

PostPods
Armadillidium Ruffoi Isopods
from £20.00
£30.00
Armadillidium ruffoi isopod is an extraordinarily striking species of isopods found in the mountains of Northern Italy. These species breed very slowly and take time to populate. Therefore, they are ideal for hobbyists and isopod enthusiasts who prefer brood-size animals that don't overpopulate. Armadillidium ruffoi isopods like moisture and humidity and are not tolerant to drought. These species require regular monitoring and care. Therefore, they are moderately difficult to care for.
Overview
Place of Origin: Northern Italy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustaceans
Order: Isopoda
Family: Armadillidiidae
Genus: Armadillidium
Species: Armadillidium ruffoi
Key Points
Maintenance Effort: low to medium
Ideal Temperature Range: 62℉-78℉
Reproduction Rate: Slow
Ventilation: high
General Size: 16mm
Rareness: High
Humidity Range: 60%-75%
Preferred Diet: fruits, vegetables, meat scraps
Supplements in Addition: limestone, cuttlefish bone
Abstract
Armadillidium ruffoi, or Ruffo's Pill Woodlouse, falls under the "Marginiferae" section of the genus. The Armadillidium genus are the true pill bugs, that roll into a ball when they sense danger or any disturbance. These species have side edges that bend upwards, forming a lobe.
Their dark exoskeleton with bright yellow spots and white skirts makes them appear strikingly beautiful and widely sought after. These species are endemic to Italy and hence they are super rare. These isopods are collected among enthusiasts that love to collect various rare species across the world.
Physical Traits of Armadillidium Ruffoi Isopods
Has dark carapace with yellow irregular spots and white skirts.
These spots are formed in three longitudinal rows.
Its tergites are smooth with slight granulation or humps on the exterior part.
They are medium to large-sized isopods with beautiful shapes.
The skirts of the isopods are bent upwards and have various morphs ranging from white to yellowish orange.
They are roly polys, i.e., they roll into a ball when they are threatened.
These species are not drought tolerant; therefore, moisture is important for them.
They are detritivores in nature.
They are shy creatures, but they become active when in large numbers.
These species require ample ventilation and high humidity for their survival.
They reproduce slower than other species and have large broods.
These species grow very slowly to reach adulthood.
Have an average lifespan of 2.5 years.
Armadillidium Ruffoi Isopods: Diet
Though these species consume on dead and decaying organic debris, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for an isopod's health. Especially if these species are kept in a closed setting. It is important to provide nutritious food like vegetable pieces, greens and vegetable scraps in small quantities to maintain their health.
These isopods require high calcium and protein for a healthy exoskeleton. Therefore, meat scraps and dried shrimp pieces help them provide the necessary protein and calcium powder; cuttlebone and eggshells help to provide calcium.
It is crucial to provide small quantities of food in the beginning. After analyzing their food intake, one can gradually increase the quantity. Although these species have a voracious appetite, it is important to feed them a necessary amount to prevent any excess and avoid attracting molds and pests.
Morphs of Armadillidium Ruffoi Isopods
There is a morph of Armadillidium Ruffoi called "Orange Skirt" isopods.
These species are rare and are newly discovered near Verona, Italy.
These critters have dark exoskeletons with white spots on their exoskeleton, unlike the regular yellow spots in wild species.
The skirt is yellowish-orange and is thus named the "orange skirt."
Armadillidium Ruffoi Isopods: Natural Habitat
In Northern Italy, during the summer season, the temperature is typically between 65℉ and 85℉. Due to this temperature, it is ideal for the isopods to thrive in the wild. They are typically found in and around caves where moisture and humidity is available. These species tend to hide but are active under leaves and bark of rotting hardwood.
Armadillidium Ruffoi Isopods: How to Build an Enclosure
To make an enclosure, it is important to start off with a basic 14.1-liter plastic box as an enclosure. Provide three ventilation windows around the enclosure, leaving one side, and cover the openings with wire mesh.
Adding egg crates creates barriers between old and new isopod colonies while providing them with a surface to climb and explore.
When adding food into the enclosure, as necessary quantity depending on the size of the culture. Add vegetables and fruits, an isopod bug burger for overall nutrition, calcium powder, eggshells, and cuttlebone for calcium.
Place large pieces of decaying hardwood flat on the substrate in the enclosure for the isopod colonies to hide. Add lots of dried rotting leaves to the enclosure, as the leaves are the primary source of food and act as a hiding space. The leaves and bark also help elevate the enclosure's aesthetics and mimic the isopod colonies' natural surroundings.
Clean the enclosure to prevent pests. Molds, gnats, and fruit flies affect the health of isopods. Mist the enclosure occasionally with water to keep it moist. Make sure to prevent water from accumulating in the base. Monitor the temperature and humidity of the enclosure for a healthy living isopod brood.
Combining all the elements, you can provide a suitable home for the isopods to breed and thrive.
Armadillidium Ruffoi Isopods: Substrate Mix for the Isopod
For the substrate mix for Armadillidium Ruffoi, one can opt for a basic ABG substrate mix. These mixes are pre-made and have all the necessary elements to support the biodiversity inside the enclosure.
The ABG mix includes fur bark, black earth soil, hummus, and organic compost soil. Worm castings can be included in the mix as they provide a nutritious food source for the isopods. Crunched-up leaf litter and charcoal can be included in the mix. Charcoal is porous in nature, and it can help with water retention and aeration, which is necessary for the isopods. Sea soil can also be included in the mixture as it may contain decomposed fish emulsion, providing nutrition to the isopods.
After adding the substrate mix into the enclosure, add elements like wooden bark, sphagnum moss, and dried leaves for a touch of aesthetics and to mimic their natural environment.
When combining them, you get a complete substrate mix that retains moisture, replicates their natural habitat and provides a healthy ecosystem within the biosphere.

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Klugii Pudding Isopods (Armadillidium)
from £10.00
Originally from Montenegro, Klugii Pudding Isopods are increasingly becoming popular as a cleanup crew member. The beginner-friendly Armadillidium isopods have a distinctive appearance that can generate curiosity in the minds of their potential pet owners. Their pudding-like appearance and bioactive potential make them a great fit for terrariums. These small-sized species can thrive in terrariums with low humidity. They are highly sought-after isopods in comparison to other isopods. These beautifully patterned species can make a valuable addition to an isopod enthusiast’s collection. These exotic and low-maintenance isopods can be bred as pets by newbies.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods: A Glimpse
Origin: Montenegro
Scientific Name: Armadillidium Kluggi
Difficulty Level: Low
Rarity: High
Temperature: 70 to 90℉
Size: 2.1cm
Humidity: 40% to 50%
Favorite Foods: Plant matter, mushrooms, pulverized grains
An Overview
Kluggi Pudding Isopods are also famously renowned by the name Armadillidium Kluggi. This easy-to-care for isopods can be raised by beginners and enthusiasts alike. These Montenegro-based isopods have been categorized by their bioactive potential. They are kid-friendly isopods. They thrive in low humid environments.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods appear deadly due to their white and yellow spots on a dark brown body. They look venomous, but they make safe pets. The notable thing about them is that they display no red markings, unlike Meteraninan Black Widow (Spider).
The small-sized Kluggi Pudding Isopods can be perfectly combined with springtails. This bioactive combination can keep the environment inside a terrarium clean. Kluggi Pudding Isopods loves eating magnolia pods as well as leaves.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods should be fed a balanced recipe of proteins and plant matter. They need a semi-arid and temperate environment to grow.
Basic Care
You can use the following instructions and tips to provide the best care to Kluggi Pudding Isopods.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods need a reasonably ventilated enclosure to grow.
Kluggi Pudding Isopods are relatively easy to handle. They can be taken care of even by first-time isopod owners.
These isopods shouldn’t be kept with predators because they can be eaten by invertebrates and reptiles.
These isopods cannot survive in wet environments. They enjoy occasional misting and warm temperatures.
Feeding Kluggi Pudding Isopods
Kluggi Pudding Isopods feed on leaf powder, cuttlebone, and carrots. Some other common foods that Kluggi Pudding Isopods prefer to eat include potatoes and squash. You can feed a balanced combination of plant matter and proteins to them. You can always feed them decaying hardwood.
Appearance And Behavior
Kluggi Pudding Isopods do not have red spots like the Meteraninan Black Widow spider, but it does resemble it due to the white and yellow spots on its dark brown body.
The female Kluggi Pudding Isopods have a white cavity between their legs that develops when they reach adulthood.
Female Kluggi Pudding Isopods are larger in size than male Kluggi Pudding Isopods.
The male Kluggi Pudding Isopods do not have white cavities like the female Kluggi Pudding Isopods.
The behaviour of Kluggi Pudding Isopods is non-docile. They are also not aggressive.
Habitat
Kluggi Pudding Isopods prefer dry, temperate, and less humid environments. You can use a reasonably-sized plastic terrarium to house them. The Kluggi Pudding Isopods are established quickly in a semi-arid vivarium or terrarium. These isopods have issues living in an extremely wet environment.
Substrate Mix
The substrate mix of Kluggi Pudding Isopods includes wet sphagnum moss, leaf litter, and bark. Keep the middle of the substrate moist. You can keep the opposite side of the substrate mix dry by adding only leaf litter on that side of the substrate. This substrate mix will give Kluggi Pudding Isopods essential space to osmoregulate.

PostPods
Dubrovnik Isopods (Armadillidium Klugii)
from £10.00
Compared to other isopods, Klugii Dubrovnik isopods are easily sighted. They are mostly found in coastal regions, where they receive wind and sunlight in ample amounts. They are a brilliant display species.
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: A Glimpse
· Origin: Croatia
· Scientific Name: Armadillidium Klugii
· Difficulty Level: Medium
· Size: 2.1CM.
· Rarity: Medium
· Temperature: 75F-90F
· Humidity: 50-70%
· Favourite Foods: Leaf litter, carrot, fish food, dried shrimp
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: An Overview
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods received their name because of their origin. They are mostly found in Croatia's coastal region. Their origin spreads across the Adriatic Sea, from Croatia to Montenegro. New findings have located them in southern Albania and Western Greece. They are nicknamed 'Clown' Isopods for their colouration.
Klugii isopods are named for the variety of colours they come in. From yellow to creamy whites, they are found in many colours. Their colouration is considered one of their defence mechanisms against predators, too. They have very hard skeletons covering their bodies, adding extra protection. Dubrovnik isopods have red edges on their exoskeletons. They display higher levels of red colouration over their bodies.
Klugii isopods can be fed a variety of foods. In the fiber-based category, they can feed on decaying hard wood and leaf litter. In the vegetable-based category, they can be fed sweet potatoes, dried peas/beans, and mushrooms. For protein, they can be fed insect frass, yeast, and shrimp pellets.
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Basic Care
The following instructions can be helpful in providing the best care for Klugii Dubrovnik isopods.
· The temperature condition should have moderate humidity, which is ideal for them.
· They need both dry side and damp sides in their enclosures.
· The middle portion of the enclosure should have a balance between the two sides.
· In fresh culturing, they might be little slow to begin their growth.
· For terrariums/vivariums of any kind, it is advised to culture them separately.
· The habitat or enclosure in which they are kept will require convenient ventilation.
· They prefer to burrow in their habitats than climb anywhere, making them relatively safer keep inside.
· They prefer to feed on- decayed wood, leaf litter, shrimp pellets, yeast, mushrooms etc.
· Room temperature of 70-85⁰F is the most ideal environment for them to thrive.
· Humidity levels have to be maintained at 50-70%.
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Feeding
Much like other types of isopods, like tricolour isopods, Klugii Dubrovnik isopods are also considered as detritivores. That means they feed on leaf litter, decaying wood, dried beans/peas, mushrooms, shrimp pellets, etc.
Decaying leaf litters and softwoods are still considered as their standard diet. Their diet can easily be supplemented with leftover vegetable scraps from the kitchen. But drier things are highly preferred to prevent unwanted mold development. Mold can be harmful to these isopods and can deteriorate their health drastically.
They tend to enjoy higher protein and calcium in their daily diets. Fiber based food sources for them include- decaying hardwood, magnolia pods, leaf litter, etc. Vegetable based diet includes- sweet potato, mushrooms, dried peas/beans, and any other dry leftover scraps. Shrimp meal, insect frass, dried fish, cuttle bones, eggshells, oyster shells, etc., are good protein supplements for their growth. These foods can be chopped as well for their easy consumption.
Klugii Dubrovnik isopods tend to eat soft plants and mosses as snacks. Experts recommend feeding them these plants now and then to promote their growth. However, they should be kept away from plants that you grow. Any leftover foods in the enclosure should be removed immediately to prevent mold growth.
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour
· They have a hard exoskeleton.
· The have a highly calcified body.
· They are well known for their spots and unique colours.
· They are found in various colours- red, yellow, green, creamy white etc.
· They are comparatively small and grows a maximum of 2.1 Cm in length.
· They are mostly found on Croatia's coasts and are currently found across the Adriatic Sea.
· They prefer to burrow in their enclosures rather than climb anywhere.
· They prefer both moist and dry atmospheres. Hence, the enclosures have to be maintained accordingly.
· Female Klugii Dubrovnik isopods are found to have a cavity between their legs.
· Males do not have any cavity.
· Female isopods tend to be larger than males.
· Their breeding pattern needs to checked weekly as a routine.
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Habitat
Providing an ideal habitat for Klugii Dubrovnik isopods is fundamental for their survival. As pets, they make great displays in acrylic or glass terrariums. However, to maintain their beautiful features and colour patterns, an optimal environment has to be kept in their enclosures.
The ideal temperature for Klugii Dubrovnik is between 70-85⁰F. Temperatures above and below these levels will surely affect their metabolism and eventually kill them. One can use thermometers to check the temperature levels regularly. But since they survive in room temperature easily, their maintenance is comparatively easier than that of other species of isopods.
These isopods can be brilliantly displayed in acrylic or glass enclosures. Plastic containers are considered a relatively cheaper alternative but are not recommended because of their lesser visibility. Also, they may not be the right aesthetics to display the vibrant colours Klugii Dubrovnik isopods come in. They are relatively slow to begin their growth in new environments. Hence, providing an enclosure close to their natural habitat ensures their survival.
A shoebox-sized container would be the ideal choice to keep these isopods. They are medium-sized compared to other isopods. But an essential aspect of their existence in containers is ventilation. They are initially from places that are sunny and windy simultaneously. Hence, a lot of air circulation needs to be maintained. Drilling holes around the container is highly recommended.
Klugii Dubrovnik Isopods: Substrate Mix
A substrate can be defined as a mixture of ideal substances that aids growth of the organism. It can help provide or maintain the optimal environment for your pet creatures. In the case of Klugii Dubrovnik isopods, providing the ideal condition in their enclosures is relatively more straightforward when compared to other species. Only ventilation must be maintained, as it is mainly found in coastal regions.
Klugii Dubrovnik isopods require a substrate mixture that maintains dry and moist conditions. The ideal substrate mix is leaf litter and decaying woods. Leaves are a good source of substrate that can easily be collected from any tree. They should be free from any pesticides or chemicals. Sphagnum moss and coco coir can be utilised additionally to supplement the enclosure.
There is no risk of escape from Klugii Dubrovnik isopods. They prefer to burrow in their enclosures rather than climb the walls of the enclosure. Hence, providing a mixture of decaying woods, leaf litter, and vegetable scraps can ensure they stay in their optimal environment. Creating a wet area within the enclosure is also highly recommended by many. Too much moisture can enable mold growth which is harmful for these isopods.
Care should be taken in using substrate mix, as they could cause either waterlogging or too much dampening. Such scenarios should be avoided at any costs, to ensure the survival of Klugii Dubrovnik isopods.