Armadillidium klugii
A beautifully marked Mediterranean pill bug — bold patterning, moderate difficulty, and a compact build.
About this species
Armadillidium klugii is a Mediterranean isopod known for its striking dorsal markings — typically a pattern of cream, yellow, or orange on a darker base. Several locality variants exist, with "Montenegro" and "Dubrovnik" being among the most popular in the hobby. Each displays slightly different patterning, but all share the same care requirements.
As an Armadillidium species, A. klugii can conglobate — rolling into a tight, seamless ball when threatened. It is a terrestrial crustacean that breathes through gill-like pleopods, and like all Armadillidium, it has a relatively thick, heavily mineralised exoskeleton that demands consistent calcium supplementation.
Enclosure
A ventilated plastic tub with a 20x15 cm footprint suits a starter colony. A. klugii prefers moderate humidity with good airflow — damp but not wet. Cork bark, dried leaves, and cuttlebone are standard furnishings. A piece of limestone or calcium-rich rock adds environmental enrichment and a supplementary calcium source.
Substrate
- 60% coco coir
- 20% organic topsoil
- 10% fine sand
- 10% crushed limestone or cuttlebone powder
Maintain a moisture gradient — one damp end, one dry end. A. klugii tolerates slightly more humidity than A. vulgare but still dislikes waterlogged substrate. Depth 5–8 cm, topped with dried hardwood leaves (oak, beech). Avoid softwood (pine, cedar) in any form.
Feeding
- Dried hardwood leaves (oak, beech) — staple diet
- Vegetables: courgette, carrot, sweet potato
- Cuttlefish bone — essential; leave permanently in enclosure
- Weekly protein: dried shrimp or fish flakes
Calcium is especially important for Armadillidium species. Their thicker exoskeletons require more mineral input than Porcellio species. Remove fresh food within 48 hours.
Breeding
A. klugii breeds more slowly than most Porcellio species — this is typical of Armadillidium. Females carry eggs in a marsupium, producing modest broods. Colony growth is steady but not rapid. Starting with 20 or more animals gives the best foundation. Expect a well-maintained colony to take six to twelve months to reach significant numbers.
Common mistakes
- Keeping conditions too dry — A. klugii needs more moisture than A. vulgare, and desiccation kills through pleopod failure
- Neglecting calcium — insufficient calcium leads to soft, malformed exoskeletons after moulting
- Expecting Porcellio-speed breeding — Armadillidium colonies grow slowly; patience is required