Invertebrate · Isopod
Ember bee isopod care guide
Merulanella sp. 'Ember Bee'
The ember bee isopod is a intermediate-level isopod from Thailand. Adults reach Body 0.8–1.2 cm and live 2–3 years in captivity. Bumpy black-and-orange species that likes moss and cork bark.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 22–27°C
- Humidity 70–85%
How much does a ember bee isopod cost in Canada?
Ember bee isopod quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 0.8–1.2 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Thailand
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C
- Humidity
- 70–85%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Ember bee isopod enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 70–85%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a ember bee isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein. Keep leaf litter and rotting wood available and offer protein weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Small and delicate; avoid handling.
Health watch: Losses from drying out or poor airflow.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a ember bee isopod bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Ember bee isopod FAQ
Is the ember bee isopod good for beginners?
The ember bee isopod is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Small and delicate; avoid handling.
What size enclosure does a ember bee isopod need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a ember bee isopod cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a ember bee isopod need?
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 70–85%.
What does a ember bee isopod eat?
Detritivore – leaf litter, rotting wood, moss, protein. Keep leaf litter and rotting wood available and offer protein weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.