High Yellow Spotted Isopods (Armadillidium gestroi)

What Are High Yellow Spotted Isopods?

Armadillidium gestroi, more commonly known as High Yellow Spotted Isopods, belong to the family Armadillidae of the suborder Oniscidea.

This species of isopod gets its common name from the yellow, scattered markings it displays on its back as well as its ability to curl into a ball like an armadillo.

Found in France, it is a popular species for terrariums due to its ease of care and impressive appearance.

What Does Armadillidium gestroi Look Like?

Armadillidium gestroi is a relatively small isopod with a length ranging from 14 to 18 mm.

Its coloration is a distinctive cream and yellow, with a mostly cream exoskeleton and yellow, scattered patches and markings along its length.

As individuals reach maturity, their color will gradually darken to more of a brown hue. 

The exoskeleton of Armadillidium gestroi is rounded as opposed to flattened like more common Porcellio isopods, giving them a more pill-shaped appearance.

They have seven pairs of bean-shaped legs, with the last pair being slightly longer in order to allow them to curl into a ball for protection.

Their antennae are long and slender, and their smell-detecting glandular organs are located on their fifth legs and antennae. 

Benefits Of Using High Yellow Spotted Isopods

Armadillidium gestroi are popularly used in vivariums because they are hardy, attractive, and easily cared for.

Their bright yellow spots against their dark body are visually appealing, and they add a lot of movement to the habitat.

They are important members of the bioactive terrarium’s food chain, providing vital roles in disease control and decomposition.

Some owners keep Armadillidium gestroi as pets and handle them in creative ways such as adding them to an enclosure with live terrarium plants.

High Yellow Spotted Isopods Facts

Armadillidium gestroi is an attractive, easy-to-care-for omnivorous isopod native to France. In the wild, they feed on carrion and decaying plant material.

They are relatively easy to maintain and handle and can live up to two years with proper care.

Breeding can be achieved with enough food and a proper moisture-rich environment.

Habitat

Armadillidium gestroi are native to France, more specifically the area of Aquitaine in the southwest of the country.

Here, these isopods naturally inhabit the shrublands, woodlands, and forest edges, where they hide and forage among leaf litter and fallen logs. 

At the base of tree trunks and in the shelter of stones and logs, one may find colonies of Armadillidium gestroi living together.

Armadillidium gestroi are distributed across Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa, but the main population tends to be concentrated in southern Europe. 

These isopods naturally prefer a humid and warm environment, with temperatures ranging between 59°F and 77°F.

Diet

Armadillidium gestroi is a detrivore species that feed on decaying plant and animal matter in the wild.

As scavengers, they consume a wide variety of 5 food sources such as dead insects, worms, decaying fruits, vegetables, and fungi.

This species also feeds on leaf litter, algae, and lichens in areas where this is available.

In order to thrive, they need to have a balanced diet with a good variety of all the food sources they would find in their natural habitat.

Temperament

Armadillidium gestroi are generally gentle and docile creatures, making them ideal for novice keepers.

In their natural environments, they can be found scurrying across the ground in search of food, so their ability to curl into a tightly packed ball when disturbed is an adaptation that helps them hide from predators.

Generally speaking, Armadillidium gestroi do not react to human contact, making them safe to handle.

These isopods are very shy creatures, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of hiding places in their habitat.

When facing unfamiliar creatures, Armadillidium gestroi may remain in their balled posture until they become accustomed to their surroundings.

If they feel safe enough to move around, they may begin to explore the area and form bonds with other animals or humans in their environment.

Lifespan

Armadillidium gestroi have an average lifespan of 1-2 years, however, with proper care, they can live up to 3 years.

To reach this lifespan, isopods rely on a few conditions, such as temperature and humidity. Isopods start their life cycle as an egg that is laid by the female.

Once the egg hatches, the juvenile will molt or shed its skin multiple times before becoming an adult.

During this time, the isopod will reach full size and its color will change to a deeper grayish brown.

Breeding

Armadillidium gestroi mating is a fascinating and complicated process.

The entire reproduction process takes around a month and can be divided into several distinct steps.

When two mature Armadillidium gestroi meet, they initially try to find out if the other is a suitable mate.

This is done by exchanging stimulating compounds from the bottom of the legs.

When a suitable mate is found, courtship begins, during which both partners use gentle nudging motions to express their intent.

In the next step, the partners complete a mating dance. During the dance, the male can initiate mating by clasping the female’s pereonites with his legs.

The male then deposits his sperm packet into the female’s genital opening.

As the sperm is introduced, the female begins pulsing the sperm packet with her muscles to spread the sperm throughout her reproductive tract. 

Once fertilization is complete, the female will produce an egg capsule within a few days.

She will then attach the capsule to her abdomen, just in front of her legs, and carry it until the eggs hatch.

This complex reproductive cycle allows Armadillidium gestroi to thrive in various environments.

Where To Find High Yellow Spotted Isopods

Finding Armadillidium gestroi in the wild can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor.

This species is native to France and can be found near moist areas such as under leaves, rocks, and logs in a variety of habitats like woods, meadows, and lawns.

Since they are small and often well camouflaged, they can be very hard to spot.

It is also important to note that collecting isopods from the wild can lead to population depletion.

Armadillidium gestroi are widely available for sale in the United States, Europe, and Australia, usually sold in small colonies of several individuals.

Carefully inspect the isopods before you buy them, as they should be free from any parasites or contagious diseases.

Also, make sure you are purchasing from a reputable source and shop to ensure you are getting healthy specimens. 

Finally, always research the rules and regulations of your region or state before purchasing or collecting isopods, as some areas may have laws prohibiting them.