Armadillidium Versicolor Ceska originates from the Czech Republic and is noted for its colorful splotching patterns which consist of various shades or green over a dark base. They also typically have a touch of red on their hind quarters. These isopods are on the small side, but are not considered dwarfs. They are not overly difficult to keep and tend to reproduce on a steady basis once they are well established.
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 70s F will suit them just fine. Around half 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. 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. These 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 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.
Armadillidium Versicolor has a few other locales in the hobby, but Ceska is considered among the most desirable with their flashy unique green hues. Their smaller size can be advantageous in some set ups, but do keep in mind they have a tendency to eat soft bodied plants. They tend to huddle in clusters underneath cork bark and other objects by day, but can easily be seen moving about at night once the lights go out.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Czech Republic
- Family Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > A. Versicolor
- Average Size: Between 0.60" to 0.70" inch
- Activity level: Primarily nocturnal
- Difficulty: Easy