Armadillo officinalis (Hissing Pillbug)

Armadillo officinalis

(Hissing Pillbug)

The Hissing Pillbug is an usually talkative crustacean. When disturbed, this species will roll up into a ball and rapidly scrape textured portions of its legs against the inside of its carapace, creating a shrill hissing noise! It appears rather drab in moist environments, but develops an eye-catching blue coating when kept drier. They are rather large for volvating isopods and noticeably boxy in shape. The most intriguing aspect of this isopod is undoubtedly its defensive behavior. To date, Armadillo officinalis, along with other members of their genus, are the only isopods known to produce sound.

Adult Size - Male (17 mm), Female (17 mm)

Climbing Ability - None

Flying Ability - None

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Enclosure

A.officinalis 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.officinalis 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 - Moderate

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Food

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

Type - Dead leaves, proteinaceous pet foods, vegetables

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Temperature

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

Range - 68 F to 85 F