Zebra Armadillidium maculatum
The classic banded isopod — bold black-and-white striping that never gets old.
Overview
Armadillidium maculatum 'Zebra' is the standard color form of one of the most popular display isopods in the hobby. Its crisp black-and-cream banding makes it immediately recognizable. Hardy, prolific, and attractive — a cornerstone species for any collection.
Habitat & Setup
Substrate mix: For best results, use Isopod Paradise Organic Substrate specifically formulated to support healthy colonies. If you would rather mix your own, we recommend a blend of 70% organic topsoil, 10% flake soil, 10% milled sphagnum moss, 8% organics(mushroom compost, earthworm castings and leaf litter) and 2% calcium
Hides & decor: Bark tubes and flats, leaf litter layer, moss patches, coco huts, lotus pods. Cuttlebone for calcium source.
Moisture: Mild gradient — slightly damp on one side.
Diet & Feeding
Classic generalist detritivore. Calcium supplementation is important to support healthy molting of their banded exoskeleton.
✓ Feed These
- Oak & magnolia leaf litter
- Squash, carrot, sweet potato
- Fish flakes or dried shrimp
- Powder formulas like Isopod Chow, Repashy Morning Wood, Bug Burger, etc.
Feeding frequency: Rotate foods on a weekly basis. Remove leftover food when food begins to mold.
Breeding & Lifecycle
Reliable, steady breeders. Females carry 15–25 eggs in a marsupium. Prolific once established, but slower growing.
Mancae care: Mancae emerge with faint striping that sharpens as they mature.
Colony tips: Keep separate from Chocolate Zebra to preserve morph integrity. 30+ adults breeds consistently.
The banding pattern of each A. maculatum is unique — researchers have used their stripes to individually identify animals in behavioral studies.