Scarlet Isopods for Sale: A Rare, Rosy-Red Collector Favorite

Deep, warm and eye-catching, the Scarlet isopod (Ardentiella sp., also listed as Merulanella sp.) is a rare tropical species that collectors love. Its rich, rosy-red coloring stands out against dark soil, green moss and natural wood, making it a true showpiece for any display. If you’re looking for rare isopods for sale, Scarlet is a striking choice that’s worth adding to your collection.

An unusual and interesting isopod

Scarlet comes from Vietnam, and it’s still a bit of a mystery in the hobby. It’s an unidentified species that’s closely tied to the Tricolor isopod: Tricolor animals sometimes show up in captive Scarlet colonies, which suggests the Scarlet color may be a recessive trait. That makes Scarlet especially interesting for keepers who enjoy watching genetics play out in a colony.

Like other Ardentiella, Scarlet is active and curious, and it spends plenty of time out in the open instead of hiding all day. It’s also a good climber, so it looks great in taller enclosures with branches, cork bark and textured walls.

Scarlet isopod care

Scarlet needs more attention than hardy beginner species, so it suits keepers who already have some isopod experience.

• Enclosure: use a taller setup with branches, bark and climbing surfaces.
• Temperature and humidity: keep it warm and humid, with good ventilation.
• Moisture: create a gradient, with one area damp and another drier. Avoid stagnant, waterlogged substrate.
• Substrate: use deep organic soil mixed with leaf litter and rotting hardwood.
• Hides: provide plenty of cover so the colony feels secure.
• Calcium: offer a source such as cuttlebone for healthy molting.
• Food: feed a varied diet of leaves, wood and occasional protein, and remove uneaten fresh food promptly.
• Stability: keep conditions steady, since sudden changes can stress the colony.

A standout in any collection

Scarlet pairs beautifully with Tricolor, Ember Bee, Red Diablo and Pink Lambo in a multi-species display, though each line should be kept in its own container to preserve pure lines. With patience and steady conditions, a healthy starter group can grow into a colony that’s the star of your collection.

Shipped live to your door

Every order from Springtails Culture is carefully packed and shipped live, so your colony arrives ready to settle in.

Add Scarlet isopods to your cart today and bring some deep red to your collection!