Armadillo officinalis “Israel”

Brief description:

Armadillo officinalis “Israel” is a very interesting variant of Armadillo officinalis. The body structure is exactly the same, but the coloration is impressive. The basic color is silver which marbles into dark grey. The colors run into each other like in a watercolor painting.

Armadillo officinalis “Israel” is a medium-sized isopod species from the Middle East. Like all Armadillo officinalis species, it also borders the Mediterranean region. The animals grow up to 2 cm in size. It takes about 12-16 months from juvenile to adult. This relatively long development time makes this species a rarity.

Like all woodlice, Armadillo officinalis can curl up into a closed ball when in danger. They also make a humming sound!

It is possible to keep a group of Armadillo officinalis “Israel” 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 “Israel” should always be kept slightly moist. However, waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. A humidity level of 60-70% will normally stabilize 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.