Invertebrate · Isopod
Zebra isopod care guide
Armadillidium maculatum
The zebra isopod is a intermediate-level isopod from France, Mediterranean coast. Adults reach Body 1.5–2 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Colony species. Likes calcium.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 18–25°C
- Humidity 60–75%
How much does a zebra isopod cost in Canada?
Zebra isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 1.5–2 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- France, Mediterranean coast
- 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
- 60–75%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Zebra isopod 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: 60–75%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a zebra isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium. Keep leaf litter and a calcium source always available and add vegetables and protein weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Rolls into a ball when disturbed and is easy to handle gently.
Health watch: Lack of calcium causes failed moults; keep cuttlebone or limestone in the enclosure.
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 zebra isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Zebra isopod FAQ
Is the zebra isopod good for beginners?
The zebra isopod is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Rolls into a ball when disturbed and is easy to handle gently.
What size enclosure does a zebra isopod 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 zebra isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $30–60 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 zebra isopod need?
Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 60–75%.
What does a zebra isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, vegetables, calcium. Keep leaf litter and a calcium source always 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.