Zebra Isopods
Armadillidium gestRoI
Native to france. but majority of the almost 200 armadillidium species are endemic to areas near the Mediterranean Sea, And are fairly understudied. A fairly large species, harder bodied, and typically live for two or three years, with several color variations available.
For keeping a colony of Zebra Isopods on their own and not as a clean up crew in a bioactive tank, it is recommended to use no smaller than roughly 5G / 18-20L , or an enclosure over 12 in / 30cm long and 8 in / 20cm wide. Make sure it is deep enough for a generous amount of substrate and leaf litter, as well as some cork bark, lotus pods, or other natural detritus.
Able to withstand a fairly wide range between 65-85F, 19- 29C. Ideally if keeping in their own enclosure mid 70 F is ideal, or about room temperature. In enclosures with other creatures they will naturally seek out temperature zones as necessary.
Leaf litter, dried shrimp, fish flakes, Vegetables & fruit, and, calcium supplement like eggshells or cuttle bone.
Vegetables can be fresh or frozen, and kitchen scraps are a great way to feed your isopods (pre-cooked, unseasoned Vegetables or fruit). Have some leftover pepper or spinach from dinner prep? Toss it in the pod tank and remember to clean up any uneaten food within a day or two to avoid mold or unpleasant smells.
In reptile / amphibian tanks your pods should scavenge for detritus well enough, but you can consider tossing a scrap or two somewhere your critter cant reach it, like under their water dish!
Isopods do not generally require any special lighting requirements as they are nocturnal and prefer darkness, however it is ideal to allow a day & night cycle to mimic their natural environment. LED lighting is a good option to avoid overheating small enclosures or drying out soil to intensely from any heat cast-off.
Adaptable to fairly wide humidity range but prefer higher humidity (70-80%), provide gradient in container. In enclosures will seek out moisture when needed and can prefer more tropical set ups. These, in my experience, are more susceptible to issues from drying out and are not a species to keep on the lower end or in arid enclosures and should never dry out entirely. Choose some Powder oranges or dairy cows if your moisture may fluctuate on the dry side too much!
TIPS
