Scarlet Isopod (Merulanella sp.)
Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet'
The Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet'. A Vietnamese isopod (0.6 - 0.7 inches) that defines the concept of 'ultra-rarity' and extreme luxury in the bioactive terrarium. It belongs to the nervous, very fast and demanding Merulanella family, but exhibits a hypnotic deep scarlet red, blood red and vibrant translucent crimson coloration over its entire body. Exceptional but very fragile climbers, they live on rotting vertical woods wrapped in dripping mosses at extreme humidity. A single ventilation error quickly condemns them to an expensive asphyxiating end.
Ambiente
Terrestre
Umidade
75 - 90 %
Temperatura diurna
22 - 26 °C
Temperatura noturna
20 - 23 °C
Descrição da espécie
Geographic Origin and Habitat: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about geographic origin and habitat for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet'. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Taxonomy and Genetics: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about taxonomy and genetics for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet'. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Behaviour and Habits: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about behaviour and habits for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet'. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about morphology and sexual dimorphism for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet'. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Terrarium Setup: Guidance about terrarium setup for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Lighting and Heating: Guidance about lighting and heating for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Humidity and Hydration: Guidance about humidity and hydration for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Feeding and Supplementation: Guidance about feeding and supplementation for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Guidance about compatibility and coexistence for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Health and Common Diseases: Guidance about health and common diseases for Merulanella sp. 'Scarlet' must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Esta espécie é originária de: Vietnam (Alture pluviali e grotte muschiose isolate).
Origem
América Central e CaribeEuropa, Mediterrâneo e Ásia OcidentalSul e Sudeste Asiático
Perfil de invertebrados terrestres
- Dieta
- Detritivore
- This species thrives on a varied diet rich in decaying organic matter. They primarily consume high-quality leaf litter and soft rotting wood. Supplemental calcium and occasional vegetable scraps are essential for maintaining proper health and a strong exoskeleton.
- Tamanho adulto
- 1.9 cm
- Estilo de vida/Microhabitat
- Arboreal
- They are robust terrestrial invertebrates that thrive in a well-maintained terrarium environment. A distinct moisture gradient is crucial to prevent both fatal dehydration and harmful fungal infections. They spend the vast majority of their time navigating the complex microhabitats of the damp forest floor.
- Ciclo de atividades
- Diurnal
- This species is primarily active during the night and the dimmer crepuscular hours. They typically remain hidden during the peak daylight hours to conserve vital moisture and avoid predators. Providing a natural day-night light cycle helps regulate their natural foraging and resting behaviors.
- Socialidade
- Solitary
- They are social invertebrates that do best when kept in sizable, thriving colonies. Despite their active, wandering nature, they routinely cluster together in highly humid microhabitats or communal hiding spots, which aids in collective moisture conservation and provides the necessary social structure for steady breeding.
- Reprodução
- Marsupial
- Reproduction occurs consistently throughout the year when kept under optimal terrarium conditions. Females incubate their developing eggs within a specialized ventral brood pouch known as a marsupium. The young emerge as fully formed miniatures and require stable moisture to survive their initial delicate molts.
- Venenoso
- No
- Tolerância de tratamento
- Display only
- Handling should be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid causing unnecessary stress. Their incredibly delicate bodies and limbs can be easily injured by improper or forceful grasping. If relocation is absolutely necessary, gently move them by scooping up the bark or leaf they are resting on.
- Brumação
- Não obrigatório
- They generally do not require any brumation period when kept in a controlled captive environment. Maintaining stable and appropriately warm temperatures ensures continuous year-round activity and breeding success. It is important to avoid extreme cold to prevent potential and sudden colony crashes.
- Muda
- Periodic
- Molting occurs in two very distinct phases to allow the isopod continuous mobility during the process. Adequate environmental humidity is absolutely essential for them to successfully shed their old exoskeleton without complications. They will usually consume their freshly shed skin in order to rapidly reclaim lost calcium.
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