The Qilin (Armadillidae gen. sp. "Qilin") is one of the rarest isopods in the US hobby and the crown jewel of our Heirloom Collection. It is named after the Qilin, the legendary Asian unicorn associated with good fortune and rarity. Qilins are spiky and covered in fine hairs, and after each molt tiny particles collect along those hairs, giving them an almost teddy bear look. The species has not been formally identified beyond its family yet, and very little has been published about it. This guide shares what we know, and we will keep it updated as the hobby learns more.
Qilin Isopod Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Armadillidae gen. sp. "Qilin" (genus and species not yet determined)
- Origin: Vietnam
- Care level: Fairly easy
- Temperature: 72 to 78°F, favor the cooler end
- Humidity: 65 to 75%, with a drier side
- Ventilation: Moderate, cross ventilated
- Favorite food: Kudzu leaves
- Activity: Reclusive. Slow moving, more active at night
- Rarity: Extremely limited in the US
Before You Start
Qilins are not a cleanup crew species, but the good news is they are fairly easy to care for. If you can keep a Rubber Ducky colony going, you can keep Qilins. Because so few keepers work with them, reach out to us with any questions before or after your animals arrive.
Enclosure Setup
A small tub with a tight lid works for a starter group. Use cross ventilation, the same way you would for a Cubaris bin.
Use 2 to 3 inches of our ABG style mix (recipe here) as a base, then add:
- A thick layer of hardwood leaf litter, topped up as it gets eaten
- Decaying hardwood
- Cuttlebone for calcium, available at all times
- A culture of Tropical Pink springtails to keep mold and leftovers in check
- A mossy area on the damp side
- Plenty of tight, rocky, cave like hides and cork bark
- Small leaves scattered for cover
Humidity and the Moisture Gradient
Aim for 65 to 75% humidity, a little drier than you would keep Rubber Duckies. Keep one side mossy and damp, mist when it starts to dry, and let the other side stay drier so they can choose.
Temperature
Keep them at 72 to 78°F and favor the cooler end. Avoid hot rooms, direct sun, and heat mats.
Feeding
Keep leaf litter and decaying hardwood available at all times, along with cuttlebone. Qilins especially like kudzu leaves, so offer them when you can. Other extras should be small and removed promptly.
Breeding
There is very little published information on Qilin breeding. Give them stable conditions, minimal disturbance, and time. Keep notes on your colony. As one of the few keepers of this species, what you learn is valuable.
What the Hairs Are
The fuzzy, dusty look after a molt is normal. Fine hairs on the shell trap small particles from the substrate, and it is part of what makes the species so distinctive.
Common Questions About Qilin Isopods
What is a Qilin isopod?
A rare spiky, hairy isopod from Vietnam in the family Armadillidae. Its genus and species have not been formally identified yet.
Why does my Qilin look dusty?
Fine hairs on the shell trap tiny particles after molting. This is normal.
Are Qilin isopods hard to keep?
No. They are fairly easy to care for. Set them up much like a Rubber Ducky bin, keep humidity around 65 to 75%, and offer kudzu leaves when you can.
Why are Qilin isopods so expensive?
Very few keepers in the US hold them.
Where to Buy Qilin Isopods
All Qilin Isopods at Creature Cache are captive bred and ship FedEx Priority Overnight with a 100% live arrival guarantee. See the Qilin Isopod, or join the Creature Club for restock alerts.
More reading: How to Set Up Your First Isopod Enclosure, our ABG substrate recipe, and our springtail care guide.
Questions about your animals? Email us anytime at info@creaturecache.com.