Armadillidium gestroi “Milky Way”

Armadillidium gestroi “Milky Way” – Quiet and beautiful terrarium inhabitants

The Armadillidium gestroi “Milky Way” is one of the particularly striking color forms of the popular puffer isopods. Their name is no coincidence. The light, milky segment edges look like small stars on a darker background. As a result, the pattern of many animals is reminiscent of a small galaxy or a star road.

These contrasts are particularly effective in well-furnished terrariums. When the animals walk over bark, moss or wood, their shell appears almost slightly transparent. The segment structure is very clearly visible. This makes the animals look particularly interesting and lively.

Armadillidium gestroi originally comes from Southern Europeespecially from Italy. There, these Isopods live in warm and structurally rich habitats. They hide under stones, in layers of leaves or between rotten wood. Exactly this environment can easily be recreated in the terrarium.

A special feature of this species is the typical ability of the isopods. When disturbed, the animals roll up completely. This protects their soft lower body and at the same time makes them look like small, living balls.

In the terrarium, Milky Way Isopods are usually quiet, but quite active. They come out more often, especially in the evening or when the humidity is higher. The animals are then easy to observe as they wander over pieces of wood or through the foliage.

A substrate rich in substrate rich in structure from forest humus, leaves and rotten wood. Foliage is an important source of food. Beech and oak are particularly popular. The animals also like to eat vegetables or special isopod food to.

Like many Isopods, Armadillidium gestroi also require a source of calcium. Cuttlefish shells or calcareous materials support the build-up of their shell.

A slight humidity gradient in the terrarium works very well. One side remains slightly wetter, while the other remains drier. This allows the animals to decide for themselves which areas they want to use.

Under suitable conditions, Milky Way Isopods reproduce reliably. The females carry their eggs in a brood pouch. After some time, tiny young appear, which are initially very light in color. Their markings become clearer with each moult.

Their interesting markings and calm behavior make them exciting for both beginners and experienced terrarium keepers. Anyone who wants a natural terrarium with a special isopod species species will find the Armadillidium gestroi “Milky Way” a beautiful and at the same time useful inhabitant.