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Ardentiella spec. “Yellow Arrow”

Price range: 18,00 € through 160,00 € incl. VAT, plus shipping

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DifficultyHeavy

Quantity1 animal 10 animals

Animal Size (mm) < 20 mm

Temperature (°C)22°C – 26°C

g110

Icon Schwierigkeitsgrad

Heavy

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Vietnam

Icon Tiergroesse

< 20 mm

Icon Temperatur

22°C – 26°C

Ardentiella spec. ‘Yellow Arrow’ – Like an arrow in your terrarium

Ardentiella spec. “Yellow Arrow” is one of the most unusual tropical Isopods. The intense yellow markings on its back, which run like a bright arrow across its body, immediately catch the eye.

It is precisely this special pattern that makes this species a real eye-catcher in the terrarium. At the same time, the darker body areas form a strong contrast to the yellow pattern, making the animals look almost artificial.

The colors are particularly intense on dark substrate or between damp leaves.

Striking pattern and strong contrasts

The distinctive dorsal markings become more pronounced with increasing age, while adult animals show the most intense colors.

Depending on the light and humidity, the yellow tones vary in intensity, which means that the animals always look slightly different. This is exactly what makes observation so exciting.

Each animal also has slightly different patterns, which is why no two groups look exactly the same. This creates a very lively overall picture in the terrarium.

Active, curious and constantly on the move

Ardentiella spec. “Yellow Arrow” is surprisingly active for a tropical Isopod. Especially after spraying or when there is fresh food, many animals emerge from their hiding places at the same time.

They then actively explore the terrarium, rummage through the foliage and go in search of food. This makes the entire setup look much livelier and more natural.

Like many tropical Isopods, they nevertheless spend a lot of time under wood, moss or leaves, which is why a structurally rich setup is particularly important.

Terrarium size and set-up

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

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

The species requires a loose and at the same time well-aerated substrate that retains moisture but does not remain permanently wet. A mixture of:

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

In addition, moist retreats should always be available. These are particularly suitable:

  • Moss
  • Cork pieces
  • Pieces of bark
  • Foliage layers

Moist moss in particular is very popular and helps to create a stable microclimate.

Substrate and microclimate

For a stable setup, we recommend different humidity zones so that the animals can select suitable areas themselves.

Although the substrate should remain slightly moist, it should also be able to dry out quickly. This is precisely why good aeration plays a particularly important role for this species.

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

Climate and care

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

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

It is advisable to spray the terrarium lightly about twice a week so that the moss and substrate do not dry out.

With a GLORIA fine sprayer allows moisture to be distributed particularly finely and evenly, keeping the climate stable.

Feeding

The animals feed mainly on organic material and are also happy to accept various supplementary foods:

  • Fodder leaves
  • white rotten wood
  • Woodlouse food
  • Gammarus
  • Carrots
  • Parsnip
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Cuttlebone

A good calcium supply is particularly important so that the animals can build up their exoskeleton properly.

Offspring

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

Well-established bioactive setups significantly promote breeding, as they provide permanently stable conditions and sufficient food.

Important points on posture

  • High humidity is important
  • Good ventilation is crucial
  • Damp moss should always be present
  • Lots of foliage and wood required
  • Structurally rich furnishings recommended

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
  • cuttlebone – additional source of calcium
  • GLORIA fine sprayer – Controlled humidity
  • Isopod terrarium complete set – ideal for tropical species

This creates a stable tropical setup while allowing the animals to display their natural behavior.

Conclusion

Ardentiella spec. “Yellow Arrow” is one of the most impressive tropical Isopods. The bright yellow dorsal markings, active behavior and unusual appearance make this species a real highlight in the terrarium.

Anyone looking for rare premium Isopods with intense colors and exciting behavior will have a lot of fun with this species.

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

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