isopods so they make a great display isopod as well, but don't be alarmed if some members occasionally burrow. Native to France, they do best in arid to semi-arid environments with good ventilation, are docile tankmates for sensitive reptiles and amphibians, but are known to eat soft bodies plants so they aren't recommended for vivariums with live plants or bioactives that are on the more humid side as they can have issues molting.
The original variety of maculatum, the traditional zebra. They are black and white striped just like a zebra. They have been a classic, hobby favorite since the beginning and are one of the most commonly kept isopods still to this day. A must have for all collections.
Origin: France
Humidity: Arid to semi arid
Ventilation: Moderate (See our ventilation guide in the isopod care sheet under the "Care Sheets" tab.
Housing and Care: A 6 quart shoe box or similar is sufficient to start a 10 count culture in and get established, and then will need to be moved to a larger enclosure once their population outgrows it. Provide a moisture gradient of about 40% moist and 60% dry. Use sphagnum moss on one end of the enclosure to help retain moisture between spraying (frequency of spraying will depend on amount of ventilation you provide and atmospheric conditions, just as long as the moss is always kept moist. Aim to spray down the sizes and make sure the water is reaching the bottom layer to make it last longer), a couple inches of substrate is sufficient, add a good amount of leaf litter, a hide such as cork bark or edible hardwood bark or both, a calcium source such as a cuttlefish bone, eggshell or calcium powder is a healthy addition for all isopod species. Rotting wood is also highly encouraged as well. You can supplementally feed them once a week with a small piece of sweet potato, carrot or squash and a protein source such as our own Bug Buffet Haus Blend, fish flakes, freeze dried shrimp/minnows or other commercialized isopod diet (small enough amount that they can consume it within 2 days to help minimize mites and mold.