Origin & Behavior

Armadillidium maculatum originates from the leafy, warmer regions of southern France and neighboring Mediterranean areas. As a pill bug , it can conglomerate when threatened. The species is crepuscular to nocturnal, but in well-structured setups, it is often also seen during the day—especially when feeding.

Terrarium & furnishings

Size & Ventilation

For a starting group of 25–35 animals , boxes of 5–10 liters or larger or glass terrariums of 20×20×20 cm or larger are sufficient. Good ventilation (lid and sides) is essential to ensure that the humidity is distributed in a localized area and avoids stifling dampness.

Substrate & soil layers

A good base is a layer of at least 5 cm of loose forest soil with plenty of white-rot hardwood (crumbled) and dry leaves . A practical starting mix is ​​forest soil : wood : leaves ≈ 2 : 1 : 1. Mix in crushed cuttlebone and add additional pieces.

Humidity management

Zebra pill bugs thrive in moderate overall humidity , but they require a permanently moist corner (approximately 70–80% RH)—ideally a pile of moss or leaves. The rest of the area remains moderately moist to slightly dry. This allows the animals to choose the right microclimate.

Feeding

Permanent food: Rotted leaves and dead wood should always be available. Supplement small portions of vegetables/leaves (e.g., zucchini, carrots, Chinese cabbage, blackberry/beech leaves) once or twice a week . Lichen is readily accepted.

Protein: Animal protein is important for litter size, growth, and molting: Gammarus, dried insects, or fish flakes in small , clean portions. Remove any leftovers promptly.

Lime: Add cuttlebone/mineral mix/eggshells regularly – essential for building shells.

Breeding & Development

The gestation period is typically approximately 4–6 weeks . Each litter usually contains 20–35 pups , which develop their characteristic "zebra plumage" after a few molts. At approximately 22–25 °C, pups reach breeding maturity after approximately 4–6 months ; adult size is reached after approximately 6–8 months . The lifespan is often approximately 1.5–2 years .

Constant, non-waterlogged moisture in the substrate stabilizes litters and molts.

Care & Hygiene

• Partial substrate change every 3–4 months (never all at once), maintain microfauna.
• Detect overstocking early and thin out the colony or enlarge the tank if necessary.
• Mite prevention through good ventilation, moderate feeding and removal of protein residues.
• Remove mold in specific areas; check moisture management and airflow.

Posture report – step by step

1. Choose a tank: Faunabox 5–10 liters; lid and sides well ventilated.
2. Prepare substrate: at least 5 cm; starter mix 2:1:1 (forest soil: wood: leaves); mix in cuttlefish.
3. Structure & hiding places: Cork bark, pieces of bark, piles of leaves; create a permanently moist moss corner.
4. Humidity gradient: Maintain humid zone (~70–80% RH) stable; keep the remaining area moderately to slightly dry.
5. Establish a starting colony: 25–35 animals; 24 hours of rest.
6. Start feeding: Leaves/dead wood permanently; 2x/week small portions of green fodder + protein.
7. Check after 14 days: substrate loose, no standing water; add cuttlefish if necessary; check ventilation.