Cristarmadillidium muricatum

Cristarmadillidium muricatum belongs to the group of spiny isopods. Presumably, the spines protected the animals from predators such as birds, frogs and lizards. (Source: The Biology of Terrestrial Isopods) In any case, the spines beautify the animals for the observer. The basic colour of the animals is a slightly washed-out orange on closer inspection.

 

Keeping the animals is easy and does not require any specific knowledge about this species. However, the reproduction rate of Cristarmadillidium muricatum is very low and the development time of the animals also requires patience. They have a very calm disposition, are not hectic and are great to watch while feeding on foliage, Falke Soil or white rotten wood.

 

Cristarmadillidium muricatum is best kept like a Porcellio species. Keep one half moist with moss that serves as a shelter for moulting and the other half dry. The piece of bark should be placed exactly in the middle so that the animals can choose the side they prefer at the moment.