Common name - Phoenix Isopod
Scientific name - Merulanella sp. "Phoenix"
The listing is for 1x CAPTIVE BRED animal, of a highly sought-after species of isopod (rolypoly/pillbug/woodlice) that is infamous for their striking cherry-red colouring, which is contrasted with patches of yellow and black. While this species looks very similar in appearance to Merulanella sp. "Tricolor", they are a different species according to the differing morphology of their lateral tubercules. Merulanella sp. "Phoenix" also tends to produce specimens with higher proportions of yellow and red when compared to tricolors.
*Please beware of the recent influx of imports of wild-collected Merulanella species that have been appearing in the UK. Wild-collected Merulanella are notorious for their difficulty in adapting to captive conditions and die quickly without reproducing. Importers buy these in from Vietnamese/Thai poachers in bulk for pennies, just to quickly move them on for profit before they pass under their care. Please do not support these importers and their unethical business practices.*
This species is also notoriously bolder and more active compared to typical isopods, making them ideal for display set-ups or ideal for those that just like to see their isopods out and about more often. When a group is purchased, the isopods sent will be an assorted mixture of ages and sizes, to ensure a good start to a breeding colony.
These are CAPTIVE BRED in my collection and this culture has been stabilised to withstand captive conditions over several generations. Merulanella spp. have a bad reputation for being difficult to keep alive in captivity, but this usually only applies to people who have purchased wild-collected Merulanella from bulk importers. Captive bred populations of Merulanella spp. that have been stabilised are relatively easy to rear and breed readily.
The isopods feed on a variety of forest materials such as decaying wood and leaf litter. Additional supplements such as calcium (limestone/cuttlefish bone) and fish food should be offered as part of their balanced diet.
Shipping:
UK – Royal Mail 1st Class
UK – Royal Mail Special Delivery
Worldwide – Royal Mail Registered
DISPATCH DATE – Monday
*During these difficult times, orders are despatched collectively once a week on Mondays to keep everyone safe. Orders placed after Sunday 6pm (GMT) will be despatched the Monday a week later.*
*Live-Arrival-Guarantee (LAG) only applies to livestock shipped via overnight services. See T&Cs for full details. No exceptions apply.*
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Orders are shipped entirely at the customer's own risk.
For the full T&Cs, please click on the link HERE. Failure to read the Terms prior to purchase is upon the full responsibility of the customer.
