Ardentiella spec. “Pastel”

Ardentiella spec. “Pastel” – Soft colors, strong effect

Ardentiella spec. “Pastel” is one of the most elegant tropical Isopods around. While many premium species stand out with extreme contrasts or strong neon colors, this species appears much softer and almost surreal.

The animals show soft pastel colors, which can range from cream to slightly orange or pinkish tones depending on the light. This makes them look almost painted and immediately sets them apart from classic isopod species.

Especially in humid, darker forest setups, the bright colors come into their own incredibly well. This creates a very elegant and calm overall impression in the terrarium.

A type for stable and well thought-out setups

Ardentiella spec. “Pastel” is not one of the classic beginner species. The animals react much more sensitively to poor air quality, waterlogging or a permanently wet substrate.

This is precisely why keeping them only works really well if humidity and ventilation are properly coordinated. The terrarium should remain slightly moist at all times, but should also be able to dry out quickly.

It is precisely this balance that makes the species so exciting, as well-configured setups are rewarded with incredibly natural behavior and intense colors.

Quiet, but fascinatingly active

Despite their rather quiet nature, the animals are surprisingly easy to observe. Especially after spraying or in the evening hours, many animals become visible and move slowly through the foliage.

Then they sit on pieces of wood, rummage through the substrate or run along between areas of moss. It is precisely this calm and controlled movement that perfectly matches the elegant appearance of the animals.

In contrast to hectic species, this makes the entire terrarium appear much more harmonious and natural.

Terrarium size and set-up

A well-ventilated tropical setup with a loose soil structure is suitable for keeping them. They work particularly well:

• BraPlast tins
• Isopod terrarium complete set
• Repto Terra Sky

The set-up should be as natural and angled as possible. The following have proved particularly successful:

• Forest humus
• Cork granulate
• Fodder leaves
• white rotten wood
• Moss areas
• Cork pieces

Moss in particular plays an important role for this species, as it creates permanently slightly damp retreats. At the same time, the setup should never appear permanently wet.

Substrate and microclimate

For a stable setup, we recommend a mixture of:

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

The substrate should remain loose and store moisture, but should also be able to dry out quickly. This is particularly important for this species.

A thick layer of foliage also supports the microclimate and serves as a permanent source of food.

Climate and care

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

• Temperature: 22-26 °C
• Humidity: 75-85 %

The terrarium should be lightly sprayed regularly, but should never be completely soaked. Good ventilation is at least as important for this species as the humidity itself.

With a GLORIA fine sprayer the moisture can be distributed in a particularly fine and controlled manner.

Feeding

Ardentiella spec. “Pastel” feeds mainly on organic material and requires permanent foliage and rotten wood. They also like to be eaten:

• Woodlouse food
• Vegetables
• Cuttlebone
• Lichens

A good supply of calcium supports the development of the exoskeleton and should be permanently available.

Offspring

Under stable conditions Ardentiella spec. “Pastel” reliable, but much slower than many simple isopod species.

Well-established bioactive setups noticeably promote breeding, as stable conditions prevail there permanently. The juveniles initially hide deep in the substrate and only fully show their intense coloration later.

Important points on posture

• Good ventilation is particularly important
• Substrate should never be permanently wet
• High humidity required
• Structurally rich forest setups ideal
• More suitable for advanced holders

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
• Forest humus – natural substrate
• Cork granules – loosens up the substrate
• Lime granules – supports the shell structure
• cuttlebone – additional source of calcium
• GLORIA fine sprayer – Controlled humidity
• Isopod terrarium complete set – ideal for tropical premium species

This creates a calm and stable setup in which the animals can fully develop their special color effect.

Conclusion

Ardentiella spec. “Pastel” is one of the most elegant premium tropical Isopods. The soft colors, the calm behavior and the special charisma make this species a real highlight for demanding bioactive terrariums.

If you are not looking for an ordinary Isopod, but a species with an extraordinary color effect and natural elegance, you will enjoy this species very much.

The Isopods formerly known as Merulanella have been renamed Ardentiella due to new scientific findings. For detailed information on this name change and the associated taxonomic adjustments, you can view the corresponding white paper. This provides comprehensive insights into the current research and the reasons for the reclassification.

Facing the taxonomic impediment – a reassessment of Merulanella Verhoeff, 1926 (Oniscidea, Armadillidae) through historical specimens