Invertebrate · Isopod
Yellow-spotted pill bug care guide
Armadillidium gestroi
The yellow-spotted pill bug is a intermediate-level isopod from NW Italy, SE France. Adults reach Body 1.5–2 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Black and yellow pill bug that prefers a drier, well-ventilated setup.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 18–25°C
- Humidity 50–70% with a dry end
How much does a yellow-spotted pill bug cost in Canada?
Yellow-spotted pill bug quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 1.5–2 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- NW Italy, SE France
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 18–25°C
- Humidity
- 50–70% with a dry end
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Yellow-spotted 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: 18–25°C. Humidity: 50–70% with a dry end. UVB: Not needed.
What does a yellow-spotted 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; handle gently.
Health watch: Prone to losses in overly wet, stagnant enclosures.
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 yellow-spotted pill bug bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Yellow-spotted pill bug FAQ
Is the yellow-spotted pill bug good for beginners?
The yellow-spotted pill bug is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Rolls into a ball; handle gently.
What size enclosure does a yellow-spotted 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 yellow-spotted pill bug cost in Canada?
Typically $50–100 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–50 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a yellow-spotted pill bug need?
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 50–70% with a dry end.
What does a yellow-spotted 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.