Armadillidium depressum

Armadillidium depressum

Origin: UK (Britain)
Temperature: 17–26 °C
Humidity: 50–70 %
Adult Size: 18–20 mm
Difficulty: Easy
Rarity: Very Common

Description:
A robust, temperate-native pill bug, A. depressum is admired for its bold, visible behavior and peaceful temperament. Unlike many shy isopods, they forage confidently in daylight, making them excellent display animals and beginner-friendly colony starters.

Appearance & Behaviour:

• Adults 18–20 mm, robust, with segmented, ribbed exoskeleton
• Coloration varies: grey, cream spots, or pearlescent “Magic Potion” morphs
• Conglobating species: can roll into a tight ball when threatened
• Bold and visible; active during daytime and night
• Peaceful, social, coexists well with conspecifics and mixed colonies

Habitat & Care:

• Substrate: Moisture gradient recommended (1/3 moderately moist, 2/3 drier), organic topsoil + leaf mold, decomposed wood
• Depth: 5–8 cm for burrowing
• Hiding spots: Cork bark, wood chunks, flat stones, moss patches
• Temperature: 17–26 °C; room temperature suffices
• Humidity: 50–70 %; maintain moderate moisture with occasional misting
• Ventilation: Medium; allow airflow but avoid rapid drying

Diet & Nutrition:

• Primary: Hardwood leaf litter (oak, beech, maple), decaying wood
• Supplementary: Vegetables (carrots, squash, sweet potato), protein (fish flakes, dried shrimp), fruit occasionally
• Calcium: Essential; cuttlefish bone, crushed limestone, calcium powder
• Feeding frequency: Vegetables/protein 2–3 times weekly; remove uneaten food within 48 h

Breeding:

• Reproduction: Moderate to fast; females carry 15–30 offspring per brood
• Sexual maturity: ~3–5 months
• Juveniles look like miniature adults and feed immediately
• Colonies self-sustaining, harmonious social dynamics, year-round breeding

Suitability:

• Excellent for beginners: forgiving of minor care errors, moderate temperature/humidity requirements
• Works in temperate bioactive setups
• Large, visible, peaceful, and rewarding to observe
• Ideal for mixed-species or cleanup crew enclosures

Value:

• Readily available, inexpensive, reliable breeders
• Combines visual appeal, educational value, and practical utility for bioactive or display enclosures