Tri Colour Isopods For Sale

Compared to other isopods, merulanella tricolour isopods are rarely sighted. They require warmer temperatures and stable environments for their survival. They make a brilliant display species.

Tricolour Isopods: A Glimpse

• ·       Origin: Vietnam
• ·       Scientific Name: Merulanella sp.
• ·       Difficulty Level: Medium
• ·       Size: 13MM to 0.55 IN.
• ·       Rarity: Low/ Medium
• ·       Temperature: 20⁰C to 26⁰C
• ·       Humidity: 60-70%
• ·       Favourite Foods: Fruits, Vegetables

Tricolour Isopods: An Overview

Merulanella Tricolour Isopods are a species of terrestrial isopods. They are commonly called pill bugs or woodlice. As the name suggests, they have a very peculiar colouration. They are highly distinct from other species of isopods. They mostly have a tricolour pattern, which includes shades of yellow, black and red.

A hard exoskeleton covers their oval-shaped body. They are gifted two pairs of antennae. They have seven pairs of legs. Their natural habitat is found to be around tropical and subtropical regions. Their distribution is thus minimal. They are most likely found in the tropical areas. This limitation in their distribution makes them a less-encountered species of isopods.

To feed tricolour isopods, the best options are a mix of vegetables, fruits, and decaying leaves. Fish flakes and commercial isopod food can be provided as supplement feeds. They rely on moist environments for their survival.

Tricolour Isopods: Basic Care

The following instructions can be helpful in providing the best care for Tricolour isopods.

·       Provide a suitable habitat- Combining organic materials like sphagnum moss, leaf litter and coconut fibre can create a moist substrate ideal for their habitat.

·       Maintaining dampness-Excessive moisture should be avoided as it is harmful for tricolour isopods.

·       Hiding spots- This provides more naturality to the enclosure. They behave more naturally when they feel secure.

·       Temperature- An ideal temperature of 20-26 degree should be maintained.

·       Humidity- Humidity levels should be between 60-70%.

·       Diet- A balanced diet plant matter, invertibrates and fungi should be fed to the isopods to ensure their survival.

·       Specialized diets available in the market can be used to feed them.

·       Monitor the conditions regularly using thermometer and hygrometer.

·       Since they can climb glass and plastic, their enclosures should not have openings near the lids and doors.

Tricolour Isopods: Feeding

Tricolour isopods are mainly identified as detritivores. They consume organic decaying matter. They can also feed on fruits, vegetables, leaf litter, rotting wood, etc.

They are crucial in breaking down dead plant material, contributing to nutrient recycling. To ensure their survival, providing them with an optimal environment is crucial. Leaf litter can be considered an easy source of food. Leaves from different trees can be collected and fed to them in their enclosures.

One of the main things to notice while feeding isopods is that the leaves should be pesticide-free. Other organic materials like fruits and vegetables are also considered ideal sources of energy for these isopods. Any food given has to be finely chopped or grated for easy consumption by isopods.

Tricolour isopods prefer protein rich foods as well. Crushed dog or cat food, shrimp pellets and fish are highly recommended for the welfare of the isopods. Excess consumption should be avoided in any case. If it happens, it might lead to specific health issues among them.

Whatever food the isopods consume, leftovers should be removed immediately. Mold can develop in leftover food, which can cause health issues among the tricolour isopods.

Tricolour Isopods: Appearance and Behaviour

·       Tricolour isopods grow up to 0.55 Inches in length.

·       The species' major color combinations are red, yellow and black.

·       They make for a great display.

·       They are found in groups of five to six.

·       They require more warmer temperatures when compared to other isopod species.

·       If kept under optimal conditions, they are adorable as pets.

·       Once a colony is established for them, they live for a considerable period.

·       Tricolour isopods are considered as prolific breeders. A single female produces a large number of females.

·       Monitoring the reproductive patterns of these isopods is vital, as they are considered vulnerable in their reproductive phase.

Tricolour Isopods: Habitat

Providing an ideal habitat for tricolour isopods is fundamental for their survival. As pets, they make for a great display. An optimal environment has to be maintained in their enclosures to maintain their beautiful features and colour-patterns in their body.

Tricolour isopods survive in the ideal temperature of 20-27⁰C (70-78⁰F). Any temperature above or below this temperature can mess with their metabolism. Regular monitoring of temperature is required to maintain the optimal levels of temperature. The use of a thermometer is preferred for this. It is highly advised to use a heat map or heat lamp to regulate the levels.

People who make enclosures for tricolour isopods should also consider the required humidity levels. The ideal humidity level for the species is between 70-80%. A humidifier should be used to mist the enclosure daily. At the same time, excess moisture should be avoided. If the enclosure is moisturized excessively, mold growth might occur, which is harmful for the tricolour isopods. Along with a humidifier, a hygrometer should also be used to maintain the optimal humidity range.

Tricolour isopods are omnivorous creatures. They feed on a variety of organic matter, including decayed fruits and vegetables, shrimp pellets, fish, etc. They are known for their ability to crawl on both glass and plastic. Hence, the tiny gaps that might appear between doors and glasses should be sealed.

Tricolour Isopods: Substrate Mix

A substrate is an ideal substance that aids the growth of an organism. It can help provide or maintain the optimal environment for your pet creatures. In the case of tricolour isopods, using the correct substrate mixture is crucial. The mixture should be provided accordingly since these isopods are mainly found in tropical climatic conditions.

Tricolour isopods require a substrate that retains moisture. Leaf litter is seen as the most ideal form of substrate for this purpose. Leaves can be easily collected from a variety of trees to provide the ideal shelter for tricolour isopods. However, these leaves should be free of pesticides or chemicals. Additionally, sphagnum moss and coconut fiber can be utilized for their survival.

In their ideal condition, hiding spots are also necessary. This substrate mixture of coconut fibre, leaf litter, and sphagnum moss offers natural hiding spots for the isopods. This creates a homely feeling for the isopods, who feel that they are in their natural habitats.

Too much dampening of the substrate mix is not advisable in any enclosures. Care should be taken when using substrate mix, as it could cause waterlogging. Such scenarios should be avoided at all costs to ensure the survival of tricolour isopods.