{"product_id":"tenerife-white-light-purple-isopods","title":"Tenerife White \u0026 Light Purple Isopods (Armadillidium sp)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful locale-specific Armadillidium from the Canary Island of Tenerife, displaying a pale white body with subtle light purple tones across the dorsal segments. These aren't a selectively-bred colour morph — they're a natural population from Tenerife that happens to express soft lilac-and-white colouration. That makes them genuinely distinctive and a nice alternative to the more common European Armadillidium species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt £12 for 10, £20 for 20, or £45 for 50, they're an accessible Armadillidium option with more visual interest than standard \u003cem\u003eA. vulgare\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Glimpse\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eArmadillidium sp.\u003c\/em\u003e — species-level identification isn't confirmed for this Tenerife locale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tenerife, Canary Islands (Europe)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Armadillidiidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 20 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy — beginner-friendly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–27°C — tolerant of standard UK room temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40–60% — moderate humidity with a moisture gradient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Common\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConglobation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — they roll into a ball when disturbed, like all Armadillidium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes Them Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Armadillidium in the UK hobby come from mainland Europe — France, Spain, Italy, the Balkans. Tenerife, being a volcanic island off the northwest coast of Africa with its own evolutionary history, produces isopod populations that can look and behave slightly differently from their mainland cousins. The Canary Islands host around 36 native isopod species, many of them endemic to specific islands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tenerife White \u0026amp; Light Purple displays pale colouration with gentle purple hues — softer and more pastel than the vivid morphs you'll see in selectively-bred \u003cem\u003eA. vulgare\u003c\/em\u003e lines like Magic Potion. If you prefer subtle, naturalistic colouration over the candy-bright designer morphs, these fit that preference well. They also look distinctive against dark substrates where the pale body catches the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehaviourally, they share the key Armadillidium trait: rolling into a tight ball (conglobation) when disturbed. This is the defining feature of the genus and what separates \"pill bugs\" from \"sow bugs.\" It's also why Armadillidium species are often the first isopods people encounter as children — rolling them into a ball is part of their universal appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy They're a Great Beginner Choice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmadillidium species are widely recommended as starter isopods for good reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForgiving of minor mistakes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mediterranean-origin Armadillidium tolerate a reasonable range of conditions. They don't need the precise humidity control that tropical Cubaris or Ardentiella demand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoom temperature is fine.\u003c\/strong\u003e No heating required in most UK homes. They'll do well at typical indoor temperatures year-round.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisible and active.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike some shy species that stay hidden under leaf litter, Armadillidium come out to forage and can often be spotted on the substrate surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSteady breeding.\u003c\/strong\u003e Once established, colonies grow at a predictable pace. Not explosive like \u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e, but reliable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAffordable entry point.\u003c\/strong\u003e At £12 for 10, you can start a viable colony without the investment required for rarer species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf this is your first Armadillidium, you might also want to consider them alongside \u003ca href=\"\/products\/porcellio-scaber-mix-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/a\u003e for a different body shape and behaviour profile, or browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/armadillidium-isopods\"\u003eArmadillidium collection\u003c\/a\u003e for other species and morphs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Enclosure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard 6–8 litre plastic tub or small glass enclosure works well for a starter colony of 10–20. Larger colonies benefit from proportionally larger enclosures — Armadillidium don't need much vertical space but appreciate horizontal floor area for foraging and establishing territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVentilation is important. Armadillidium, unlike tropical species, don't tolerate stagnant humid air well. Use a tight-fitting lid with several ventilation holes or mesh sections, ideally on opposite sides for cross-ventilation. Too little airflow causes mould and mite issues; too much dries the enclosure out too quickly. A balanced approach works best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e has air vents and enclosure fittings that provide controlled airflow without over-drying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Moisture Gradient\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the most important husbandry concept for Armadillidium. Rather than keeping the entire enclosure at a single humidity level, create a gradient — one third to half the enclosure should be lightly damp, the remainder drier. This lets the isopods choose the conditions they need at any given moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDamp side:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist substrate topped with sphagnum moss or damp leaf litter. Mist this area to maintain moisture. Aim for damp, not waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDry side:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drier substrate with a thinner leaf litter layer. This side needs occasional light misting or spot-watering to prevent complete desiccation, but should stay noticeably drier than the moist side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacing hides (cork bark, bark pieces, hollow pieces) across both zones gives the colony sheltered options at each moisture level. This gradient approach is how Mediterranean and Canary Island Armadillidium evolved to thrive — they self-regulate by moving between zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBase substrate should be organic topsoil (pesticide-free) mixed with some hardwood leaf litter. For added nutrition, mix in \u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003eflake soil\u003c\/a\u003e — fermented hardwood that provides long-term food value throughout the enclosure. Substrate depth of 3–5 cm is adequate for Armadillidium; they don't burrow deeply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTop the substrate generously with leaf litter. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003eMagnolia leaves\u003c\/a\u003e provide long-lasting cover that Armadillidium use for shelter and gradual grazing. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003eBamboo leaf litter\u003c\/a\u003e mixed in adds structural variety and keeps the litter layer airy. A good leaf litter layer is essential — if you can see bare substrate, you need more leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e18–27°C covers their comfort range, and typical UK room temperature sits comfortably within this. No heating required in most homes. They tolerate modest temperature fluctuations well — a slight night drop is actually beneficial and mimics natural conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight or near heat sources that cause rapid temperature swings. Stability is more important than hitting any specific temperature within the comfort range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary diet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried leaf litter and soft rotting wood — always available in the enclosure. This isn't a supplement, it's the foundation of their nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVegetables and fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cucumber, courgette, carrot, sweet potato, squash, and similar vegetables offered 1–2 times per week in pencil-eraser-sized pieces. Remove uneaten pieces after 12–24 hours to prevent mould and pest issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProtein:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freeze-dried shrimp, fish flakes, dried mealworms, or dried bloodworm offered 1–2 times per week. Place protein foods on the dry side of the enclosure — they spoil quickly in damp conditions and attract pests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Essential for healthy moulting and reproduction. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e left permanently in the enclosure gives them access whenever they need it. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-isopods\"\u003eLimestone\u003c\/a\u003e pieces provide a passive calcium source and add habitat structure at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Armadillidium can be opportunistic plant-nibblers. If you're keeping them in a planted bioactive setup, don't use them with plants you can't afford to lose — they'll occasionally snack on soft plant material and moss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmadillidium breed steadily under good conditions. Females carry eggs in a brood pouch (marsupium) on the underside of the body, and emerge with live mancae after the eggs hatch. You'll first notice successful breeding when small pale mancae start appearing in the leaf litter — usually a few weeks after establishing a colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReproduction rate is moderate — not as fast as \u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e, but reliable. A starter colony of 10 should establish and begin producing offspring within 1–3 months under good conditions. Within 6–12 months, a well-maintained colony will typically triple or quadruple in size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePair With Springtails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdding a \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003espringtail culture\u003c\/a\u003e to any Armadillidium setup helps manage mould and breaks down frass at a scale the isopods themselves can't handle. Springtails and isopods coexist without conflict and form the classic \"cleanup crew\" pairing in bioactive setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding a complete enclosure:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlake Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — fermented hardwood substrate for nutrition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — long-lasting leaf cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBamboo Leaf Litter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — structural leaf layer with good airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — essential calcium for moulting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalawi Limestone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — passive calcium and habitat enrichment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — cleanup crew for mould and frass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosures \u0026amp; Air Vents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — for properly ventilated housing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a full walkthrough on putting a setup together, see our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/setting-up-selecting-your-first-isopods\"\u003eguide to setting up and selecting your first isopods\u003c\/a\u003e. For more on the genus and related species, browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/armadillidium-isopods\"\u003eArmadillidium collection\u003c\/a\u003e or explore \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eall isopods for sale\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"10","offer_id":57278635049342,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"20","offer_id":57278635082110,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"50","offer_id":57278635114878,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/tenerife-white-light-purple-isopods-armadillidium-sp-1005192.jpg?v=1776636972","url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/tenerife-white-light-purple-isopods","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}