Ardentiella spec. “Black Hole”

Ardentiella spec. “Black Hole” – Dark, mystical and extraordinary

Ardentiella spec. “Black Hole” is one of the most unusual Isopods in terraristics, as the animals have an intense dark basic coloration. Adult animals in particular appear almost jet black, creating a strong contrast to foliage, wood and moss.

In addition, many animals have slightly transparent or lighter segment edges, which emphasizes the dark coloration even more. This is precisely why the species looks particularly elegant and at the same time very unusual.

Appearance and color development

The dark coloration develops more and more with increasing age, while young animals often still appear somewhat lighter.

With each moult, the colors intensify further, making adult animals look particularly rich in contrast. At the same time, each animal has slightly different markings, which is why each Isopod looks unique.

The deep black tones are particularly effective on light-colored foliage or white rotten wood.

Behavior and activity

Ardentiella spec. “Black Hole” is mainly active at dusk and at night, although the animals are often visible during the day after spraying or when the humidity is high.

They then actively search the terrarium for food while utilizing leaves, wood and organic material. In this way, they also support a stable soil environment and a functioning microclimate.

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

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
• Isopod terrarium complete set
• Repto Terra Sky

The set-up should offer as many hiding places and different humidity zones as possible. The following have proved particularly successful:

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

Darker and natural setups in particular bring out the intense coloration of the animals. At the same time, leaves and rotten wood are actively used as food.

Substrate and microclimate

For a stable setup, we recommend a mixture of:

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

This keeps the substrate loose and slightly moist at the same time. In addition, the animals will always find food and places to retreat.

A damp and a slightly drier corner have also proved successful, as this allows the animals to select suitable areas 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, otherwise bad spots can quickly form.

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 therefore need leaves and rotten wood on a permanent basis. They also like to be eaten:

• Woodlouse food
• Vegetables
• Cuttlebone

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

Offspring

Under stable conditions Ardentiella spec. “Black Hole” reliably, while the young initially hide deep in the foliage and substrate.

Well-established bioactive setups significantly promote breeding, as food and stable conditions are permanently available there.

Important points on posture

• High humidity is important
• Lots of foliage and wood required
• A good calcium 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 creates a long-term stable setup, while at the same time allowing the animals to behave naturally.

Conclusion

Ardentiella spec. “Black Hole” is one of the most fascinating dark Isopods of all. The intense black coloration, active behaviour and elegant appearance make this species a real highlight in the terrarium.

Anyone looking for unusual and high-contrast Isopods will have a lot of fun with this species.