Pudding Isopods (Armadillidium klugii 'Pudding') are a distinctive colour morph within the popular Clown Isopod family. What sets Pudding apart from its Dubrovnik and Montenegro cousins is the absence of the characteristic red skirting - instead, these isopods display a more subdued but equally attractive appearance with white or yellow spots on a brown to dark brown body, edged with a transparent white border.
Native to the Montenegro region of the Balkans along the Adriatic coast, Pudding Isopods share the hardy, adaptable nature of all Armadillidium klugii varieties. They're among the more beginner-friendly Clown morphs, thriving in semi-arid conditions that would stress many tropical isopod species.
Their pattern is believed to mimic the Mediterranean Black Widow spider (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) - a form of protective mimicry that makes them appear dangerous despite being completely harmless. The Pudding variety achieves this effect without the red colouration, relying instead on the stark contrast of light spots against dark background.
Like all Clown Isopods, they're excellent display animals that become more bold and visible as colony numbers increase. They also make effective bioactive cleanup crews, particularly suited to drier setups where high-humidity species wouldn't thrive.
A Glimpse
Origin: Montenegro (Balkan region, Adriatic coast)
Scientific Name: Armadillidium klugii
Variety: Pudding
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Size: Up to 2cm (approximately 18-21mm)
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Temperature: 21-29°C (70-85°F), optimal 23-26°C (74-79°F)
Humidity: 40-60% (with strong moisture gradient)
Rarity: Medium to High
An Overview
The Pudding morph is one of several colour varieties within the Armadillidium klugii species complex. All klugii varieties originate from the Adriatic coastline, spanning from Croatia through Montenegro into southern Albania and western Greece.
What distinguishes Pudding from other Clown morphs is straightforward: no red. While Dubrovnik displays prominent red skirting and Montenegro shows red edges with yellow central spots, Pudding lacks these red markings entirely. Instead, you'll see:
- Base colour ranging from light brown to dark brown (sometimes with purple tones)
- Three rows of spots running lengthwise down the body
- Spots can be white, yellow, or a mix of both
- Transparent white edging along the segments instead of red skirting
This makes Pudding easily distinguishable from its more colourful relatives at a glance. Some keepers appreciate the more subtle, muted aesthetic, while others prefer it as a contrast piece in collections featuring the bolder Dubrovnik or Montenegro varieties.
The name "Pudding" likely references their colouration - the brown tones with pale spotting somewhat resemble a spotted dessert pudding.
Like all Clown Isopods, Puddings can be slow to establish in new cultures, and losing some individuals during the initial settling period is normal. However, once a colony gets going, they become prolific breeders that reward patient keepers with thriving populations.
Comparison with Other Klugii Varieties
Understanding the differences helps identify your isopods and maintain pure lines:
Pudding - No red colouration. Brown body with white and/or yellow spots. Transparent white edging. The most subdued of the common varieties.
Montenegro - Yellow spots running down the centre, red skirting around edges, darker body. Good colour contrast.
Dubrovnik - Higher levels of red throughout, predominantly white spots, some individuals almost entirely red ("Dubrovnik Red Phase").
Montenegro Orange - Selectively bred variant with vibrant orange base colour instead of dark brown/red.
If maintaining pure lines matters, keep varieties separate. They can interbreed, producing offspring with mixed characteristics.
Basic Care
Pudding Isopods share care requirements with all Armadillidium klugii varieties - they're adapted to the temperate, semi-arid conditions of the Adriatic coast rather than tropical humidity.
Temperature should be maintained between 21-29°C (70-85°F). Room temperature works fine, but they thrive and breed more readily at slightly elevated temperatures around 23-26°C (74-79°F). Night drops to 16-18°C (low 60s°F) won't harm them and actually mimic natural conditions. Daytime highs shouldn't exceed 29°C (low 80s°F).
Humidity is where Pudding Isopods differ significantly from tropical species. They prefer semi-arid conditions of 40-60% overall, with a crucial moisture gradient:
- Approximately one-third of the enclosure kept damp (not wet) with sphagnum moss
- Middle section moderately moist with leaf litter and bark coverage
- Remaining section completely dry with just leaf litter
This gradient allows them to osmoregulate - moving between zones to maintain proper hydration. Avoid uniformly wet conditions, which can cause moulting problems and lead to colony crashes.
Ventilation is particularly important. These isopods thrive with average to high ventilation - they're among the few species suited to semi-arid setups. Good airflow prevents stagnation, mould, and pest problems. However, balance is needed - excessive ventilation can dry things out too quickly.
Enclosure type: Glass or acrylic terrariums for display, ventilated plastic containers for breeding colonies. A 6-8 quart storage tote or 5-10 gallon aquarium suits a starter colony of 12-20 isopods.
They're burrowers rather than climbers, making escape unlikely.
Feeding
Pudding Isopods are detritivores with a notable appreciation for protein - more so than many isopod species.
Primary foods (should always be available):
Hardwood leaf litter (oak, magnolia)
Magnolia pods (a particular favourite of all klugii)
Decaying hardwood
Cork bark
Vegetable foods (offered regularly):
Carrots
Potatoes
Squash
Sweet potato
Mushrooms
Dried peas and beans
Protein supplementation (essential, 1-2 times weekly):
Freeze-dried minnows
Dried shrimp or shrimp pellets
Fish flakes or pellets
Insect frass
Calcium supplementation (always available):
Cuttlebone
Crushed eggshells
Oyster shells
Leaf powder
Important: Feed protein sources on the drier side - wet protein foods spoil quickly in humid areas and attract pests. Klugii varieties greatly benefit from consistent protein and calcium supplementation; colonies thrive with these additions and may struggle without them.
They may snack on soft plants and mosses, so keep them away from prized terrarium plants.
Remove uneaten food before it spoils to prevent mould and pest issues.
Appearance and Behaviour
Pudding Isopods are medium-sized, reaching approximately 18-21mm (about 2cm) as adults. They have the typical Armadillidium body shape - oval, highly domed, and capable of rolling into a tight defensive ball (conglobation).
Colouration:
- Base colour ranges from light brown to dark brown, sometimes with purple undertones
- Three parallel rows of spots running lengthwise
- Spots can be white, yellow, or mixed
- Transparent white edging along segment margins (no red)
- Older specimens may show slightly different tones than juveniles
Their appearance mimics the Mediterranean Black Widow spider - a form of protective camouflage that makes them appear dangerous to potential predators despite being completely harmless. The Pudding variety achieves this mimicry without red colouration.
Their exoskeleton is heavily calcified, providing substantial protection and making them a calcium-rich food source for any predators that do consume them.
Sexual dimorphism:
- Females develop a visible white brood pouch (marsupium) between their legs as they mature
- Males lack this cavity
- Females tend to be slightly larger than males
Behaviourally, Pudding Isopods are:
- Somewhat shy initially, becoming bolder as colony numbers increase
- Primarily burrowers (dig into substrate rather than climb)
- Non-aggressive and safe to handle
- Good display animals once established
- Active and visible when comfortable
Like all klugii varieties, they can be slow to establish in new environments. Fresh cultures may take several weeks to months before breeding begins, with some losses of older individuals during this period. This is normal - patience is essential.
Habitat
Creating the right habitat focuses on the moisture gradient and ventilation these isopods require.
Enclosure options:
Glass or acrylic terrariums for display
Ventilated plastic containers (6-8 quart) for breeding colonies
Small aquariums (5-10 gallons) work well
Gasket-sealed storage totes with ventilation holes
Temperature: 21-29°C (70-85°F), optimal around 23-26°C (74-79°F).
Humidity: 40-60% with strong moisture gradient. Semi-arid overall.
Ventilation: Average to high. These isopods tolerate and benefit from good airflow.
Substrate depth: At least 5-7cm (2-3 inches) to allow burrowing.
Moisture gradient setup:
- Damp zone (approximately 1/3): Lightly damp sphagnum moss covering hides and leaf litter
- Transition zone: Moderately moist with leaf litter and bark
- Dry zone: Completely dry, covered only with leaf litter
Hides: Provide on both damp and dry sides - cork bark, rotting wood slabs, leaf litter coverage. This allows isopods to choose their preferred microclimate while remaining under cover.
Important: They will not fare well if the entire enclosure is damp or wet. These are semi-arid species that struggle in tropical conditions.
They're well-suited as cleanup crews for bioactive setups requiring drier conditions - a niche where many isopod species wouldn't thrive.
Substrate Mix
The substrate should support the moisture gradient while providing nutrition and burrowing opportunities.
Base substrate:
Quality bioactive substrate mix
Organic topsoil and coco coir blend
Commercial isopod substrate
Essential additions:
Generous hardwood leaf litter throughout
Decaying hardwood pieces
Cork bark flats and pieces
Sphagnum moss (for damp zone only - approximately 1/3 of enclosure)
Calcium supplementation:
Crushed eggshells mixed throughout
Cuttlebone pieces scattered in enclosure
Layer structure:
- Base: 5-7cm substrate with good drainage
- Top: Thin layer of leaf litter throughout, deeper on dry side
- Damp zone: Wet sphagnum moss covering hides
- Hides: Cork bark, wood pieces on both damp and dry sides
The deeper substrate combined with leaf litter on top of the damp section helps retain humidity while reducing watering frequency. Good drainage is essential - avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Consider refreshing substrate and adding new bloodlines every 6-12 months to maintain colony health and genetic diversity.
Breeding
Pudding Isopods breed reliably once established, though they're typically slower to get started than some species.
Establishment period: Like all klugii varieties, new colonies take time to settle. Most keepers report 3-4 months before offspring start appearing. Losing some older individuals during this initial period is common and doesn't necessarily indicate care problems.
Breeding indicators:
- Females: White brood pouch (marsupium) visible between legs when mature
- Males: No cavity between legs
- Females tend to be slightly larger than males
Optimal breeding conditions:
- Temperature at 23-26°C (74-79°F) - slightly elevated temperatures encourage reproduction
- Strong moisture gradient maintained consistently
- Good ventilation
- Regular protein and calcium supplementation (particularly important for breeding success)
- Minimal disturbance
Breeding rate: Once established, they become very prolific. Breeding occurs most readily during warmer months but continues year-round under stable conditions.
Monitoring: Check colonies weekly as part of routine maintenance. Look for mancae (babies), gravid females, and any issues needing attention.
Colony health tips:
- Maintain consistent conditions - klugii can crash if care requirements slip
- Don't let calcium and protein supplementation lapse
- Avoid harsh chemicals, candle smoke, and strong fragrances near enclosures
- Add new bloodlines periodically to maintain genetic diversity
- Refresh substrate occasionally
- Feed protein on the dry side to prevent spoilage
The key with Pudding Isopods (and all klugii) is consistency. They're not difficult, but they don't tolerate neglect of their specific requirements - particularly the moisture gradient, ventilation, and protein supplementation. Meet these needs reliably, and you'll be rewarded with a thriving, prolific colony.
