Armadillidium depressum

About this species

Armadillidium depressum is a Mediterranean isopod immediately recognisable by its notably flattened body profile — unusual for an Armadillidium. Despite this compressed shape, A. depressum retains the ability to conglobate, forming a noticeably less spherical ball than A. vulgare — more of an oblate shape. This adaptation likely helps it squeeze into tight crevices in its rocky natural habitat.

Native to southern France and surrounding Mediterranean regions, it is a terrestrial crustacean that breathes through gill-like pleopods. Its flattened form and interesting conglobation make it a conversation piece in any collection.

Enclosure

A ventilated plastic tub with a 20x15 cm footprint suits a starter colony. Provide flat pieces of cork bark and thin stone slabs — A. depressum naturally shelters in narrow crevices, so flat hides are more appropriate than round ones. Moderate ventilation, cuttlebone, and dried leaves complete the setup.

Substrate

• 60% coco coir
• 20% organic topsoil
• 10% fine sand
• 10% crushed limestone or cuttlebone powder

Maintain a moisture gradient. A. depressum prefers moderate humidity — slightly damper than A. vulgare. Depth 5–8 cm, topped with dried hardwood leaves (oak, beech). Never use softwood (pine, cedar) — toxic to isopods.

Feeding

• Dried hardwood leaves — staple diet
• Vegetables: courgette, carrot, sweet potato
• Cuttlefish bone — essential; Armadillidium species have high calcium requirements for their mineralised exoskeletons
• Weekly protein: dried shrimp or fish flakes

Remove fresh food within 48 hours. Keep cuttlebone available permanently.

Breeding

A. depressum breeds at the typical moderate Armadillidium pace. Females carry eggs in a marsupium and produce small to moderate broods. Colony growth is gradual — plan for six to twelve months to reach substantial numbers from a starter group of 20 or more. The species is not difficult to breed but will not reward impatience.