Pallasii Orange Isopods (Armadillidium)

The feeling of owning a pet is mutual amongst pet lovers, but with isopods, it is drastically different and overwhelming at the same time. These tiny creatures are nothing like other pets that the majority prefer and have in their homes. As a family of crustaceans, Isopods can only thrive in a specific habitat type and expand their colony without external threats. They don’t adapt to your home’s environment, but you have to create an environment for them. A popular choice is Pallasii Orange Isopods because they are easy to keep and maintain.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Corfu Island, Greece

• Scientific Name: Armadillidium pallasii

• Difficulty: Easy

• Rarity: Not rare

• Temperature: 20-28°C

• Size: Up to 2.4 cm

• Humidity: 60-80%

• Favourable Foods: Decaying plant matter, cuttlebones, fish food flakes, cricket carcasses, dried bloodworms, vegetables, fruits, leaf litter

An Overview

Even though Pallasii Orange Isopods are not as rare as other species, you cannot find them elsewhere outside Corfu Island in Greece, where they originate from.Much bigger, these species can grow up to 2.4 cm long if the conditions are right. Give them a dry environment a dry environment with a moist corner in the enclosure, with the temperature between 20°C and 28°C, and see how actively they grow and thrive. 

These isopods are easily recognized because of their vibrant orange coloration and rounded bodies, which they roll into a ball to protect themselves from predators. They are also the largest orange Armadillidium species available.

Pallasii Orange Isopods: Basic Care

Pallasii Orange isopods are ideal for beginners. You can take care of them by following these guidelines.

• Use a secure, vented container so your isopods cannot escape. Pick a bigger enclosure because of their bigger size. 

• Without thinking twice, give them an enclosure with proper airflow, free of mold and bacterial growth.

• The humidity levels shouldn’t fluctuate too much as it causes molting issues. Just maintain the range between 50% to 60% and add a moist corner in the terrarium.

• They are adaptable to various temperatures but flourish the best at 20 °C and 28°C.

Feeding

Pallasii Orange Isopods eat a range of foods but mostly prefer organic matter as other isopods do. You can add decomposing leaves to their diet because it is both a food source and habitat for them. Besides that, you can feed soft, decaying wood, vegetables, fruits, and everything else that makes their diet nutritious. Add supplements like fish flakes, cricket carcasses, and dried bloodworms for protein sources.

Pallasii Orange Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour

• These isopods look stunning because of their bright orange coloration. Due to this reason, many hobbyists prefer them over other species.

• For protection, they can roll into a ball and hide their soft bellies from predators.

• As a part of their nature, they will come out at night and spend the day in hiding. 

• They breed very fast and form big colonies if optimal conditions exist.

Pallasii Orange Isopods: Habitat

Pallasii Orange Isopods prefer a dry habitat that is rich in organic material. You can mimic this in captivity by mixing organic soil, coco coir, and decomposing leaves that create a suitable base for them to live and burrow. Add leaf litter and cork bark for hiding spots so they can seek shelter whenever needed. Also, mist the enclosure regularly.

Substrate Mix

Preparing a good substrate mix requires little effort. From collecting various materials to layering them, you need everything essential for your isopods to live comfortably. You can use coco coir and organic soil to make the base layer. As for additives, decomposing leaves are a good choice because they enrich the substrate with nutrients and encourage natural foraging behaviors. Also, add cuttlebone or eggshells for their overall health.