Ember Bee Isopods (Merulanella sp.)

Despite the 10,000 species already existing, not even two are familiar, which makes them even more fascinating for keepers and hobbyists to value. Ember Bee Isopods is one such exotic species you can own as a pet. These crustaceans are from Vietnam and are found in highly humid areas, an essential aspect of their natural habitat. But before you get your hands on them, you have a few things to learn that we have covered in the lines below.

Ember Bee Isopods: A Glimpse

• Origin: Vietnam

• Scientific Name: Merulanella sp.

• Rarity: Not rare

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Temperature: 22-26°C

• Size: Up to 2 cm

• Humidity: High

• Favorable Foods: Fruits, greens, veggies, forest moss, decaying leaves, lichen, rotting white wood, kinship.

An Overview

Ember Bee Isopods are popular for the stunning patterns on their bodies, which feature a combination of colors like yellow, red, orange, and black. Each boasts a different color pattern and can grow up to 2 cm long, making them bigger than other isopods.

Their vivid coloration attracts the keepers, and one thing which is not found in any isopod is that they wander and explore the environment during day and night. 

As for humidity, Ember Bee isopods live in humid areas, where temperature doesn’t fluctuate much and is between 22 and 26°C.

Ember Bee Isopods: Basic Care

Taking their proper care will do the needful for their health. Some tips that will help you get through their care are shared below. 

• Their preferred temperature in which they thrive the most is between 22 and 26°C. 

• Very uncommon to found in any species, they prefer high humidity from 60% to 75%, as this will keep them moist and prevent them from oversaturating.

• Provide airflow so no mold or bacteria can grow inside the enclosure and harm your isopods.

• Use a secure, escape-proof terrarium, as these isopods, mainly the younger ones, can easily climb vertical surfaces and escape the enclosure.

Feeding

Their diet is not strict and they eat a lot of thing, making it easier for you to easily avail them including leaf litter, fruits, vegetables, kinship, and more. You can provide these items and a few supplements like cuttlebone or limestone to make their diet healthier and more nutritious. Since they eat a lot, you will need a constant supply of decomposing leaves, a large portion of their appetite. Add dried shrimp or fish flakes for protein supplements, as they are good for reproduction and health.

Ember Bee Isopods: Appearance & Behaviour

• Their peculiar color combination of bright orange and yellow stripes helps them camouflage, protecting them against predators. 

• Ember Bee isopods are active both at sunrise and sunset, roaming through the terrarium.  

• They hang in groups given to their social nature characteristic and engage in activities like foraging and grooming.

Ember Bee Isopods: Habitat

Ember Bee Isopods cannot survive outside a habitat that doesn’t match their natural environment. You must create a similar setup where they get the right humidity and temperature and live without discomfort. Maintain a moist environment so your isopods can always be happy and healthy. They also need hiding spots to seek shelter and rest when not active. Also, add vertical elements like branches or bark pieces so that they can practice climbing, an important character trait.

Substrate Mix

You can create a substrate mix by mixing coconut coir and organic soil, two of the best materials for retaining moisture. After the base layer is ready, add leaf Litter so your isopods have a continuous food source to munch on. To make the enclosure better, you can add sphagnum moss, which can also retain moisture well. Also, include pieces of rotting wood so your isopods have foraging material ready.