Ardentiella sp (ex Merulanella sp). "Black Hole" Isopods

Ardentiella black hole, formally known as Merulanella sp. Black hole now reclassified as Ardentiella sp. Pastel due to new scientific findings. These isopods are extremely popular in the isopod keeping hobby for their striking pastel colours and interesting behaviours.

Ardentiella black holel are a very active species of isopod and are great fun to care for. These isopods are quite a large species and are black in colour which can be a great contrast with other items in your enclosure.

Care Instructions for Ardentiella Black Hole (Please note, the below information is from our experience successfully keeping and breeding this species.)

• Temperature Range: 24–28°C
• Ideal Humidity Levels: 75–85%
• Ventilation Needs: Medium to High

Enclosure Set Up for Ardentiella Black Hole (Again, please note, the below information is from our experience successfully keeping and breeding this species.)

We have found that these isopods, much like other ardentiella will utilise vertical space for climbing, so offering some high branches is a great opportunity to observe them displaying great climbing behaviours.

We Include features such as:

• Branches (Oak and Beech)
• Cork Bark – stacked horizontally and a few vertical pieces.
• Lotus Pods

As with all of our isopod enclosures we use:

• Isopod Substrate
• Leaf Litter
• Sphagnum Moss
• White Rotten Wood

For ventilation, we have cross ventilation in the form of a 50mm mesh vent on each end of the enclosure and a few small (1mm) holes covered with fine mesh in the lid.

Diet

As with other isopods the main part of Ardentiella Black Hole's diet should consist of Leaf Litter and some White Rotten Wood. We always ensure our isopods have access to a good calcium source from one or more of the below sources:

• Egg Shells
• Cuttlefish
• Limestone Flour
• Crushed Oyster Shell

As a source of protein, we rotate the below:

• Dried Shrimp
• Dried Minnows
• Fish Flakes
• Spirulina
• Blood Worm Powder

We also feed small amounts of supplemental vegetable scraps to ensure complete nutrition. We have found favourites for Ardentiella black hole to be: Courgette, Baby Corn and Sweet Potatoes.

Please note: All isopods are captive bred by us here at The Bug Room. We will always send a mix of sizes to maximise the success of your colony.

Shipping Details

Royal Mail 24hr for all orders. We guarantee live delivery on all live goods. We will always ensure that the weather conditions are safe for transit of live goods. In the cooler months we will use heat packs to ensure your live animals arrive with you happy and healthy.

Get In Touch!

If you would like any information prior to placing an order, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to answer questions or give some advice from our own experience.