Ardentiella Sp. Lava Pastel

Lava Pastel Isopods (Ardentiella sp. “Lava Pastel”)

Lava Pastel isopods are a terrestrial isopod sold under a hobby trade name and associated with Vietnam. They are sold as having a combination of the Lava and Pastel color lines, with a dark body and softer peach, orange, yellow, or reddish markings. Their exact breeding history and taxonomic identity have not been formally established.

Care Information

• Humidity: Seller recommendations range from 60–75% to 70–80%. Maintain a moisture gradient, with a damp area and a drier area.

• Ventilation: Requires good airflow to prevent stagnant air in the humid enclosure.

• Enclosure: Use a secure enclosure with ventilation openings and enough space for climbing.

• Substrate: Provide decaying hardwood, leaf litter, and a moisture-retaining area with sphagnum moss.

• Diet: Feed decaying leaves and wood, with suitable supplementary foods and a calcium source.

• Temperature: Reported recommendations range from 19–26°C (66–79°F), although individual sellers may recommend narrower ranges.

• Habitat structure: Cork bark and other hides provide shelter and climbing surfaces.

• Adult size: One seller reports 18–25 mm (0.7–1 inch); this measurement is not independently confirmed.

• Care level: Listed as difficult by some sellers. This is a husbandry rating, not a scientifically standardized measurement.