Spanish pill woodlouse (Armadillo officinalis)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Spanish pill woodlouse (Armadillo officinalis) (origin: The Mediterranean (Spain, southern Europe)). Adult size around ~1,8–2 cm. Life expectancy 3–4 years (long-lived for an isopod). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Spanish pill woodlouse: How big does the enclosure need to be?
A box of ~30 x 20 cm or larger, well ventilated.
Spanish pill woodlouse: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C.
Spanish pill woodlouse: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No.
Spanish pill woodlouse: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–4 years (long-lived for an isopod).
Spanish pill woodlouse: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Night temperature
- —
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–70 % with a clear humidity gradient (dry to humid)
- UVB
- No
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- a box of ~30 x 20 cm or larger, well ventilated
- Substrate
- Mediterranean soil and sand substrate with lime, leaf litter, cork bark
Feeding
- Food
- Leaf litter, rotten wood, vegetables, protein, calcium
- Feeding interval
- top up 1–2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- ~1,8–2 cm
- Life expectancy
- 3–4 years (long-lived for an isopod)
- Origin
- The Mediterranean (Spain, southern Europe)
- Protection status
- —
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Colony keeping. These animals naturally live in groups and do poorly on their own. One colony per tank; it is better not to mix animals of different origins so that the breeding lines stay pure. Keep an eye on food and moisture as the colony grows.
Notes
A large, fully conglobating "hissing" isopod (it hisses as it rolls up). It grows slowly, needs a humidity gradient and calcium, and must not be kept permanently wet.
Do you keep this species?
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Spanish pill woodlouse (Armadillo officinalis) currently offered
- 10x Armadillo officinalis "Pink" – Wien · 40 €
Related species
- Little sea isopod (Cubaris murina) – Beginner
- Greek pill woodlouse (Armadillidium gestroi) – Beginner
- Giant canyon isopod (Porcellio dilatatus) – Beginner
- Common pill woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare) – Beginner
- Rubber ducky isopod (Cubaris sp. Rubber Ducky) – Intermediate
- Powder blue isopod (Porcellionides pruinosus) – Beginner
- Marbled pill woodlouse (Armadillidium granulatum) – Beginner
- Common shiny woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Spanish pill woodlouse (Armadillo officinalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a box of ~30 x 20 cm or larger, well ventilated), substrate (Mediterranean soil and sand substrate with lime, leaf litter, cork bark), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: academy.herpeton.net, antsinvasion.pl, atlarium.bio, insektenliebe.com, isopod.com
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).