Chocolate Zebra Isopods — Armadillidium maculatum

Chocolate Zebra Isopods — Armadillidium maculatum “Chocolate Zebra”

They’re hardy, attractive and relatively easy-to-keep isopods known for their rich chocolate-brown colouring and contrasting lighter bands. Chocolate Zebras are an excellent choice for bioactive enclosures and make a beautiful display species. They thrive in a temperate to semi-arid environment with good ventilation, plenty of leaf litter, decaying hardwood and access to a moist refuge. 🦎🤎

🌍 Origin: Armadillidium maculatum is native to southern Europe, particularly areas around southern France and the Mediterranean region. They are naturally associated with relatively dry, coastal Mediterranean habitats. “Chocolate Zebra” is a selectively bred colour variation of A. maculatum rather than a separate species.

Excellent for temperate to semi-arid bioactive enclosures, provided they have access to a consistently moist refuge while the rest of the enclosure remains relatively dry and well ventilated.

A good setup is:

• 💧 Moisture: Maintain a clear moisture gradient, with approximately ¼–⅓ of the enclosure kept moist and the remaining area allowed to stay drier. The moist area should always be available for hydration and moulting.
• 🏜️ Semi-arid enclosure: They are well suited to drier Mediterranean-style environments and generally do not require a constantly humid enclosure.
• 🍂 Food: Leaf litter and decaying hardwood should always be available. Supplement with vegetables and occasional protein such as dried shrimp, fish flakes or suitable isopod food.
• 🪵 Hides: Cork bark, decaying hardwood, bark pieces and plenty of leaf litter provide shelter and create useful variations in moisture.
• 🦴 Calcium: Provide a constant calcium source such as cuttlebone, calcium carbonate, crushed eggshell or limestone to support healthy exoskeleton development and moulting.
• 🌡️ Temperature: Approximately 18–25°C (65–77°F) is a suitable range. They generally do well at normal room temperatures; avoid prolonged excessive heat.
• 📏 Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 cm (½–¾ inch).

Chocolate Zebras are active, hardy and relatively easy to establish, making them a great choice for beginners looking for a colourful Armadillidium. Like other members of the genus, they are capable of rolling into a ball when disturbed.

They reproduce at a steady pace, rather than as explosively as Powder Blue or Powder Orange isopods, making them a nice choice for a manageable long-term colony.

Hardy • Rich chocolate colouring • Beautiful banding • Beginner friendly • Excellent clean-up crew

*12 Isopods