Armadillidium versicolor "Ceska"

Armadillidium versicolor "Ceska" isopods for sale!

A species where locality is very important because the coloring and patterning varies depending on the collection location.  Armadillidium versicolor are known for the saturated splotches of coloration along their bodies and each segment is usually highlighted with a bit of red at the end.  They are one of the smaller species in the genus but what they lack in size, they make up for in their beautiful patterning and colors.  versicolor "Ceska" is native to the East Alps, Danube countries and along the Balkans in Central Europe.  Sometimes referred to as the "variegated pill isopod" as their common name.  They do like it a little more moist but not real humid, so a good moisture gradient is the best option. They do like to live on mineral soil and can benefit from adding a small amount of garden lyme to their substrate, but is not necessary.

Origin: East Alps, Danube countries and along the Balkans in Central Europe

Humidity: Wetter side of 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 60% moist and 40% 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.