A medium-sized European Armadillidium with striking contrast between its dark body and yellow-white spotted pattern.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: A Glimpse
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Origin: Northern Italy (Lake Garda region)
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Scientific Name: Armadillidium tirolense
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Difficulty Level: Low to Medium
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Size: Up to 15mm
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Rarity: Medium
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Temperature: 18°C to 26°C
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Humidity: 60% to 75% with gradient
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Favorite Foods: Leaf litter, decaying hardwood, vegetables
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Supplements: Calcium sources (cuttlebone, limestone), protein (fish flakes, dried shrimp)
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: An Overview
Lake Garda isopods are a locale variety of Armadillidium tirolense, originally collected from around Italy's largest lake in the northern regions. They're not the flashiest isopod you'll find, but they have a quiet charm that appeals to keepers who appreciate European species with natural-looking patterns.
The species was described by Verhoeff in 1934, and the Lake Garda population has become established in the UK hobby over recent years. They display the classic pill bug ability to roll into a tight ball when disturbed, which never gets old to watch.
These aren't particularly fast breeders, and they won't explode in population the way some Porcellio species do. If you're looking for rapid colony growth, you might be disappointed. However, if you want a manageable species that won't overrun an enclosure, they're worth considering.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: Appearance
Lake Garda isopods have a dark brown to black base colour with irregular yellow to white spots arranged roughly in three longitudinal rows. The pattern varies quite a bit between individuals, and some specimens will be more striking than others. Their skirts (the lateral edges of the body segments) tend to be lighter, often whitish, which creates a nice frame around the darker central portion.
Adults typically reach around 15mm in length, making them a medium-sized Armadillidium. They're not giants, but they're substantial enough to observe easily and handle if needed. Their body shape is typically dome-like and relatively broad, giving them a chunky appearance compared to flatter genera like Porcellio.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: Basic Care
These are reasonably straightforward to keep, though they do have some preferences worth noting.
Temperature: Room temperature works well for this species. They're comfortable anywhere from 18°C to 26°C, which means most UK homes won't require supplemental heating. They originate from a temperate climate, so they're not as fussy about warmth as some tropical species.
Humidity: They need access to moisture but don't want to be constantly wet. A humidity gradient works best, with one area of the enclosure kept damper than the rest. This allows them to regulate their own hydration needs. Mist one side of the enclosure regularly while keeping the other side drier.
Ventilation: Good airflow is important. Stagnant, overly humid conditions can cause problems, so ensure your enclosure has adequate ventilation. Cross-ventilation with holes on multiple sides of the container helps prevent CO2 buildup at substrate level.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: Feeding
Lake Garda isopods are detritivores and will consume the standard isopod diet without complaint.
Primary Food Sources:
- Hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech, hazel)
- Decaying hardwood
- Rotting bark
Supplemental Foods:
- Vegetable scraps (carrots, courgette, sweet potato)
- Occasional protein (fish flakes, freeze-dried shrimp)
- Commercial isopod foods
Calcium: Calcium supplementation is essential for healthy moulting and reproduction. Provide:
- Cuttlebone pieces
- Limestone chips
- Crushed eggshells
- Oyster shell
Don't overdo the fresh food. Add small amounts and remove anything uneaten before it moulds. These aren't aggressive feeders and won't demolish food overnight like Dairy Cows might.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: Substrate
As an Armadillidium species, Lake Garda isopods do well with a mineral-rich substrate that includes calcium. Avoid overly acidic mixes.
A suitable substrate might include:
- Organic topsoil as a base
- Limestone sand or calcium sand mixed through
- Rotting hardwood pieces
- Charcoal for drainage and pH management
- Sphagnum moss in the humid area
Substrate depth should be at least 5cm to allow for burrowing behaviour. These isopods will dig down, particularly when conditions on the surface aren't ideal.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: Enclosure Setup
A basic setup for a starter colony might include:
- 3-6 litre container with ventilation holes
- 5-8cm of substrate mix
- Cork bark pieces for hides
- Generous leaf litter layer
- Moss on the humid side
- Limestone or cuttlebone pieces scattered throughout
Keep the enclosure out of direct sunlight. These isopods prefer low light conditions and will spend much of their time hidden under bark and leaves. You'll see more activity at night or when you lift their hides.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: Breeding
These aren't the fastest reproducers in the hobby. Expect a slower breeding rate compared to prolific species like Porcellio laevis or even Armadillidium vulgare morphs. Females carry relatively small broods, and colony growth is steady rather than explosive.
This slower reproduction can actually be an advantage. You won't wake up one day to find thousands of isopods crammed into a small container. For keepers who want a species they can enjoy without constant population management, Lake Garda isopods are a sensible choice.
Breeding tends to pick up during warmer months. Maintaining stable conditions and providing adequate calcium will support healthy reproduction, but patience is required with this species.
Tirolense 'Lake Garda' Isopods: Bioactive Use
Lake Garda isopods can work in bioactive setups, though they're not the most efficient cleanup crew if you need rapid waste processing. They're better suited to enclosures where a slower, more measured approach to organic breakdown is acceptable.
Like other Armadillidium species, they may nibble on soft plants and mosses occasionally. This isn't usually a major problem, but it's worth considering if you have delicate plant species in the enclosure.
They pair well with springtails, which can handle smaller debris and mould prevention while the isopods tackle larger organic matter.
Who Are Lake Garda Isopods For?
These are a good fit for:
- Keepers interested in European species with natural origins
- Those who want a manageable colony that won't overpopulate
- Beginners looking for a forgiving Armadillidium to start with
- Collectors building a varied Armadillidium collection
They might not suit:
- Keepers wanting rapid population growth
- Those needing a highly efficient bioactive cleanup crew
- Anyone expecting dramatic, exotic colouration
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. A care sheet is provided with every order.
