Armadillo officinalis “Brown”

Brief description:

Armadillo officinalis “Brown” is a color morph that was bred out in our house. This is the Greek Armadillo officinalis variety.

Armadillo officinalis, also known as the Spanish woodlouse, is a medium-sized isopod species from the Mediterranean region. The animals grow up to 2 cm in size. It takes approx. 9-12 months from juvenile to adult. This species is robust and easy to breed. A female can have several litters of up to 300 young isopods per year. Like all woodlice, Armadillo officinalis can curl up into a closed ball when in danger. They also make a humming noise!

It is possible to keep a group of Armadillo officinalis in containers with a capacity of 5 liters or more. It is important to know that this isopod species will not reproduce if there is not enough space. A mixture of soil, leaves, white rotten wood and lime is suitable as a substrate. Moss, pieces of bark and leaves should be spread over this layer of substrate. On the one hand, these things serve as shelter, on the other as food and to keep the humidity in the tank. The tank for Armadillo officinalis should always be kept moist. However, waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. A humidity level of 60-75 % will normally settle quickly by itself with regular spraying. The temperature in the tank should be between 18 and 24°C. The animals need lime to build up their shell, which can be given in the form of cuttlefish, crushed eggshells or similar. White rotten wood and leaves in the substrate serve as food. Vegetables, fruit, flowers and isopod food are also readily accepted. Armadillo officinalis are crepuscular and nocturnal and usually hide during the day. They are often found curled up in a ball on the substrate.