Dubrovnik Isopods (Armadillidium Klugii)

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.