Peach Isopods (Armadillidium nasatum)

What Are Peach Isopods?

Armadillidium nasatum ‘peach’ is a species of land crustacean in the family Armadillidiidae.

They are commonly referred to as “peach” or “Georgia Peach” isopods, due to their soft and fairly pleasant-smelling white bodies which resemble a peach.

These small and curious organisms are popular in the pet industry due to their simple needs and interesting behaviors.

What Do Peach Isopods Look Like?

Peach isopods are small and oval-shaped, reaching lengths of 1-1.5 centimeters. Their bodies are made up of 7 sections, with each segment consisting of a pair of legs, antennae, and a hard exoskeleton covering.

Their exoskeletons are lightly colored and range from yellow to light brown, providing an interesting contrast against their sparse black markings.

Peach isopods also have two small cerci on their rear segments and a podgy tail end. Their movements are slow and deliberate, and they often exhibit a characteristic rocking motion due to the wave-like nature of their legs.

Benefits Of Using Peach Isopods

The benefits of keeping peach isopods in vivariums are many. First, they are a great way to enrich the ecosystem in your tank as they help to control pests and diseases in the tank.

They provide excellent substrate aeration and aerate the soil for plants. They help to prevent detritus from building up and can provide benefits for soil microbial communities due to their grazing habits.

They can also help to keep your tank clean by preying on uneaten pellets and debris. Additionally, having peach isopods in your tank can add visual interest, as they can be brightly colored and active.

Peach Isopod Facts

Peach isopods are small, detritivorous creatures that are native to Europe and North America.

They feed on a variety of decaying plants, fruits, and insects, and have a gentle temperament.

The average lifespan of these creatures is two to three years, and with the right environment, they can breed successfully.

With proper care, these isopods make a fascinating, low-maintenance pet.

Habitat

Armadillidium nasatum ‘Peach’ originated in Central and Western Europe and can be found in various habitats including grasslands, meadows, forests, and even urban areas.

They are well-adapted to survive in differing conditions, from humid to semiarid climates, and can be found in a variety of soil and plant types.

In their wild habitat, these isopods can thrive in dark, damp places such as beneath moist leaves, logs, and stones where they can search for food amongst the detritus.

 Peach isopods are active mainly at night and usually remain hidden during the day.

Diet

Peach isopods, like the majority of isopods species, are primarily scavengers and are detrivorous in the wild.

In their native environment, they will typically consume dead plant and animal matter, as well as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

It is important to note that while the isopods will typically consume all types of food items, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with providing each food item.

Some foods can unbalance the isopods’ diet or even be toxic to them, so be sure to research any food items you plan to provide.

Temperament

Peach isopods have a generally gentle and docile temperament. They are timid creatures, so they won’t actively seek out humans and other animals, but they will become comfortable with and even recognize their caretaker’s voice.

They prefer to hide away when they feel threatened, but otherwise, they will happily crawl and explore their surroundings.

While they are not particularly social creatures and mainly keep to themselves, they will be content as part of a communal tank containing other species of isopods. 

Oftentimes, peach isopods take quite a long period of time to acclimate and adjust to their new home.

During this period, they may spend most of their time sitting and hiding in the same spot, and this should not be cause for alarm.

As long as they continue to feed, their behavior is likely just a part of the adjustment process.

Eventually, they should become more active, stop hiding, and begin exploring as they become comfortable in their environment. 

Lifespan

Peach isopods have a lifespan of approximately one to three years in optimal conditions. If a peach isopod is properly taken care of, it may be able to live a bit longer.

The life cycle of a peach isopod begins with eggs, which then hatch into a juvenile stage. Once the juvenile reaches adulthood, they are able to reproduce.

The cycle then starts over again with eggs. Peach isopods molt their exoskeleton four to five times throughout their life, allowing them to grow and mature.

By their fifth molt, they reach sexual maturity and will generally begin to reproduce.

Breeding

Peach isopods mate and reproduce in much the same way as other isopod species.

As with other invertebrates, they reproduce sexually, with males and females both necessary for successful breeding.

You can tell the difference between males and females of this species by looking closely at the underside of their right thorax;

Females have a long “back” shaped like an elongated spade, whereas males have a construction look more like a heart.

When mating, the male and female join together in a “wheel lock,” a special mating position.

After mating, the female will dig into the soil and lay her eggs, which are encased in a white, waxy-looking sack.

The number of eggs in each sack can range from anywhere between 10 and 30. The sacks of peach isopods hatch anywhere between 5 – 10 days, depending on the environment’s temperature and humidity.

The young will look like miniature versions of their parents, but gray in color. They’ll begin to molt and change colors as they grow into adults.

Where To Find Peach Isopods

Peach isopods can be found in a variety of locations across the world, but the majority of them can be found in Southern and Central Europe.

They can often be found in urban and suburban areas, particularly in decaying leaf litter and moist, damp gardens.

Some are also to be found in domestic compost heaps and outdoor flower pots. They are commonly seen during the spring and summer months and can be identified by their peach-colored bodies and white patchy pattern. 

Peach isopods can also be found for sale from various dealers, pet stores, and online sources. They are generally easy to purchase through mail orders and even local pet stores.

When considering a purchase, be sure to ensure the isopods are healthy and unharmful to other creatures they may come in contact with, as they can multiply quickly.