Armadillidium vulgare is the well-known pill bug, which can curl up into a tight ball when disturbed. To keep them, you’ll need leaves, hiding places, and a damp corner, even though they can tolerate drier surfaces.
Armadillidium vulgare at a Glance
| Origin | Cosmopolitan |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Size | up to 1.8 cm |
| Substrate | Nutrient-rich soil with decomposed leaves and decayed hardwood |
| Humidity | Moist hiding places and a less moist alternate location |
The temperature figures are approximate values based on previous experience. Measure the temperature at the location of the box. Direct sunlight and an uncontrolled heat source can quickly cause the container to overheat.
The product card shows you the variety available and its current availability.
Armadillidium vulgare
Armadillidium vulgare withstands drier conditions better than many other isopod species and is found on calcareous soils and coastal areas.
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Caring for Armadillidium vulgare: Tank and Environment
Choose an escape-proof box with securely covered ventilation openings. Larger species and growing groups require more floor space. Fill the enclosure with several centimeters of nutrient-rich soil and cover it with decomposed leaves. Flat pieces of bark provide hiding places. Pure coconut fiber is not a sufficient food source.
Keep part of the substrate slightly moist under the leaves or moss, and let the other side remain drier. Water specifically in the moist corner. This allows the Isopods to choose where they want to stay. Permanently wet soil and stagnant air are not suitable for this type of care.
Food for Armadillidium vulgare
Leaves and white-rotten hardwood should always be kept in the box. They serve as both food and shelter. You can collect clean, suitable leaves yourself; if you don’t have a safe place to collect them, pre-prepared leaf litter is a practical alternative.
Fodder leaves
Staple food for many invertebrates.
A source of calcium supplements their diet. Cuttlefish powder can be offered sparingly in an easily accessible spot. Small portions of earthworm food are a supplement, not a substitute for leaves and wood. Check for leftovers the next day and remove any perishable items promptly.
Isopod food
Perfectly complementary Isopod food in a resealable zip bag!
Behavior and Offspring
The animals aren’t always visible. Hiding under trees is part of their normal behavior. Use safe, flat pieces of bark so you can carefully check on the group if necessary.
Under suitable room temperature conditions, a group can reproduce regularly. Deliberate exposure to cold or extreme summer heat is not necessary for this. Keep the box out of direct sunlight.
Check the food and humidity levels regularly without rearranging the entire setup. If you find mold, first remove the affected food dish and check the amount of food and the ventilation. A complete bedding change is usually unnecessary for a group that is otherwise stable.
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.
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