The numbers
Enclosure
6 L+ tub
Diet
Leaf litter, rotting wood, veg, protein · Continuous; protein/veg regularly
Temperature
20–27°C
Humidity
55–70% (good ventilation, moist hide)
Identity
Order / Family
Isopoda
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Popular showy species (Montenegro morph)
Adult size
~1.5 cm
Lifespan
2–3 yrs
Growth rate
Moderate (slower than vulgare)
Activity & niche
Surface detritivore
Temperament
Peaceful, shy
Venom / defense
Harmless detritivore; rolls into a ball
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
20–27°C
Humidity
55–70% (good ventilation, moist hide)
Min. enclosure
6 L+ tub
Substrate
Coco/soil + limestone + leaf litter + rotting wood
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter; drier with a moist hide
Diet
Staple food
Leaf litter, rotting wood, veg, protein
Feeding frequency
Continuous; protein/veg regularly
Supplements
Cuttlebone / calcium available
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Safe; harmless
Communal
Yes – colony/communal
Defense / stress signs
Rolling into a ball, hiding
Reproduction
Reproduction
Marsupium brooders; moderate rate
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsSensitive to constant wet; needs a dry zone
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine; provide ventilation
Good to know
- Its red-spotted 'clown' pattern helped launch designer-isopod keeping.
Others in this group
Common Pill Bug / Roly-Poly (morphs)Armadillidium vulgareLittle Sea IsopodCubaris murinaRubber Ducky IsopodCubaris sp. 'Rubber Ducky'Dairy Cow Isopod (P. laevis morphs)Porcellio laevisCommon Rough Woodlouse (many morphs)Porcellio scaberPowder Blue / Powder Orange IsopodPorcellionides pruinosusDwarf White IsopodTrichorhina tomentosaZebra IsopodArmadillidium maculatum