Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pulchellum Isopod
BeginnerArmadillidium pulchellum
A dwarf pill isopod of 5-7mm. Rows of yellow and orange spots on a brown ground earn it the name Beautiful Pill Woodlouse. It burrows readily, and becomes easier to observe as the colony grows.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
18〜24℃
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
About 5-7mm
Humidity
50〜70%
Diet
Leaf litter as the staple, with lichen, rotten wood, vegetables, protein and a calcium source. Lichen is a favourite.
About
Armadillidium pulchellum is a small pill isopod distributed widely across central and northern Europe, from north-eastern France to Britain, Finland and western Ukraine. It is separated from the similar A. pictum by the shape of the first pereonite corners and the width of the telson, and its conglobation leaves a small gap. Deep substrate and cork hides let it burrow and settle. Leaf litter is the staple, lichen is a favourite, and protein and calcium should be offered regularly.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Pulchellum Isopod
The Pulchellum Isopod lives 2-3 years.
Broods are small and growth is slow because of its size, but captive lifespan is about 2-3 years.
Size of the Pulchellum Isopod
The Pulchellum Isopod grows to About 5-7mm.
Body length is 3-5mm in the wild and about 5-7mm in captive-bred adults; rows of yellow spots mark a brown or grey ground.
Temperature & humidity for the Pulchellum Isopod
The ideal temperature for the Pulchellum Isopod is 18〜24℃. Ideal humidity is 50〜70%.
Care is easy: keep at 18-24C and 50-70% humidity, with one third to one half of the enclosure moist to form a gradient.
Basic Info
Origin
Europe (central and northern Europe; type locality Germany)
Care Specifications
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate
Sources: Exuvium Isopods (size, temperature, humidity, lifespan) / Wikipedia (de) (size, distribution) / WoRMS
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Armadillidium pulchellum (Zenker in Panzer, 1799)
Synonyms: Oniscus pulchellus, Armadillo maculatus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Pulchellum Isopod Listings
Loading latest listingsFind listings for this species
