Armadillidium Isopods

Armadillidium Klugii "Pudding" is another popular color morph in the Klugii family that originates from the Montenegro locale. It distinguishes itself from it's other counterparts by lacking the red skirt on it's sides. The base color ranges from light to dark brown and the classic 3 rows of spots that run down their segments can be yellow, white or a mix of both. These colorful clown isopods have a somewhat shy disposition but will become more bold as numbers increase. Clown isopods are possibly the most readily accessible and widely affordable isopods available in the hobby that have bright, vivid variable coloring that rivals some of the more exotic and high priced isopods like those in the Merulanella family. Their fun almost clown like polka dot spotting along with their endearing nature makes them a must have for any collection.  Average room temperature will suit them just fine but they are noted to thrive better at slightly elevated temperatures of 74-79F. This species prefers a sharp moisture gradient with 1/3 up to 1/2 of the enclosure being lightly damp and the rest dry to bone dry. They will not fair well if all of the enclosure is damp or wet. They enjoy all of the classic isopod food fares like squash, carrots and other veggies along with any commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. However, they greatly benefit from protein in the form of freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, fish flakes and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests.  While this unique terrestrial crustacean is not overly difficult to keep, a culture can crash rather quickly if their specific care needs like moisture gradient, ventilation, and protein based foods are not consistently adhered to. They are typically on the slow side to reproduce. But once established they will be very prolific on a regular basis. See our full care guide for Armadillidium Klugii "Pudding" which has comprehensive expanded details for all care aspects of this interesting isopod species! Quick Facts Origin: Mediterranean areas including India, and central to north Africa  Scientific Name: Armadillidium Klugii Morph Name: Pudding Characteristics: A mutation of the Montenegro line that lacks the red skirt Size: Around 0.5 inch on average Activity level: Generally reclusive but more bold with high numbers

A. Werneri is actually one of the larger Armadillidiums reaching sizes of up to 0.85" inch in length and they are fairly bulky as well. This gives reason for their common name in the hobby of "Greater Clown Isopod". They tend to be on the shy side and stay hidden during most daylight hours only coming out to forage and explore when it's dark. But larger cultures will exhibit some level of daytime activity. The orange coloring varies slightly from individual to individual with the middle section usually a bit darker than the edges. But overall nice bright coloring with attractive contrasting white spotting from the head to end section.  For housing, a 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture of 12 to 25 individuals. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanicals to simulate the isopods habitat in the wild. This helps them feel secure which in turn promotes their natural processes like eating and breeding. Average room temperature around the mid 70sF will suit them just fine. Avoid temperatures lower than the mid 60sF and no higher than 80F. Like it's Klugii cousins, A. Werneri prefers it's climate slightly drier overall with easy access to a moist area when they need to re-hydrate their gills. Around one quarter to one third of the enclosure should have damp (not wet) sphagnum moss with the remainder being a bit on the dry side, but not completely devoid of some moisture. It's not an issue to let it get drier than most other isopods may need, but do avoid allowing it to become 100% bone dry. They will often migrate between moist and dry areas as needed to maintain their needed ambient humidity levels. A few pieces of cork bark strategically placed over some of the moist side will help retain the humidity levels and reduce the frequency of watering needed to maintain a proper moisture gradient. A longer piece that straddles both the moist and drier area also seems to be beneficial for this species.  Isopods are detritivores. Their primary diet in nature is dried leaf litter and rotting decayed wood. Both of these should always be available in abundance. They will also happily consume any other decomposing organic plant or animal matter they come across. As such it is vital to supplement your isopods with other food sources on a semi regular basis. Marbleized Isopods relish food options like squash, carrots, cucumbers and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy Morning Wood. They also appreciate some protein once or twice a week so offer them things like freeze dried minnows, shrimp, fish pellets, dried insects and other protein based food sources. Be sure to feed these on the drier side as they can spoil quickly in humid environments and attract unwanted pests. A. Werneri Orange is not overly difficult to keep so long as you consistently provide the proper environment they need to thrive. They do tend to be on the slower side to reproduce, so understand it takes patience and time to see a few turn into many. At least 4-6 months of good care before you will notice tiny mancae in the substrate. They are also on the slower side to mature to breeding age taking 6+ months before they can contribute to increasing numbers. These facts are likely one of the biggest reasons this isopod is not quite common and readily available being somewhat hard to find. But they are an amazing and rewarding addition worth having in any collection! Quick Facts Origin: Greece and select Turkish islands Family Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > A. Werneri Average Size: Between 0.80" to 0.85" inch Activity level: Primarily nocturnal. Some day activity is common with larger established cultures Difficulty: Intermediate