Armadillidium hauseni "Triceratops"

Native to the Greek island of Paxos, Armadillidium hauseni "Triceratops" is one of the more unusual European isopods, and it's easy to see where its nickname comes from. Its pale peach-coloured body has a rough, textured appearance, but the real attraction is its head, with three prominent horn-like projections that give it an almost prehistoric look.

Viewed head-on, the resemblance to a tiny Triceratops is remarkable. It's this unusual feature that makes Armadillidium hauseni so recognisable and a particularly interesting species to have in a collection. Despite its impressive appearance, this little isopod is only a fraction of the size of its dinosaur namesake but still a large pod in the Isopoda order!

This species is active and a good choice for beginners.

Care Information

• Size: Mixed sizes.
• Diet: Rotting hardwood, leaf litter (oak, beech, maple, chestnut, Asian species), and lichen form the staple diet. Supplement regularly with calcium (cuttlefish bone, limestone, or powdered calcium carbonate), protein-rich treats (fish flakes, shrimp pellets) and vegetables (squash, carrot, zucchini, or sweet potato).
• Temperature: 20–24 °C. Room temperature is usually fine
• Humidity: 50–70%. Maintain a moist/dry gradient: one side humid with moss or damp substrate, the other drier. Mist lightly or use a dropper every week to maintain stability without waterlogging.
• Ventilation: Provide good cross-ventilation to prevent stagnation, while keeping humidity stable.
• Substrate: Substrate minimum ~5cm deep mix, organic soil, flake soil, rotting wood, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter. Add cork bark and hardwood pieces for shelter.
• Enclosure: 3L Braplast tub or larger. For growing colonies 5L and 11L tubs may be more suitable.

Isopods are shipped securely in ventilated tubs with damp moss for safe travel.

Note: If you are interested in larger quantities than those listed, or want any advise, please get in contact!