Binomial Name	Armadillidium maculatum
Common Name	Zebra
Size	Medium-Large
Personality	Fast, Flashy, Hungry
Temp Preference	70-84º F
Humidity	Medium
Rarity	Sought After
Care	Fact Sheet

The Zebra isopod, also known as the smooth or skirted isopod, is a species within the genus Porcellio. As the name suggests, these fascinating creatures are reminiscent of the black-and-white markings found on the hide of a Zebra.

They have a flattened oval-shaped body with seven pairs of legs, allowing them to move with agility on land. Zebra isopods primarily live in moist environments such as leaf litter, decaying wood, and underneath stones or logs.

One of the remarkable aspects of the Zebra isopod is its ability to thrive in diverse environments. Native to the Mediterranean region, these isopods have expanded their range to different parts of the world, including Europe, North and South America, Australia, and Asia. This widespread distribution is attributed to their adaptability, making them successful colonizers in both natural and human-altered habitats.

Despite their tiny size, Zebra isopods play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance within their habitats. As detritivores, they contribute to nutrient cycling by consuming decaying plant matter and detritus.

By breaking down organic material, they facilitate the decomposition process, releasing nutrients back into the soil and making them available for other organisms to use. This crucial ecosystem service ensures the health of the environment and sustains the productivity of various plant species.

Zebra isopods have an interesting reproductive strategy. They are ovoviviparous, meaning the females carry their developing eggs in a brood pouch known as the marsupium until the offspring are fully developed.

This provides protection to the developing young, increasing their chances of survival in the harsh environment. Once the offspring are ready to face the world, they emerge from the marsupium as fully-formed miniature adults.