Zebra pill woodlouse (Armadillidium maculatum)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Zebra pill woodlouse (Armadillidium maculatum) (origin: The Mediterranean region, with a focus on southeastern France and Monaco; calcareous, dry broadleaf-forest and rocky habitats). Adult size around approx. 1.3–1.8 cm. Life expectancy 2–3 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Zebra pill woodlouse: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 20×20×20 cm (from 30×20×20 cm for a group).
Zebra pill woodlouse: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Zebra pill woodlouse: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No.
Zebra pill woodlouse: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 2–3 years.
Zebra pill woodlouse: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- UVB
- No
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 20×20×20 cm (from 30×20×20 cm for a group)
- Substrate
- Deciduous forest humus with fallen leaves and white-rotted wood, 8–10 cm
Feeding
- Food
- Fallen leaves, rotten wood, vegetables, occasionally protein (fish food)
- Feeding interval
- always on offer, topped up 1–2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 1.3–1.8 cm
- Life expectancy
- 2–3 years
- Origin
- The Mediterranean region, with a focus on southeastern France and Monaco; calcareous, dry broadleaf-forest and rocky habitats
- Protection status
- —
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Group keeping; can be kept together with springtails as a clean-up crew. These animals naturally live in groups. One colony per tank; it is better not to mix colonies of different origins or colour forms so that the breeding lines stay pure.
Notes
A robust, easy-care beginner's species. Keep the substrate damp but without waterlogging, and provide good ventilation (risk of mould).
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Zebra pill woodlouse (Armadillidium maculatum) currently offered
- +10x Armadillidium maculatum "Yellow" – Wien · 15 €
Related species
- Greek pill woodlouse (Armadillidium gestroi) – Beginner
- Common pill woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare) – Beginner
- Marbled pill woodlouse (Armadillidium granulatum) – Beginner
- Clown isopod (Armadillidium klugii) – Beginner
- Nosy pill woodlouse (Armadillidium nasatum) – Beginner
- Werner's isopod (Armadillidium werneri) – Beginner to intermediate
- Little sea isopod (Cubaris murina) – Beginner
- Giant canyon isopod (Porcellio dilatatus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Zebra pill woodlouse (Armadillidium maculatum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 20×20×20 cm (from 30×20×20 cm for a group)), substrate (Deciduous forest humus with fallen leaves and white-rotted wood, 8–10 cm), 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: Wikipedia EN, garnelio.de, richardsinverts.com, bantam.earth, exotische-tierwelt.de
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).