The Armadillidium Scaberrimum Sandstone isopod is a beginner friendly species that's very adaptable to multiple climates ranging from semi-arid to borderline subtropical. Upon close inspection they have a noticeable tuberculated or bumpy carapace giving them a velvety appearance. Coloration is mostly a light beige, though some individuals also exhibit light gray hues. They tend to congregate in tight clusters under cork bark and other solid structures within their environment. They're very hardy with huge appetites and reproduce fairly easily. Being an armadillidium they can conglobate or roll up into a ball when they feel scared or threatened. They are native to Europe, most notably Greece and Croatia.
A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture. 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. They also do fine with average ventilation. Around one third to 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 at different times of the day. 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.
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. Sandstone 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.
Sandstone isopods are a great choice whether you need a bio-custodian or "pet" isopod. Their forgiving nature in regards to care combined with their wide climate adaptability make them an ideal choice for either role in a multitude of set ups. They aren't shy to eat when they're hungry and will quite readily swarm food items when offered. Their prolific nature once well established also makes them a potential feeder candidate for insectivorous reptiles and amphibians. Whether you're new to the isopod hobby, looking for something a little bit outside the typical or just need an option with a range of climate tolerances, the Sandstone Isopod is a fantastic addition for your enclosure!
Quick Facts
- Origin: Greece and Croatia
- Family Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > Scaberrimum
- Average Size: Around 0.80" inch
- Activity level: Active both day and night
- Difficulty: Easy