Great Prowsopod

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Similar to the common pill bug, the zebra isopod is a terrestrial crustacean from France with an oval body divided into hard, segmented plates. It is black or dark gray with conspicuous white stripes or spots (like a zebra pattern). Its striped appearance is thought to be an example of Batesian mimicry, mimicking the pill millipede Glomeris marginata which secretes noxious chemicals and is native to the same range. It has two antennae and 14 legs (7 pairs). It can roll into a tight ball (a behavior known as conglobation) for protection. This species is roughly 1-2 cm long on average.

The delicate underbelly of the isopod is protected by rolling into a ball. An isopod's stripes act as camouflage, possibly allowing it to blend in with the forest's dappled light. During and after feeding, it breaks down organic matter to recycle nutrients.

It is a detritivore, meaning it feeds on decomposing organic matter, just like other woodlice. Its primary food sources are decomposing hardwood and falling hardwood leaves. It also likes fresh plant materials, lichens, tree bark, and algae, just like other species in its genus. It uses modified gill-like organs called pleopodal lungs to breathe, just like all other woodlice. It needs some moisture to breathe, but prolonged immersion in liquid will cause it to drown. The white patches behind the seventh and last pair of legs are the gills. It can tolerate a drier climate than many other isopods, just as other members of its genus.

The isopods are not harmful; they don't bite, sting, or transmit illness. Similar to crabs, but with different alternatives, they are also common in terrariums as "cleanup crew" animals that aid in waste and mold control. Because of their distinctive coloring, isopods are utilized in both hobbyist and educational collections, and many people wish to acquire them.

The zebra isopod is native to a small range in southeastern France. Unlike many of its cousins, such as Armadillidium vulgare, it has not been introduced into other regions of the world. Like other woodlice, it can be found underneath stones, leaf litter, rotting logs, and anywhere that could retain moisture to prevent desiccation, as they need moisture to breathe.

• Movement Pattern: Random

• Individual Type: Solo

• Population Trend: Stable

• Population: ???

• Locomotion: Aquatic

• Habitat: Taiga; Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Salt Flats; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale.

• Earth: 

  • Extant (Resident): France

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• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillidium_maculatum

• https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillidium_maculatum

• https://www.walkmyworld.com/posts/forest-quotes

• https://terrariumtribe.com/zebra-isopods/

• https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=594376#null

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/705237-Armadillidium-maculatum

• https://eol.org/pages/1022305

• https://www.catalogueoflife.org/data/taxon/5W52Y

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Zebra-Isopod-935218689