{"product_id":"pallasii-isopods-armadillidium","title":"Pallasii 'Corfu' Isopods (Armadillidium pallasii) for Sale UK","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eArmadillidium pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Corfu' — Pallas's Pill Woodlouse — is one of the most rewarding larger Armadillidium available in the UK hobby. A robust Greek species from the island of Corfu (Kerkyra), it's prized for its substantial size, attractive marbled colouration, and genuinely hardy, beginner-friendly nature. Adults reach up to around 24 mm, making them one of the larger Armadillidium you can keep — properly observable display animals with real presence. The common Corfu form displays a rich deep-brown body overlaid with lighter mottled, marbled patterning, giving them a handsome, naturalistic appearance that blends beautifully against substrate and leaf litter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the Corfu locale particularly worth keeping is the combination: impressive size and attractive marbling paired with genuinely easy, forgiving care. They're hardy, tolerant of a wide temperature range, and famously prolific — breeding all year round under good conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners, a reliable workhorse cleanup crew for bioactive setups, and a productive species for keepers who want to see steady colony growth. Their large size, calcium-rich bodies, and productivity also make them a useful food source for insectivorous lizards, if that's your aim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species is named after Peter Simon Pallas, the celebrated 18th-century zoologist and botanist — the epithet \"pallasii\" is pronounced \"palace-sea-eye.\" The \"Corfu\" designation refers to this specific genetically-distinct localised population from the Greek island, which tends to be more vigorous and exhibits a wider colour range than the standard \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e in the hobby. Like all \u003cem\u003eArmadillidium\u003c\/em\u003e, they're true pill woodlice — capable of conglobating (rolling into a tight defensive ball) when disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Greek Mediterranean species, \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e does best with moderate humidity and a moisture gradient — not constant high humidity. Getting this balance right is the key husbandry point, and it's genuinely straightforward once understood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eArmadillidium pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Corfu'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pallas's Pill Woodlouse, Pallas's Pill Isopod, Corfu Pallasii, Giant Corfu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Armadillidiidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corfu (Kerkyra), Greece — Mediterranean island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to approximately 24 mm — a large Armadillidium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 years typical\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy — hardy and beginner-friendly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–28°C (wide tolerance; UK room temperature works year-round)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60–75% with a moisture gradient — avoid both excessive wetness and bone-dry conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVentilation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to high — good airflow important\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConglobation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — rolls into a tight defensive ball (classic pillbug behaviour)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nocturnal\/early-morning active, social, peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prolific — breeds reliably all year round under good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes Pallasii Corfu Isopods Special\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral factors make the Corfu locale a genuinely worthwhile Armadillidium:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpressive size.\u003c\/strong\u003e At up to 24 mm, \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Corfu' is among the larger Armadillidium available — properly substantial and easy to observe. The size gives them real display presence and makes them satisfying to watch foraging, while also making them practical as a feeder option for insectivorous reptiles if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttractive marbled colouration.\u003c\/strong\u003e The common Corfu form shows a rich deep-brown body overlaid with lighter mottled, marbled patterning. The effect is handsome and naturalistic — they blend beautifully among rocks and leaf litter, and the marbling gives each individual a slightly unique appearance. As a genetically-distinct localised population, the Corfu culture also exhibits a wider colour range than standard hobby \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenuinely hardy and beginner-friendly.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is one of the Corfu's biggest practical strengths. They're tough, adaptable, tolerant of a wide temperature range, and forgiving of minor husbandry variations. For newcomers wanting a larger, attractive, easy species, they're an excellent choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProlific all-year breeders.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e are productive breeders that reproduce reliably throughout the year under good conditions. This makes them satisfying for keepers who want to see steady colony growth, and dependable as self-sustaining bioactive custodians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent bioactive custodians.\u003c\/strong\u003e Their hardiness, size, and productivity make them genuinely useful cleanup crew in appropriate setups. They process decaying organic matter efficiently and maintain stable populations, contributing to substrate health while looking good doing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistinguished naming.\u003c\/strong\u003e Named after Peter Simon Pallas, the renowned zoologist and botanist, the species carries a genuine piece of natural-history heritage — a small but appealing detail for collectors who enjoy the stories behind their isopods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConglobation.\u003c\/strong\u003e Like all Armadillidium, they roll into a tight defensive ball when disturbed — the classic pillbug behaviour. Their substantial size makes this satisfying to observe, and the marbled patterning remains visible on the rolled body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Pallasii Corfu Compares to Other Armadillidium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're choosing between Greek and larger Armadillidium, here's how the Corfu fits in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/a-granulatum\"\u003eYellow Spanish (A. granulatum)\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are larger Armadillidium (granulatum reaches ~25mm). Granulatum are Spanish with granulated texture and yellow spots; Corfu Pallasii are Greek with marbled brown patterning. Both hardy and substantial — choose based on appearance and origin preference.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/armadillidium-frontetriangulum\"\u003eFrontetriangulum 'Corfu'\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Another Corfu-origin Greek Armadillidium you can keep. Frontetriangulum have the distinctive triangular \"mantis\" head and painted spots; Pallasii are larger with marbled brown patterning. Both hardy Greek species — natural companions in a Corfu\/Greek Armadillidium collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zebra-isopods\"\u003eZebra Isopods (A. maculatum)\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zebras are smaller with bold black-and-white striping; Pallasii Corfu are larger with marbled brown tones. Different size and pattern style — both hardy, beginner-friendly Mediterranean Armadillidium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs \u003ca href=\"\/products\/armadillidium-espanyoli-marbelized\"\u003eEspanyoli 'Marbelized'\u003c\/a\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both show marbled patterning, but Espanyoli are smaller Spanish isopods with white marble veining; Pallasii Corfu are larger Greek isopods with brown marbling. Both attractive marbled species — different scale and colour palette.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/armadillidium-isopods\"\u003eArmadillidium collection\u003c\/a\u003e to compare all species and morphs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSetting Up the Enclosure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven their larger size, provide a roomy enclosure — a 10–15 litre plastic container or terrarium suits a starter colony, with larger housing as the prolific colony grows. Plastic tubs with clip-lock lids hold appropriate humidity while allowing the ventilation Mediterranean species need. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/3l-braplast-plastic-tub\"\u003e3L Braplast tub\u003c\/a\u003e works for smaller starter groups, though established colonies genuinely benefit from more space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor ventilation, drill multiple holes on opposite sides of the container for cross-ventilation. Medium-to-high ventilation suits \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e — enough airflow to prevent stagnation while maintaining the moist zone of a gradient. Cover holes with fine mesh to prevent escapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for appropriate enclosures, vents, and other essentials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild substrate appropriate for Greek Mediterranean conditions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrganic topsoil base (pesticide-free) as the foundation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSphagnum peat moss mixed throughout for moderate moisture retention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrushed limestone or eggshells distributed throughout for calcium availability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003eFlake soil\u003c\/a\u003e mixed in for added nutrition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlenty of decaying hardwood pieces (they particularly enjoy rotten wood)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate depth: 5–8 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e for burrowing. \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e appreciate enough depth for moulting and security given their substantial size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop layer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generous hardwood leaf litter — \u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003emagnolia leaves\u003c\/a\u003e and oak leaves work particularly well for long-lasting cover. Add multiple cork bark and tree-bark pieces distributed throughout, plus a sphagnum moss patch on one side to create the moist zone of the gradient. Decaying wood is genuinely important for this species, so include plenty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHumidity and Temperature — The Key Husbandry Point\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the most important aspect of \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e care, and it's genuinely straightforward. As a Greek Mediterranean species, they need moderate humidity (around 60–75%) with a clear moisture gradient — NOT constant high humidity, but also not bone-dry. Importantly, both excessively high humidity AND overly dry conditions can lead to moulting problems, so the gradient is what matters:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoist zone (about ⅓ of enclosure):\u003c\/strong\u003e Sphagnum moss and damp leaf litter on one side, lightly misted to maintain moisture. This is where moulting individuals retreat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrier zone (about ⅔ of enclosure):\u003c\/strong\u003e Drier substrate with leaf litter and bark cover, allowed to dry between mistings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gradient lets the colony self-regulate, moving between zones as needed. Where possible, avoid spraying the animals directly — mist the substrate and moss rather than the isopods themselves. As one PostPods customer noted about following the website's care guidance for Greek isopods, proper instructions prevent the common mistake of too much moisture. Get the balance right and \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e thrive and breed prolifically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature should be 18–28°C — they have a wide tolerance and UK room temperature works year-round in most homes. Their Mediterranean origins mean they handle moderate seasonal variation well. Avoid sustained extremes, but they're genuinely forgiving on temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e are unfussy detritivores with hearty appetites befitting their size, and notably benefit from slightly more protein than many species:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary diet (always available):\u003c\/strong\u003e Decaying hardwood (they particularly enjoy rotten wood), hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech, magnolia), dried plant matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVegetables (1–2x weekly):\u003c\/strong\u003e Carrot, courgette, sweet potato, butternut squash, cucumber. Replace within 24–48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit (occasionally):\u003c\/strong\u003e Apple, banana — small amounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein (important — at least 1–2x weekly):\u003c\/strong\u003e Fish flakes, dried daphnia, freeze-dried peas, dried shrimp. \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e require slightly more protein than many other species, so don't skip this. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the full range of protein supplements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium (essential — always available):\u003c\/strong\u003e Cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, oyster shell, eggshells. Multiple sources distributed throughout — essential for healthy moulting of their large exoskeleton and for prolific breeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding approach:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain a base of leaf litter and decaying wood, supplementing with vegetables and protein regularly. Remove uneaten fresh foods within 24–48 hours to prevent mould in the moist zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Corfu' are prolific, reliable breeders — one of their genuine strengths. They reproduce all year round under good conditions, making them productive and self-sustaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding observations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFemales carry developing eggs in a marsupium (brood pouch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive mancae emerge as fully-formed miniature versions of adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreeding continues year-round under stable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePopulation growth is reliable and steady\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJuveniles develop the marbled patterning as they mature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor breeding success:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStable temperatures within the comfort range (22–24°C optimal)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProper moisture gradient (60–75% humidity, avoiding extremes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdequate calcium availability throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRegular protein supplementation (they need more than many species)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlenty of decaying wood and bark cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger starter groups provide better genetic diversity and faster establishment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColony growth:\u003c\/strong\u003e As prolific year-round breeders, \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e build colonies reliably and make excellent self-sustaining bioactive custodians. The combination of hardiness, productivity, and forgiving care makes them genuinely dependable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePair With Springtails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd a thriving \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003espringtail culture\u003c\/a\u003e to any \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e setup. Springtails handle mould and microbial growth at a scale isopods can't manage — particularly important around protein foods and in the moist zone of the moisture gradient. They coexist peacefully with the larger Pallasii and form an essential cleanup partnership for Mediterranean Armadillidium setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Buy Pallasii Corfu Isopods?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeginners wanting a large, attractive, hardy, forgiving species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeepers wanting substantial, observable Armadillidium with real presence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBioactive setup builders wanting reliable, productive Mediterranean cleanup crew\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors building Greek or Corfu-origin Armadillidium collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone wanting prolific, year-round breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeepers needing a calcium-rich feeder option for insectivorous reptiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay enthusiasts who appreciate naturalistic marbled colouration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot ideal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-humidity tropical setups (their Mediterranean needs conflict with constant wetness)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBone-dry setups (excessively dry conditions cause moulting problems)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeepers who tend to overwater (a balanced gradient is essential)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone wanting tiny, secretive species (these are large, visible isopods)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRealistic Expectations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNewly arrived \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e may take a couple of weeks to acclimate before showing full colony behaviour. As a hardy species they generally settle quickly — but allow time before expecting peak activity and breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet the humidity gradient right. The one husbandry point that genuinely matters is the moderate-humidity gradient — both too-wet and too-dry conditions can cause moulting problems. Provide a moist zone and a drier zone, mist the substrate (not the animals), and they'll thrive. This is straightforward once understood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarbled colouration varies between individuals. As a genetically-distinct Corfu population, they show a wider colour range than standard \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e, with the marbled brown patterning varying across the colony. Colour and pattern develop with maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect prolific, year-round breeding. Unlike some seasonal or slow species, \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e breed reliably throughout the year. Within months of establishment you'll see meaningful colony growth — one of the species' genuine appeals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey're Mediterranean, not tropical. Despite any older descriptions suggesting otherwise, \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e originate from Corfu in Greece — not France, and certainly not a tropical region. They want moderate Mediterranean humidity with a gradient, not tropical wetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilding Your Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complete \u003cem\u003eA. pallasii\u003c\/em\u003e setup needs basic substrate components, abundant calcium-rich materials, generous leaf litter and decaying wood, and protein supplements (they need more than most). Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for everything you need — enclosures, ventilation, leaf litter, calcium (cuttlebone, limestone, oyster shell), and protein supplements (daphnia, fish flakes, freeze-dried peas).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/armadillidium-isopods\"\u003eArmadillidium collection\u003c\/a\u003e for related Greek and Mediterranean species, or read our blog post on \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/isopod-genetics-colours-and-morphs\"\u003eisopod genetics, colours, and morphs\u003c\/a\u003e for more on Armadillidium variation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"10","offer_id":57455735964030,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20","offer_id":57455735996798,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"50","offer_id":57455736062334,"sku":null,"price":42.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/pallasii-corfu-isopods-armadillidium-pallasii-for-sale-uk-8405613.jpg?v=1779545595","url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/pallasii-isopods-armadillidium","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}