Armadillidium Peraccae Isopods

Armadillidium peraccae (Peraccae Roly-Polies)

Origin: Greece
Temperature: 20–25°C
Humidity: 45–55%
Adult Size: ~18 mm
Difficulty: Easy
Rarity: Common

Product Description:
Armadillidium peraccae is a broad, robust roly-poly isopod native to Greece. Its slate-grey, textured shell and social, active behaviour make it both visually appealing and functional as a bio-cleanup crew in terrariums and vivariums. Easy to maintain, hardy, and prolific, this species has become a favorite among hobbyists for its unique appearance and low care requirements.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Medium-sized (approx. 1.8 cm) with broad, rounded body
• Slate-grey color with small bumps on the carapace
• Rolls into a ball when threatened (typical of Armadillidium)
• Primordial, trilobite-like appearance
• Active, social, and hardy
• Thrive in both arid and temperate environments

Behavior:

• Nocturnal and crepuscular (active at night and early morning)
• Tolerant of mild temperature and humidity fluctuations
• Territorial but not aggressive
• Can be hand-fed when accustomed to the keeper

Diet & Feeding:

• Primary foods: Potatoes, squash, carrots, dried leaves, decaying wood, fruits, vegetable scraps
• Protein supplements: Feed three times per week (fish flakes, dried shrimp, etc.)
• Calcium: Cuttlebone, crushed eggshells, limestone, oyster shell
• Feed twice weekly to avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food within 24 hours

Breeding:

• Moderate breeders, producing offspring year-round
• Young grow quickly and reach reproductive maturity before adulthood
• Maintain ~50% moisture and adequate hides to encourage breeding
• Overcrowded colonies should be split to prevent territorial stress

Habitat & Care:

• Enclosure: Plastic tubs (6–32 qt) or ventilated glass terrariums
• Substrate: Organic compost, leaf litter, ABG or premium isopod mix, sphagnum moss, oyster shell
• Moisture: Maintain a gradient (approx. 30% damp, 70% dry)
• Décor & Hides: Bark slabs, rotten wood, egg crates, moss patches
• Ventilation: Medium to high to prevent mold
• Temperature: 20–25°C; avoid extreme fluctuations
• Humidity: 45–55%; less humid than many tropical species, but maintain some moisture for molting and homeostasis

Suitability:

• Beginner-friendly, hardy, and low-maintenance
• Ideal for terrariums, vivariums, and bioactive cleanup setups
• Social, active, and visually interesting
• Not suitable for highly tropical or ultra-sensitive isopod setups

Value:

• Easy-to-keep, prolific species with unique appearance
• Provides both aesthetic and functional benefits in enclosures
• Recommended for both new and experienced keepers seeking hardy, visually appealing isopods