Pineapple Spiky (Cristarmadillidium muricatum)

Habitat

• Container:
  Use a plastic or glass container with a secure, ventilated lid. Drill small holes or use a mesh lid for airflow while maintaining humidity.
• Substrate:
  Provide 2-3 inches of moist substrate, such as a mix of coco coir, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter. Add crushed eggshells or cuttlebone for calcium.
• Hides:
  Add bark, cork pieces, or decomposing wood for shelter and additional food.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature:
  Maintain between 70-85°F, depending on the species. Most isopods thrive in moderate to warm conditions.
• Humidity:
  Keep the habitat moist (60-80% humidity). Mist lightly every few days but avoid waterlogging the substrate.

Food

• Diet:
  Isopods primarily eat decomposing organic matter. Provide leaf litter, rotting wood, and decaying plant material.
• Supplement:
  Offer small amounts of vegetables (e.g., zucchini, carrots) or commercial isopod food. Replace uneaten food regularly to avoid mold.
• Calcium
  Source: Provide crushed eggshells, cuttlebone, or calcium powder to support healthy molting.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Spot
  Cleaning: Remove moldy or uneaten food regularly to prevent overgrowth.
• Substrate
  Refresh: Replace the substrate every 3-6 months or as needed, but leave some old material to retain beneficial microbes.

Lifecycle

• Reproduction:
  Isopods are prolific breeders, producing live young (mancae) that look like tiny adults. They mature in 8-12 weeks.
• Colony
  Growth: A healthy colony can double in size within a few months under optimal conditions.

Species Considerations

• Arid Species (e.g., Porcellio dialatatus): Tolerant of lower humidity and warm temperatures.
• Temperate Species (e.g., Porcellio scaber, Armadillidium maculatum): Tolerant of a wider range of humidity and temperatures.
• Tropical Species (e.g., Cubaris murina, Armadillidium vulgare): Require higher humidity and warmer temperatures
• Dwarf Species: (e.g., Trichorhina tomentosa) Perfect for small setups due to their size and minimal care requirements.

Tips for Bioactive Setups

• Add isopods directly to terrarium soil along with springtails for waste management and mold prevention.
• They coexist well with reptiles and amphibians in humid environments.