Armadillidium gestroi “White Spotted”

Technical Data Sheet: Armadillidium gestroi “White Spotted”

Scientific Name: Armadillidium gestroi “White Spotted”

Common Name: Armadillidium gestroi white spotted

Family: Armadillidiidae

Description: The Armadillidium gestroi “White Spotted” is a terrestrial isopod known for its distinctive coloration, featuring a dark body with scattered white spots. Its segmented exoskeleton allows it to roll into a ball when threatened. This variety is highly valued among isopod enthusiasts and in bioactive terrariums.

Size: Reaches an adult length of approximately 1.5 cm to 2 cm.

Natural Habitat: Native to Europe, it inhabits humid environments with organic-rich soils, often hiding under logs, stones, and leaf litter.

Care Requirements:

• Humidity: Moderate to high (60-80%). A humid and a drier area within the terrarium is recommended.
• Temperature: Between 18°C and 26°C.
• Ventilation: Moderate, avoiding excessive condensation.
• Substrate: A mix of coconut fiber, dry leaves, moss, and decaying wood.

Diet: Omnivorous and detritivorous. Feeds on decomposing organic matter, dry leaves, rotting wood, calcium-rich foods (cuttlefish bone, crushed eggshells), and occasionally fruits and vegetables.

Behavior: Moderately active, social, and gregarious. It is recommended to keep them in colonies. Their ability to roll into a ball serves as an effective defense mechanism against predators.

Reproduction: Easily reproduces in captivity, with a gestation period of approximately 2 months. Offspring hatch as miniature versions of the adults and develop through successive molts.

Uses and Benefits:

• Contributes to ecological balance in bioactive terrariums.
• Helps decompose organic material.
• A fascinating species for breeding and keeping exotic isopods.

Observations: For proper maintenance, a varied diet should be provided, and humidity and ventilation levels must be controlled to prevent dehydration or excessive fungal growth in the substrate.