Cristarmadillidium muricatum

Cristarmadillidium muricatum belongs to the group of spiny forms (spiny Isopods). The spines probably 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. On closer inspection, the basic color of the animals is a slightly washed-out orange.

Keeping the animals is easy and requires no 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 when feeding on leaves, Falke Soil or white rotten wood.

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