Armadillidium maculatum (Maculate Pillbug)

Armadillidium maculatum

(Maculate Pillbug)

"Zebra" morph

This classic pillbug has been hiding a secret in plain sight. Ever since its introduction to the hobby, Armadillidium maculatum has been known as the "Zebra Pillbug". New insight, however, has revealed that their signature zebra-striped appearance is....a morph. In the wild, the white coloration on these rollers is actually broken and spotty, a far stretch from the captive phenotype. The giveaway? Well, it was in our face the whole time. Their species name, "maculatum", is derived from the word, "maculate", which literally means spotted! Regardless of the misnomer, the Zebra....I mean Maculate Pillbug will surely continue to be cherished by isopod keepers for years to come.

Adult Size - Male (16 mm), Female (16 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

A.maculatum aren't particularly large or crowding sensitive, so their enclosure doesn't need to be spacious.

Ventilation level - Moderate

Hides - Necessary

Barrier/Secure Lid - Not necessary

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Substrate

A.maculatum aren't picky about their substrate as long as it holds moisture well, isn't abrasive, and is deep enough to burrow in.

Type - Not picky

Moisture level - Lightly moist

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Food

A.maculatum aren't picky about their food and can be fed an average isopod diet.

Type - Dead hardwood leaves, proteinaceous pet foods, vegetables

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Temperature

A.maculatum can be kept into the high 60s, but grows and breeds fastest at warmer temperatures.

Range - 68 F to 85 F