The numbers
Enclosure
6 L+ tub
Diet
Leaf litter, rotting wood, veg, protein · Continuous; protein/veg regularly
Temperature
18–26°C
Humidity
55–70% (moisture gradient)
Identity
Order / Family
Isopoda
Origin
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; no CITES listing
Difficulty
Beginner
Commonality
Very popular striking species
Adult size
~1.5 cm
Lifespan
2–3 yrs
Growth rate
Moderate
Activity & niche
Surface detritivore
Temperament
Peaceful, shy
Venom / defense
Harmless detritivore; rolls into a ball
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
18–26°C
Humidity
55–70% (moisture gradient)
Min. enclosure
6 L+ tub
Substrate
Coco/soil + limestone + leaf litter + rotting wood
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter; moist + dry zones
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; establishes quickly
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsVery hardy
Red flags / quarantine
SignsQuarantine; watch pest mites
Good to know
- Bold black-and-white striping makes it one of the most popular starter 'display' pods.
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 tomentosaClown IsopodArmadillidium klugii