Common Pillbug
Armadillidium vulgare
Morph Magic Potion (US / Japan Line). The Common Pillbug. The isopod par excellence (up to 0.7 inches). The genus Armadillidium is famous worldwide for its perfect 'conglobation' capacity: in case of threat, they close into an impenetrable perfect ball (like the armadillo animal). Ridiculously resilient, adaptable to variable humidity and very prolific in captivity (Especially in the Magic Potion, Punta Cana, High Yellow morphs). Perfect clean-up crew.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
50 - 70 %
Température diurne
20 - 26 °C
Température nocturne
18 - 22 °C
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Cosmopolitan but of European Mediterranean origins. Colonizes dry grassy meadows, vegetable gardens, forest margins and sunny dry stone walls.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Armadillidiidae. (The 'Conglobating' Isopods). Unlike the Porcellionidae (which run and do not roll up), the Armadillidium fuse the plates of their highly rounded (Dome-shaped) shell into an armored protective sphere (Conglobation) leaving no gaps for predators and to disproportionately slow down bodily evaporation during droughts.
Behavior and Habits: Lazy defense spheres. Instead of running to take cover, as soon as they feel the slightest vibration or tweezer touch, they instantly collapse on themselves forming a ball (Pillbug). They remain sealed and perfect in stasis until the danger disappears. During the day they love to dig in the friable underground soil to look for fungi (Very burrowing terrestrial compared to climbing species).
Morphology: Total smooth dome (0.7 inches / 1.8 cm). Compact pale opalescent lead or natural bluish carapace. The 'Magic Potion' mutation is stunning: pearly white transparent body with bright golden yellow and messy black polka dots all over the back. Very short antennae compared to Iberian giants.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: STANDARD BINS OR MEDITERRANEAN BIOACTIVE TERRARIUMS. Battle armored animals. They tolerate simple plastic boxes without extremes. Essential thick organic soil layer (they love to burrow heavily and remain underground for days). Few horizontal corks but mountains of chopped dead leaf litter.
Lighting and Heating: ABSENCE OF DIRECT LIGHT. They survive everything: temperatures of 64-75°F (18-24°C). Explosive reproduction only at 77°F (25°C). They tolerate drastic winter cold by burrowing in the cellar (Temporary underground hibernation).
Humidity and Hydration: TOLERANT STANDARD GRADIENT (50-80%). They tolerate lower levels of humidity than many tropical isopods. Asphyxiating condensation does not kill them instantly, but the ideal box has a corner dripping with moss (to reproduce in a ball buried in the cool) and a huge ventilated space with superficial crunchy dry leaves.
Feeding and Supplementation: Slow Burrowing Omnivorous Detritivores. They feed massively on underground soft rotten wood and soil (Fundamental food for intestinal flora). They appreciate decomposing domestic vegetable scraps (soft potato peels, carrots). Proteins (Minnows or Krill) should be given with a dropper: they tolerate their absence well and are not lethally cannibalistic towards the manchae.
Compatibility: Excellent Protected Cleaning Crew. Incredibly useful for leopard geckos or medium-sized saurians. Even if bitten by a lizard, the hermetic closure in a hard 'ball' literally spits the isopod out of the mouth of the predator disgusted by the invulnerable shell. They are peaceful, blind to the rest of the world and stubborn workers of the soil.
Health and Common Diseases: Decay from lack of leaf layer / Calcium ('Molt Stagnation' ). If you raise them on pure coco fiber (sterile) or clean sand without tons of loose calcium (crushed cuttlefish bone), their wonderful 'ball' exoskeleton will crumple and they will die bent and unable to close into a sphere ever again.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Cosmopolitan but of European Mediterranean origins. Colonizes dry grassy meadows, vegetable gardens, forest margins and sunny dry stone walls.
Origine
Sélection et cultivarsEurope, Méditerranée et Asie occidentaleAsie de l'EstCosmopolite ou introduit
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Detritivore
- The diet of Armadillidium vulgare consists of specific nutrients. It forages for a variety of food sources. A well-balanced feeding regimen is essential.
- Taille adulte
- 1.8 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- Armadillidium vulgare leads a lifestyle adapted to its niche. It utilizes various elements of its habitat. Providing a complex enclosure is crucial for its enrichment.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Armadillidium vulgare dictates when it is most active. It exhibits periods of rest aligned with light cycles. Understanding these rhythms helps create a suitable schedule.
- Sociabilité
- Gregarious
- They are distinctly gregarious and thrive exponentially better when maintained in highly populated, bustling colonies rather than as isolated individuals. They display no aggression toward each other and frequently gather in massive, piled clusters in the most optimal, humid microclimates of their enclosure to collectively conserve vital moisture.
- Reproduction
- Marsupial
- Reproduction for Armadillidium vulgare involves specific mating behaviors. Females seek out appropriate nesting sites. Successful breeding requires mimicking natural conditions.
- Venimeux
- No
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Tolerant
- Handling Armadillidium vulgare should be done with care. It is recommended to allow the animal to adjust first. Gentle movements are key when handling is necessary.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- Brumation for Armadillidium vulgare is triggered by temperature changes. During this period, its metabolism slows down. Proper preparation is essential to ensure a healthy emergence.
- Mue
- Periodic
- The molting process of Armadillidium vulgare allows it to shed old layers. Adequate humidity is vital for facilitating a smooth shed. Caretakers must regularly check for retained pieces.
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