Keeping Zebra Roll-A-Lassels – Armadillidium maculatum

Would you like to keep zebra isopods and observe their black-and-white markings up close? Armadillidium maculatum is a great way to get started with keeping isopods. The key is to provide a moist hiding spot, plenty of leaves, and a container that doesn’t trap moisture.

An Overview of Zebra Rollers

Temperature	22–26 °C – as a guideline, without direct sunlight
Size	about 1.5–1.8 cm
Keeping	A group in a well-ventilated enclosure or terrarium
Basic food	Leaves, white-rotten hardwood, and nutrient-rich substrate
Important	Moist hiding spots, fresh air, and a source of calcium

This species is native to southern France. When threatened, it curls up into a ball. In a well-acclimated group, you can also spot them on the leaves. A small starter group in a large tank, on the other hand, often goes unnoticed. Give them time instead of buying more animals right away.

Caring for Zebra Dwarf Hamsters: How to Set Up Their Cage

For a small starter colony, a ventilated box with a capacity of about five liters is suitable. As the colony grows, plan for more floor space. A tight-fitting lid prevents escapes; ventilation openings secured with fine mesh ensure air circulation.

Add several centimeters of nutrient-rich deciduous forest humus and mix in leaves and white-rotted wood. A loose layer of leaves and bark lying flat on the ground create hiding places. Do not pack the soil down. The animals should be able to retreat among the materials.

If you want to put everything together from scratch, the Isopod Complete Set is a convenient option. You can also continue to use an existing box that fits. When purchasing the set, check the selected model and the contents included.

Keep it moist without soaking the entire box

Keep one corner with moss slightly moist at all times. The other side can be noticeably drier on the surface. This way, the zebra pillbugs will choose where to stay on their own. If necessary, water just the moist corner instead of spraying the entire box every day.

Also check the soil under the leaves: A dry surface doesn’t tell you much about the moisture level underneath. Standing water and constantly damp walls are not what you want. If you notice a musty odor, check for food scraps, moisture, and ventilation. At the right room temperature, you won’t need any additional heating.

What do zebra rollassels eat?

For isopods, leaves serve as both food and shelter. They should always be available. Decaying hardwood leaves supplement their basic diet. A small cuttlebone provides the animals with additional calcium. Pure coconut humus and vegetables alone cannot replace this basic diet.

Start by placing a very small portion of supplemental food in an easily accessible spot. Check the next day to see what’s left, and adjust the amount accordingly. Remove any perishable leftovers promptly. More food does not automatically lead to healthier young animals.

Breeding and Caring for Your Zebra Rollfish

If you want to keep and breed zebra crabs, stable conditions are more important than frequent rearrangements of the tank. Young crabs, in particular, need reliable, moist hiding places. It can take several months for a new group to grow significantly. We cannot guarantee a specific number of offspring.

Replace any eaten leaves and remove uneaten food. Replace used substrate gradually; if you clear it all out at once, you might easily overlook the young. If the tank is overcrowded, split the group or give them more space. Don’t rely on them to stop breeding on their own in time.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Zebra Roll-Up

Why do I hardly see any animals?
After being placed in their new home, isopods often hide. Carefully look under a piece of bark and check the damp corner. Constantly digging around disturbs the group.

Do I need springtails?
You can incorporate small amounts of organic scraps. However, they alone won’t restore balance to an overfed or overly wet litter box.

Discover More Isopods

Here you’ll find a selection from our store. Before purchasing, make sure the specific species’ needs are compatible with your terrarium.

Still unsure? Feel free to ask us your question in the comments section below the article.