Armadillidium Badium is a less common isopod that has unique and intriguing coloration. Their base color is typically deep dark brown with bright yellow striping between their segments. This appearance has earned them the common name "BumbleBee Isopod" within the hobby. The coloration intensity does vary between individuals, but all have it to some degree with adult sizes being the most vibrant. These desirable isopods are also on the larger size for Armadillidium reaching on average around 0.80" inches in length. Even better they are both day and night active which makes them a great display isopod if that is your preference. Armadillidium Badium naturally occurs in the Mediterranean areas to include Malta and Sicily. The "Castledaccia" part of their name refers to the area the original specimens were collected from. They are a beginner friendly species with care needs being more or less on par with Armadillidium Vulgare.
A 6 quart gasket sealed storage bin or small glass aquarium is sufficient for a small starter culture of these beauties. Standard or bioactive enclosures can be enhanced with natural botanical items 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. A. Badium prefers a temperate climate with good 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 leaf litter and 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. They enjoy food options like squash, radishes, carrots and other veggies along with commercial isopod powdered food like Repashy. They also need some occasional protein in their diets which can be 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. Badium, if provided these basic care needs properly and consistently will flourish. They put out medium sized broods most year round and can outgrow a smaller container quite quickly once established. They are a fantastic bio-custodian and will readily do their part to minimize waste and decay. Their unique coloring combined with their hardiness and practical applications in bio-active make them a top choice in numerous categories. See our store front for many other fascinating and unique isopods!
Quick Facts
- Origin: Mediterranean Areas notably Malta and Sicily
- Family Classification: Armadillidiidae > Armadillidium > Badium
- Average Size: Around 0.70" to 0.80" inch
- Activity level: Active both day and night
- Difficulty: Easy