IV. Husbandry at a Glance
The Magic Potion is one of the most visually arresting colour morphs in the isopod hobby — a selectively bred line of the common pill bug displaying deep violet to lilac colouration across the tergites, often with a metallic sheen that intensifies under direct light. It sits comfortably in the intermediate tier: more demanding than Porcellio species but far more forgiving than tropical cave-dwellers.
Distribution & Habitat
Armadillidium vulgare in its wild form is native to the Mediterranean basin but has established naturalised populations across every continent except Antarctica, making it one of the most successful terrestrial crustaceans on Earth. The Magic Potion morph exists exclusively in captivity.
Morphology & Identification
The defining characteristic is the smooth, strongly convex dorsal surface that allows complete conglobation — the species rolls into a seamless sphere when threatened, a trait that distinguishes it immediately from flat-backed Porcellio species. The Magic Potion morph displays a base of deep slate-violet, brightening toward lilac on the lateral margins, with occasional iridescent highlights.
Behaviour & Temperament
More active than many collector species and tolerant of reasonable disturbance. Colonies establish confidence in a new enclosure within four to six weeks and adults are frequently visible during daylight hours. The conglobation response is reliable and complete — a satisfying display of the species’ defensive architecture.
Breeding & Reproduction
Reproduction is steady rather than explosive. Females produce moderate clutches several times per year, and a starting group of 15–20 individuals will produce a self-sustaining colony within six months. Calcium availability is critical — deficiency is the primary cause of failed moults and pre-moult mortality in this genus.
Colour Morphs & Variants
A. vulgare has produced numerous hobby morphs including the high-yellow, albino (lacking all pigmentation with orange eyes), and the classic wild-type grey. The Magic Potion line breeds true and has been refined over multiple generations by European breeders; purchasing from an established line gives more consistent colouration than sourcing from less selective breeding programs.