Scarlet isopod (Merulanella sp. Scarlet)

Short answers

Scarlet isopod: How big does the enclosure need to be?

A box from 25×20×20 cm, escape-proof (it climbs vertically), very well ventilated.

Scarlet isopod: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C (rather cooler, not above ~27 °C), at night 18–22 °C.

Scarlet isopod: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Scarlet isopod: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 1.5–2 years.

Scarlet isopod: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C (rather cooler, not above ~27 °C)

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–80 % (high humidity, substrate damp but not wet)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

a box from 25×20×20 cm, escape-proof (it climbs vertically), very well ventilated

Substrate

Loose and damp (not wet), layered cork bark, moss, leaf litter and lichens; climbing branches; calcium (cuttlebone or shell grit)

Feeding

Food

Vegetables, leaf litter, moss and lichens, rotten pale wood; protein (Gammarus), calcium – no bee pollen

Feeding interval

protein and vegetables 1–2×/week, leaf litter and wood always available

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 1.8–1.9 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 1.5–2 years

Origin

Vietnam (South-East Asia); taxonomically placed in Ardentiella sp. in 2025

Protection status

Not protected (no CITES, no German Federal Nature Conservation Act listing)

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A colony of at least 5–10 animals in its own box. Isopods are gregarious; single animals or a pair will not build a stable group. Do not keep them with other colour forms such as Tricolor or Red Diablo – they can interbreed and the line can then no longer be separated. Springtails are useful tank mates because they clear up mould and food leftovers.

Notes

An attractive red species, more delicate than standard isopods: it needs high humidity AND good ventilation at the same time; temperatures above about 27 °C lead to rapid losses. Wild-caught animals are difficult, captive-bred ones easier. The trade names Merulanella and Ardentiella are both in circulation.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Scarlet isopod (Merulanella sp. Scarlet) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Tricolor isopod (Merulanella sp. Tricolor) – Intermediate
• Little sea isopod (Cubaris murina) – Beginner
• Greek pill woodlouse (Armadillidium gestroi) – Beginner
• Giant canyon isopod (Porcellio dilatatus) – Beginner
• Common pill woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare) – Beginner
• Rubber ducky isopod (Cubaris sp. Rubber Ducky) – Intermediate
• Powder blue isopod (Porcellionides pruinosus) – Beginner
• Marbled pill woodlouse (Armadillidium granulatum) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Scarlet isopod (Merulanella sp. Scarlet) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a box from 25×20×20 cm, escape-proof (it climbs vertically), very well ventilated), substrate (Loose and damp (not wet), layered cork bark, moss, leaf litter and lichens; climbing branches; calcium (cuttlebone or shell grit)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.