Ardentiella spec. “Aurora”

Ardentiella spec. “Aurora” – Colors like a sunrise

Ardentiella spec. “Aurora” is one of the most striking Isopods in terraristics, as the animals immediately catch the eye with their intense colors. The combination of red, orange and yellow in particular creates a strong contrast, making the animals look almost unreal.

In addition, many animals have slightly transparent segment edges, which makes the colors stand out even more. This is precisely why this species is one of the absolute highlights for many isopod keepers.

Appearance and color development

The strong coloration develops with increasing age, while adult animals show the most intense colors. At the same time, each animal has a slightly different pattern, making each Isopod look unique.

The contrast between the bright colors and the lighter segment edges is also particularly exciting. This makes the animals look very lively and immediately stand out even in dense foliage.

Behavior and activity

Ardentiella spec. “Aurora” is mainly active at dusk and at night, although the animals are often also visible during the day when humidity is high.

As soon as food is offered or the terrarium has been freshly sprayed, many animals actively emerge from their hiding places. They constantly search the substrate while they utilize leaves, wood and other organic materials.

In this way, they also contribute to a stable microclimate in the terrarium.

Terrarium size and set-up

A well-ventilated isopod box or a small terrarium with sufficient floor space is suitable for keeping them.

They work particularly well:

• BraPlast tins
• Insektenliebe Terrarium
• Repto Terra Sky

It is important to provide a structurally rich setup with plenty of hiding places. These have proved particularly successful:

• Fodder leaves
• white rotten wood
• Cork pieces
• Moss
• Lime granulate
• Pieces of bark

Leaves and white rotten wood in particular are actively used and eaten at the same time.

Substrate and microclimate

For a stable setup, we recommend a mixture of:

• Forest humus
• white rotten wood
• Fodder leaves
• Lime granulate

This creates a natural soil environment, while at the same time providing the animals with permanent food.

A damp and a slightly drier corner have proved particularly effective, as the animals can choose the right zone themselves.

Climate and care

For successful keeping, you should adhere to the following values:

• Temperature: 22-26 °C
• Humidity: 70-85 %

The substrate should remain slightly moist at all times, but should not become wet.

With a GLORIA fine sprayer allows moisture to be regulated particularly finely and evenly.

Feeding

The animals feed mainly on organic material and require permanent foliage and wood.

They also like to be eaten:

• Woodlouse food
• Vegetables
• Cuttlebone

A diet rich in calcium is particularly important so that the animals can optimally build up their exoskeleton.

Offspring

Under stable conditions Ardentiella spec. “Aurora” reliable. The young initially hide deep in the foliage and substrate before becoming more active later on.

Well-established bioactive setups in particular significantly promote breeding.

Important points on posture

• High humidity is important
• Lots of foliage and wood required
• Lime supply is crucial
• Structurally rich furnishings recommended
• Ideal for bioactive terrariums

Suitable accessories for your setup

We recommend a stable and natural setup:

• Fodder foliage – most important staple food
• White rotten wood – Food and hiding place at the same time
• Lime granules – supports the shell structure
• Forest humus – natural substrate
• cuttlebone – additional source of calcium
• GLORIA fine sprayer – Controlled humidity
• Isopod terrarium complete set – ideal for breeding groups

This combination ensures a long-term stable and at the same time very natural setup.

Conclusion

Ardentiella spec. “Aurora” is one of the most impressive Isopods around. The intense colors, the semi-transparent segments and the exciting behavior make this species an absolute eye-catcher.

Anyone looking for unusual Isopods with a spectacular appearance will have a lot of fun with this species.