Discover the impressive Italian locality of the world's most beloved isopod! These magnificent specimens from Italy represent one of the largest Armadillidium vulgare variants available in the hobby. Giant Italians combine the reliability and ease of care that made common pillbugs famous with an impressive size that commands attention. Their substantial build, classic conglobation ability, and robust nature make them perfect for both experienced keepers and ambitious beginners ready for something special.
A Glimpse
• Origin: Italy (Captive Bred) • Scientific Name: Armadillidium vulgare 'Big Italy' • Difficulty Level: Low - Beginner Friendly • Adult Size: Up to 20mm+ (0.8+ inches) • Rarity: Medium-High • Temperature: 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) • Humidity: 50% to 70% with moisture gradient • Favorite Foods: Decaying leaves, vegetables, fish food, rotting wood • Supplements: Calcium sources, occasional protein
Overview
Giant Italian isopods represent one of the most impressive locality variants of Armadillidium vulgare currently available in the isopod hobby. These substantial specimens showcase what happens when the world's most successful terrestrial crustacean reaches its full genetic potential in the favorable conditions of the Italian Mediterranean climate. Significantly larger than typical common pillbugs, Giant Italians maintain all the hardy characteristics that made their species legendary while offering a truly impressive size that rivals much rarer species. Their wide-bodied, robust build creates a commanding presence in any bioactive setup, and their classic ability to roll into perfect defensive balls never fails to fascinate observers. Originally from Italy's diverse ecosystems, these captive-bred specimens bring Mediterranean resilience to your collection.
Basic Care
Giant Italians epitomize beginner-friendly isopod keeping while offering the satisfaction of maintaining something truly special. They thrive in room temperatures between 65-80°F with remarkable tolerance for fluctuations that would stress more delicate species. Humidity should be maintained between 50-70% with essential moisture gradients - approximately one-quarter to one-third of their enclosure should remain consistently moist while the majority stays moderately humid but well-ventilated. These robust isopods appreciate good airflow and can handle slightly drier conditions than tropical species, making them forgiving for new keepers still mastering misting schedules. Their substantial size means they're easy to observe and handle, and their calm temperament makes them excellent for educational purposes or hands-on interaction.
Feeding
Calcium • Cuttlefish bone pieces (critical for their substantial exoskeletons) • Crushed eggshells mixed into substrate • Limestone granules for ongoing supplementation • Calcium powder occasionally dusted on vegetables
Protein (Weekly) • High-quality fish flakes or pellets • Dried shrimp (remove after 24 hours) • Freeze-dried bloodworms • Occasional reptile shed skin
Primary Diet • Hardwood leaf litter (oak, maple, birch, beech) • Fresh vegetables (carrot, sweet potato, squash) • White rotten wood pieces • Decomposing organic matter • Commercial isopod pellets
Appearance and Behaviour
Giant Italians are truly spectacular specimens that showcase impressive sexual dimorphism and size variation. Adults reach 20mm or more in length with remarkably wide, robust bodies that feel substantial when handled. Coloration ranges from classic gunmetal grey in males to beautiful brown tones with distinctive yellow markings in females. Their smooth, domed carapaces have a satisfying weight and solidity that sets them apart from smaller isopod species. When threatened, they demonstrate the perfect conglobation ability that Armadillidium species are famous for, rolling into tight, impenetrable balls. These social creatures naturally aggregate under cork bark and in favorite hiding spots, often forming impressive clusters. They're surprisingly active during both day and night, constantly foraging through substrate and leaf litter with methodical, purposeful movements.
Habitat
A minimum 12-quart container accommodates starter colonies, but Giant Italians truly shine in larger 25+ quart setups or 15+ gallon terrariums that showcase their impressive size and social behaviors. Substrate depth should be 2-3 inches to support their natural burrowing instincts without being excessive. Create distinct moisture zones with approximately one-quarter of the enclosure maintained as a consistently moist area using quality sphagnum moss, while the remainder stays moderately humid with excellent ventilation. Cork bark flats provide essential hiding spots where they love to congregate in large numbers, and thick hardwood leaf litter coverage supports both nutrition and natural behaviors. Good airflow is essential - provide ample ventilation holes at the container top to prevent stagnation while maintaining proper humidity levels.
Substrate Mix
Create the ideal environment with this proven mixture:
Base Layer (70%): • Quality organic topsoil (pesticide and fertilizer-free) • Aged leaf mold for natural decomposition • Small amount of peat moss for moisture retention
Nutritional Amendments (20%): • White rotten wood pieces (10% - essential nutrition) • Aged hardwood bark pieces • Earthworm castings for fertility
Mineral Supplements (10%): • Limestone granules (essential for their large exoskeletons) • Crushed oyster shell • Optional: Fine sand for drainage
Moisture Management: Maintain substrate that feels like a well-wrung sponge in the designated moist zones, never waterlogged. The dry areas should remain just slightly humid to the touch. Giant Italians are remarkably tolerant of varying moisture levels, but they require access to both moist retreat areas and well-ventilated dry zones. Monitor with occasional gentle substrate squeezing - moist areas should produce a few drops when compressed, while dry areas should feel barely damp.
Special Considerations: Giant Italians have hearty appetites that match their impressive size, so ensure substrate includes substantial amounts of decomposing wood and leaf matter. They're excellent at processing large quantities of organic waste, making them outstanding bioactive team members. Their substantial calcium requirements mean limestone amendments are particularly important for supporting their impressive exoskeleton development and successful molting cycles.
