Armadillidium maculatum

''Armadillidium maculatum'', also known as the zebra isopod or zebra pillbug is an '' Armadillidium'' species of woodlouse, named for its black and white patterns. It is native to southern France.

Description

''Armadillidium maculatum'' is average sized for its genus and can grow up to 1.8 centimeters or 11/16 inches. Like other members of its family, it can conglobate or roll into a ball when disturbed or to conserve moisture.

Its striped appearance is thought to be an example of Batesian mimicry, mimicking the pill millipede ''Glomeris marginata'' which secretes noxious chemicals.

Ecology

Like other woodlice, it is a detritivore which feeds off decaying organic material. It feeds mainly on fallen hardwood leaves and decaying hardwood. Like all other isopods, it breathes through trachea-like gills and requires some moisture to breathe. Like other members of its genus, it can withstand a drier environment than many other isopods.

As pets

''Armadillidium maculatum'' has become a very popular pet among isopod hobbyists. Commonly called the zebra isopod, it is inexpensive, easy to keep, has bold colors, and is not shy compared to many other isopods. It was actually one of the first isopods that people kept as pets and got people interested in breeding. ''Armadillidium maculatum'' is also friendly with no venoms, poisons, or toxic secretions. It does not usually bite but can sometimes nibble on fingers when handled, although this does not hurt and does no damage. ''Armadillidium maculatum'' is most often kept as a display isopod in a terrarium, being the main attraction. More rarely, ''Armadillidium maculatum'' is kept as a cleaner in bioactive setups. Along with other isopods, ''Armadillidium maculatum'' can be help to turn otherwise useless organic matter like fallen leaves into essential nutrients. They can also eat leftover reptile food, and eat shed skin of insects and reptiles. Isopod breeders have managed to develop several different morphs of this species including “Yellow Zebra” with yellow stripes instead of white ones; “Spotted Zebras” with white spots instead of stripes; and “High White” where the white stripes are considerably larger and make up a majority of the exoskeleton's coloration. Along with other members of its family and some others, it is not used as a feeder because of their tougher exoskeleton, and their ability to roll into a ball.

Distribution

''Armadillidium maculatum'' is native to a small range in southeastern France. Unlike many of its cousins, like Armadillidium vulgare, it has not been introduced into other regions of the world. It has a far greater spread as pets and vivarium cleaners. Like other woodlice, it can be found underneath stones, leaf litter, rotting logs, and anywhere that could retain moisture.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q2676471

Woodlice