Armadillo Isopods (3)

The famous "hissing isopod" in a striking brick-red colour morph. One of the few isopod species capable of producing audible sounds. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: A Glimpse Origin: Mediterranean Basin (Spain, Southern Europe, Western Black Sea coasts) Scientific Name: Armadillo officinalis Difficulty Level: Easy Size: Up to 2cm Rarity: Low Temperature: 18°C to 26°C Humidity: 55% to 70% (low to medium, with gradient) Favorite Foods: Leaf litter, decaying wood, soft-bodied plants, vegetables Supplements: Cuttlebone, limestone, crushed eggshells Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: An Overview Armadillo officinalis is a Mediterranean species found across Southern Europe, from Spain to the western Black Sea coasts. They're one of the most distinctive isopods in the hobby, famous for their ability to produce audible sounds—a behaviour that's earned them the common name "hissing isopods." The Red Brick morph is a colour variant that displays a warm, terracotta-red colouration. Juveniles are born a lighter yellowish-orange shade, with the colour deepening to the characteristic brick-red as they mature into adults. This colour development is one of the rewarding aspects of raising a colony from mixed ages. It's worth noting that Armadillo is a separate genus from Armadillidium, despite the similar names and the fact that both can roll into balls. The Armadillo genus has some distinctive characteristics, including their famous stridulation ability and a somewhat different body shape with a more elongated face. These are genuinely easy isopods to keep. They're hardy, adaptable to various conditions, and breed readily in captivity. The combination of interesting behaviour and striking colour makes the Red Brick morph a popular choice for both beginners and experienced keepers. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Appearance The Red Brick morph displays a rich terracotta to brick-red colouration across the body. This colour intensifies as the isopods mature—juveniles start with a pale yellowish or orange tone that gradually deepens through successive moults. Adults reach approximately 2cm in length, making them a good-sized species that's easy to observe. They have a distinctive body shape compared to many other conglobating species, with a somewhat elongated face that gives them a characterful appearance. Like other members of the Armadillo genus, they can roll into remarkably tight, near-perfect spheres when threatened (conglobation). In fact, A. officinalis is notable for remaining tightly curled for longer than most other rolling species—they seem more cautious and take their time before uncurling, even after the perceived danger has passed. The shell has a sturdy, slightly glossy appearance. When a colony is well-established, watching a group of bright red adults alongside paler juveniles creates an attractive display. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: The Hissing Behaviour The most famous characteristic of A. officinalis is their ability to produce audible sounds. This stridulation—often described as hissing or rattling—is produced when the isopod curls into a ball and rubs its legs (pereopods) against the inner surface of its shell in rapid circular motions. Scientific research has shown this stridulation produces sounds peaking around 9 kHz and appears to function as a secondary defence mechanism. The isopods themselves also respond to these vibrations, moving away from the sound source—suggesting it may serve as an alarm signal within colonies. You're unlikely to hear this sound from small colonies or individual isopods. The effect becomes more noticeable as colony numbers increase. When a larger group is startled, the collective sound of multiple isopods stridulating simultaneously becomes audible to human ears as a subtle rattling or hissing. This behaviour makes A. officinalis genuinely unique among commonly kept isopod species. No other readily available isopod produces sounds in quite the same way. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Basic Care A. officinalis are adaptable isopods that tolerate a range of conditions, though they do have preferences that will help your colony thrive. Temperature: Room temperature suits them well. They're comfortable anywhere from 18°C to 26°C and don't require supplemental heating in typical UK homes. Humidity: This is where care is needed. They prefer low to medium humidity (around 55-70%) and can struggle in constantly wet conditions. High humidity can cause moulting problems. However, they still need access to moisture—dry conditions can be fatal. The key is balance: a humidity gradient with one damp area and plenty of drier space works best. Ventilation: Moderate ventilation is important. Good airflow helps prevent the excessively moist conditions that cause problems, but avoid extremes. Lighting: Low light preferred. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight and provide plenty of dark hiding spots. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Feeding A. officinalis have somewhat broader tastes than some isopod species and are known to consume soft-bodied plants alongside the usual detritivore diet. Primary Food Sources: Mixed hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech, hazel) Decaying hardwood pieces White rotting wood Supplemental Foods: Vegetables (carrot, courgette, sweet potato, cucumber) Oat flakes (they seem particularly fond of these) Soft-bodied plants Fish flakes for protein Occasional fruit Calcium Sources: Essential for healthy shell development and moulting. Provide: Cuttlebone pieces Limestone chips Crushed eggshells Calcium powder The calcium requirement is particularly important given that moulting issues can occur in suboptimal conditions. A consistent calcium supply helps ensure successful moults. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Substrate Mix A substrate that balances moisture retention with good drainage suits this species well. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause problems. A suitable mix might include: Organic topsoil or compost as a base (pesticide-free) Decaying hardwood pieces and white rotting wood Leaf litter as a top layer Sphagnum moss in the moist area only Cork bark pieces Limestone chips mixed through for calcium Some keepers include lime in the substrate, which can help buffer acidity and provide calcium. Substrate depth of around 5-7cm allows for burrowing and shelter. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Enclosure Setup A straightforward setup works well, with attention paid to creating appropriate humidity gradients. Container Size: A 5-6 litre container suits a starter colony. These are reasonably active isopods that appreciate space as the colony grows. Humidity Gradient: Create a distinct moisture gradient. Keep approximately 20-30% of the enclosure damp (with moist sphagnum moss) while the remaining area stays drier. This allows the isopods to regulate their moisture exposure. Hides: Cork bark pieces provide essential hiding spots. These isopods spend considerable time curled up and sheltering, so provide plenty of cover. Ventilation: Moderate ventilation holes or mesh panels. Good airflow is important but avoid excessive drying. Leaf Litter: A generous layer of mixed hardwood leaves provides food and additional shelter. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Breeding A. officinalis are known for prolific breeding once established. They reproduce readily in appropriate conditions. What to Expect: Regular reproduction once the colony settles Good brood sizes Steady colony growth Colour development in juveniles—watching them transition from pale yellow-orange to brick red Colonies typically establish at a moderate pace. They're not the fastest colonisers, but they're reliable breeders that will build up numbers consistently over time. Avoid excessively humid conditions during breeding, as this can interfere with successful moulting of both adults and juveniles. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Behaviour A. officinalis display some distinctive behavioural traits that set them apart from other isopod species. Typical Behaviours: Strong conglobation response—rolling into tight balls when disturbed Remaining curled for extended periods after perceived threats Stridulation (sound production) when rolled up Relatively shy nature with preference for hiding Hurried movement when seeking cover Often observed eating while lying on their backs (particularly oat flakes) Unlike many conglobating species that uncurl relatively quickly, A. officinalis are notably cautious and may stay rolled up for much longer. This defensive behaviour, combined with the stridulation, makes them fascinating to observe. They tend to be more secretive than some Porcellio species, spending considerable time hidden under bark and within the substrate. Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick Isopods: Bioactive Use A. officinalis can work well in bioactive setups, with some considerations. Good for: Temperate and Mediterranean-style enclosures Semi-arid to moderately humid setups Enclosures where low to medium humidity is maintained Reptile setups with appropriate conditions Considerations: Not ideal for very wet tropical setups—humidity issues can cause problems Their harder exoskeleton makes them less suitable as feeder isopods for smaller animals Larger amphibians and reptiles can consume adults; smaller predators may only manage juveniles They'll function as effective cleanup crew members, processing organic waste and leaf litter. Their attractive colouration also adds visual interest to display enclosures. Who Are These Isopods For? Armadillo Officinalis Red Brick isopods suit: Beginners wanting an easy, interesting first species Anyone fascinated by the hissing behaviour Keepers who appreciate watching colour development Those wanting a hardy conglobating species Bioactive enthusiasts with appropriate enclosure conditions They might not suit: Very humid tropical setups—they can struggle with excessive moisture Those seeking feeder isopods—the harder shell makes them less ideal Keepers wanting highly visible, constantly active species—they're quite shy The combination of easy care, interesting behaviour, and attractive colouration makes the Red Brick morph an excellent choice for most keepers. What's Included Each order contains healthy specimens selected from our breeding stock. We include a mix of sizes to give your colony the best start, including juveniles that will develop their adult colouration over time. A care sheet is provided with every order.

Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods is considered to be one of the most popular isopods from the armadillo branch of isopods. Their optimal conditions are dry regions. They are identified as originating from Greece. They are mainly considered an attractive group of species with intense patterns across their bodies. This makes them the perfect choice for terrariums, making them a fully attractive species.  Key Points Origin: Greece Scientific Name: Armadillo Tuberculatus Difficulty Level: Easy Size: 1.5 CM. Rarity: Medium Temperature: 22-28˚C Humidity Level: 40-60% Preferred Foods: Leaf litter, carrot, white rotten wood, moss, cuttlebone An Overview Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are famous for their attractive design across their body. They are understood to thrive in moist environments and conditions. They have a bluish outer covering that makes them one of the most attractive species of isopods among collectors. Their exoskeletons are identified as hard. Tuberculatus isopods cannot reproduce quickly when introduced into a terrarium. They are believed to occupy two-thirds of the whole space, making them an 'invasive' species.  The bluish colour of young Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods may not be that evident. They are also believed to have thorny spikes in their exoskeleton. When these isopods achieve full growth, these spikes turn into bumps on their exoskeleton. Their colouring also improves as they become fully grown adults. Their exoskeletons, like those of other isopods, are believed to be strong and offer protection from external dangers.  Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are free to consume a variety of food items. Leaf litter is considered their favorite food source. They can also consume moss, white hardwood, etc. In terrariums, they can be fed many types of vegetables in their dried form. Carrots, leafy vegetables, etc., are ideally preferred for their full growth. Additionally, fish food, cuttlebone, etc., can be provided as protein supplements. Basic Care The following instructions must be followed to provide the best care for Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods. As they are mainly found in moist regions, Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods would prefer moderate humidity in the new atmosphere they are brought into. Retaining moisture is a tricky part of the development of these isopods. The right moisture levels can effectively ensure their survival.  Preferably, two-thirds of the container should have moisture to maintain the required level of environment.  These isopods are considered one of the most attractive species to have in a vivarium or enclosure.  They are relatively slow breeders when compared to other Armadillidium species of isopods.  The ventilation level for the enclosure for Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods should be medium.  In their natural environments, many objects are preferred by these species to hide in. Artificial hiding spots in the enclosures can provide a more natural feel for the enclosure.  Their diet includes- Leaf litter, white hardwood, dried vegetables, fish food, cuttlebone, etc.  Normal room temperature of 22-28˚C is enough for these species to survive and reproduce. Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Feeding Like many other species of isopods, Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are also considered detritivores. Such species are graced with the luxury of being able to feed on various food items. The main food particles consumed by Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods include- leaf litter, white hardwood, dried vegetables, fish food, etc.  As they are naturally found in moist environments, decaying wood and large amounts of leaves are an easy source of food for them. Dried scraps of vegetables from a functional kitchen can provide these isopods with the necessary balance they seek within the artificial enclosures. Dry items are preferred as they have very little chance of developing mold growth within the enclosures. The collector's efforts could be in vain in the presence of molds.  Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods highly prefer foods having immense amounts of protein and calcium. The daily feeding practice of these isopods should include all food items rich in minerals for optimal growth. Keeping them close to the kitchen can allow the collector to utilize the options provided under dried vegetables. They can continue to grow efficiently with additional supplements like fish food, cuttlebone, etc.  Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour Just like any other species, Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods also have hard exoskeletons. As a medium range species of isopods, fully grown adult tuberculatus isopods have a bluish exoskeleton, with light white patches. . They are mostly found in blue colour alone. They only grow up to 1.5 CM long.  Their origin is from Greece. Like many other species of isopods, these isopods also prefer the idea of burrowing.  Tuberculatus isopods are mostly found in moist environments. They require two third of the vivarium to be moisture filled for their survival.  They are recognized as a slow breeder species.  The breeding pattern followed is relatively slow when compared to other isopods. Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Habitat Armadillo Tuberculatus isopods require an ideal habitat to have the best growth. It is very much fundamental for their survival as a species of isopods. They are considered as an advanced range of isopods that can be used in the vivarium only after their proper establishment. The display that they offer through their body and hard exoskeleton make them a highly preferred choice among collectors. Maintaining an optimal condition in the vivarium can be manageable for collectors.  This particular type of isopods can survive within the temperature range of 22-28⁰C. Temperature levels form an integral aspect of the maintenance of these isopods as they affect their metabolism levels to a great extent. Some experts suggest the use of thermometers to regularly check the level of humidity and maintain the ideal environment. Tuberculatus isopods are relatively easier to manage in room temperatures.  Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are identified as slow breeders. Unlike other isopods, they do not breed swiftly. But they have an invasive nature once they are settled into the vivarium or enclosures.   Tuberculatus isopods are tiny within their own particular species of isopods. Their maximum growth range is identified as less than 1.5 CM. Maintaining the required moisture levels is highly advocated for this species of isopod, as they are originally found in moist regions.  Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods: Substrate Mix Various types of nutrients and other materials are made use of to create an ideal substrate mixture. Providing a suitable substrate can elevate the growth of any kind of isopods. For giving the susbstrate, both natural and artificial materials can be utilized. For Armadillo Tuberculatus isopods, the ideal substrate mixture can be made relatively easily.  Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods mostly require a moist environment for their survival. Leaf litter and white rotten wood are considered easily collectible for this purpose. Decayed leaves and wood are good sources of protein for these isopods. Leaves should most probably be collected from regions that are pesticide-free. Any small amount of chemicals can instantly kill these isopods.   Armadillo Tuberculatus Isopods are not considered as climbers. The original environment they are found in has a lot of natural spots for them to burrow. The aim of any collector should be to recreate this environment with enough nutrient mixture to provide the right environment for their growth. The majority of the enclosure should have a moist region perfect for their survival. Even though they are slow breeders, they can reproduce in large numbers once they feel safe in their environment.