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The Armadillidium klugii 'Montenegro', commonly known as the Clown Isopod, is a striking and popular species of pill bug among invertebrate enthusiasts and is often used in bioactive terrariums.

 

Key Characteristics

  • Appearance: They are famous for their vibrant, contrasting colours. Their bodies are dark grey or black, with a distinct red or orange "skirt" or edging around their plates (pereonites) and three rows of white or yellow spots running down their back. This coloration is thought to be a form of mimicry of the Mediterranean black widow spider to deter predators.
  • Size: Adults typically reach a size of 1.5 to 2.1 cm (around 0.6 to 0.8 inches).
  • Origin: The species is native to the Balkan Peninsula along the Adriatic coastline, spanning from Croatia to Montenegro, with the 'Montenegro' morph being a specific captive-bred variant known for its intense red hues.
  • Behavior: Despite their flashy appearance, they are generally shy and reclusive, often hiding under leaf litter and cork bark during the day. 

Husbandry and Care

Clown isopods are considered a moderately easy species to care for, suitable for intermediate keepers. 

  • Habitat: They thrive in an enclosure that provides a moisture gradient, meaning one side is damp while the other remains dry. Good ventilation is crucial for their health.
  • Substrate and Hides: An abundance of decaying leaf litter and soft, rotting white wood should form the bulk of their environment and diet. Cork bark pieces make excellent hides.
  • Temperature & Humidity: They prefer slightly warmer conditions than average room temperature, ideally between 20–26°C (68–79°F). They need moderate humidity, with the damp side of the enclosure maintained around 60-80%.
  • Diet: As detritivores, their primary diet is decaying organic matter. They also require a source of calcium (like cuttlebone, eggshells, or limestone) and occasional protein supplements (such as fish flakes or shrimp meal) to thrive and breed successfully.
  • Breeding: They are known to breed well in captivity once established, and warmer temperatures can encourage faster reproduction rates

Armadillidium klugii 'Montenegro'

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