Armadillidium Klugii (Cuban Clown Isopod): Care, Behavior and Breeding

An Introduction to Armadillidium Klugii

Armadillidium klugii, more commonly known as the Cuban clown isopod or Florida clown isopod, is a fascinating species of crustacean that has recently grown in popularity as an exotic pet. These tiny creatures, which get their name from their vibrant colors and markings that resemble a clown's makeup and costume, are members of the terrestrial isopod family that are native to Cuba and parts of Florida.

In the wild, A. klugii are typically found under rocks, decaying logs, leaf litter and in other damp places that provide shelter and humidity. They have also become established in some greenhouse and flower nurseries where conditions are ideal for them to thrive.

Part of what makes Cuban clown isopods so visually striking are the bright patterns and colors they display. Their bodies are whitish-grey or cream colored with vivid orange, yellow, red or purple spots and markings. These bright hues are thought to serve as a warning to potential predators that the isopods might be toxic or distasteful. The vibrant colors and variability between individuals have earned them the "clown" moniker.

Clown Isopod Anatomy and Physiology

Clown isopods have elongated, segmented bodies that are divided into three main parts - the head, thorax and abdomen. Their heads contain two pairs of antennae for sensing their environment. They have seven pairs of legs for mobility and grasping food. The legs attach to the thorax, which is the section between the head and abdomen.

Like other terrestrial isopods, A. klugii breathe through structures called pleopodal lungs located inside their abdomen. They also rely on a waxy cuticle coating their bodies to prevent water loss, which allows them to live on land instead of water.

One of the most distinguishable features of clown isopods are the overlapping plates on their backs, known as the marsupium in females. This pouch carries eggs and provides protection for them until they hatch.

Clown isopods go through a life cycle called complete metamorphosis. This means they are hatched from eggs as mancae, which are tiny, pale versions of the adults. The mancae molt and go through several immature stages before reaching the mature form, which displays their signature coloration.

Clown Isopod Habits and Habitat

In nature, Cuban clown isopods are detritivores, meaning they feed primarily on decaying plant material and fungi. They use specialized mouthparts to scrape and consume decomposing leaves, bark and other organic matter as they crawl along the forest floor. This natural diet makes them perfect little clean-up crews in bioactive vivariums.

A. klugii live in moist, tropical environments that provide adequate places for them to hide and breed. These isopods seek shelter under objects like rocks, logs, leaf litter and other debris during the day to stay protected from predators and direct sunlight. At night they emerge to forage for food.

Clown isopods do well in temperatures between 70-80°F and require relatively high humidity around 70-90% RH to thrive. Their natural habitats in Cuba and Florida provide the warm, humid microclimates they need to survive on land.

Keeping Clown Isopods as Pets

The unique appearance and behaviors of Cuban clown isopods make them popular display animals for naturalistic vivariums, paludariums and closed terrariums. Their small size at just 1/2 inch long allows them to readily reproduce and colonize these enclosures.

When setting up a suitable habitat for pet A. klugii, it is important to include plenty of hiding spots created with cork bark, rocks, driftwood and plants. Leaf litter from tropical plants should be spread over the substrate to mimic their natural forest floor environment. Coconut fiber substrates hold humidity well for clown isopods.

Providing food and water is also a key part of clown isopod care. In captivity they will eat fish food, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, insect food and leaf litter. Adding springtails as a cleanup crew prevents waste accumulation. Water crystals or misting helps maintain the humidity they require.

Clown isopods are non-aggressive and can be housed in species only colonies or mixed with other small isopods and springtails. Avoid housing them with animals that might prey on them like frogs, lizards or centipedes.

Breeding and Reproduction

One of the advantages of keeping clown isopods is that they readily breed in captivity. Females reach reproductive maturity around 6 months old. They can produce and carry up to 64 eggs at a time in their marsupium.

The eggs hatch in 21-49 days depending on temperature and humidity. The young mancae offspring are released and go through 4-7 molts over 2-3 months as they mature. Clown isopods can live 1-2 years on average.

Setting up a dedicated breeding enclosure for A. klugii can allow you to sustainably produce colonies for display or as clean up crews. Providing abundant food sources and proper humidity and temperature parameters encourages optimal breeding activity.

What Makes Clown Isopods Unique?

Cuban clown isopods have several qualities that contribute to their appeal as pets:

Striking Coloration

The bright orange, yellow, red and purple spots and markings make each A. klugii unique. Their coloration stands out against the substrate and plantings.

Peaceful Nature

Clown isopods coexist well with each other and other species when provided proper housing. They are low maintenance pets.

Bioactive Benefits

Their detritivore behaviors make clown isopods ideal for keeping bioactive enclosures clean naturally.

Easily Bred

Prolific breeding allows clown isopod populations to grow quickly to help populate vivariums or generate supplemental income.

Fun to Observe

Watching their behaviors like exploring, feeding, molting and breeding can be fascinating up close.

Tips for Keeping Healthy Clown Isopods

Follow these care guidelines to maintain thriving populations of your pet A. klugii:

Provide Proper Housing

Keep clown isopods in established, naturalistic enclosures with ample hiding places, humidity and access to food and water.

Maintain Ideal Environment

Clown isopods need steady temperatures around 72-80°F and high humidity from 70-90% RH.

Offer a Varied Diet

Supply a mix of fish food, insect food, produce, algae wafers and leaf litter for nutrition.

Avoid Predators

Do not house Cuban clown isopods with aggressive fish, frogs, lizards or invertebrates that may prey on them.

Quarantine New Isopods

Isolate and observe new clown isopods for several weeks before introducing them to established populations to prevent disease spread.

Finding Cuban Clown Isopods for Sale

Armadillidium klugii are becoming more widely available at specialty reptile stores and online retailers that sell feeder insects and other small invertebrates. They can also sometimes be found for sale from private exotic pet breeders.

Prices for Cuban clown isopods vary based on whether you want starter colonies or confirmed breeding groups. You may pay $10-20 for 10-25 mixed size individuals to start a colony. Established breeding groups of 20+ adults will cost $25-40.

When sourcing A. klugii, look for active, healthy individuals displaying bright coloration. Make sure they are captive bred rather than wild caught. Ask about the origin and care history of the clown isopods from the seller before purchasing them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clown Isopods

Are clown isopods difficult to care for?

No, Cuban clown isopods are one of the easier exotic isopod species to keep due to their hardiness and simple care needs as long as their environment is properly set up.

How fast do clown isopods reproduce?

Clown isopods can reproduce quickly, with females producing up to 64 offspring every 3-7 weeks once sexually mature. Populations can grow rapidly in ideal conditions.

Can I handle my pet clown isopods?

Handling isopods like A. klugii does stress them out. It is better to avoid touching them and simply observe them in their enclosure. Gently transferring them with a spoon or paintbrush is okay if necessary.

Do clown isopods bite or sting?

No, Cuban clown isopods do not bite, sting or transmit any diseases to humans. They are completely harmless to handle, though they would prefer not to be touched.

What do clown isopods like to eat?

Clown isopods are not picky and will eat a variety of foods like fish flakes, vegetables, insect diet, algae wafers and decomposing leaf litter.

Enjoy the Vibrant World of Clown Isopods

For tropical pet enthusiasts looking for something small and colorful to occupy their time, Cuban clown isopods make excellent additions to natural vivarium environments. Their bright colors, entertaining behaviors and hardy natures have helped them gain popularity in the exotic pet trade.

By providing proper housing with humidity, warmth and places to hide, clown isopods will thrive. A varied diet and limited handling keeps them healthy. Take the time to observe your isopods molting, exploring and going about their isopod lives to fully appreciate these living clown-inspired artworks of nature.

FAQs

What are the common names for A. klugii?

The Cuban clown isopod has several other common names besides its scientific name of Armadillidium klugii, including:

• Florida clown isopod
• Clown isopod
• Klug's isopod

How can I tell the difference between male and female clown isopods?

Males of this species are generally smaller and narrower than females. The most obvious difference is that only the females have the signature marsupium pouch on their underside for carrying eggs and offspring.

What temperature range is best for A. klugii?

Cuban clown isopods do best at temperatures between 70-80°F. Cooler temperatures below 65°F can slow their growth and reproduction. Warmer temperatures above 85°F can cause heat stress.