Invertebrate · Isopod
Common pill bug care guide
Armadillidium vulgare
The common pill bug is a beginner-level isopod from Europe (introduced across North America). Adults reach Body 1.2–1.8 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Hardy beginner species and the base of many colour morphs.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 16–25°C
- Humidity 60–75%
How much does a common pill bug cost in Canada?
Common pill bug quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 1.2–1.8 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Europe (introduced across North America)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 16–25°C
- Humidity
- 60–75%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Common pill bug enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 16–25°C. Humidity: 60–75%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a common pill bug eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium. Keep leaf litter and calcium available and add vegetables and protein weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Rolls into a ball and is ideal for gentle handling by kids.
Health watch: Lack of calcium leads to moult problems.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a common pill bug bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Common pill bug FAQ
Is the common pill bug good for beginners?
Yes – the common pill bug is a good choice for beginners. Rolls into a ball and is ideal for gentle handling by kids.
What size enclosure does a common pill bug need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a common pill bug cost in Canada?
Typically $10–25 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $15–30 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a common pill bug need?
Temperature: 16–25°C. Humidity: 60–75%.
What does a common pill bug eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium. Keep leaf litter and calcium available and add vegetables and protein weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.