Ant Woodlouse (Platyarthrus aiasensis)
Platyarthrus aiasensis "Ant Woodlouse" Care Guide
Platyarthrus aiasensis, commonly known as the "Ant Woodlouse," is a fascinating, tiny isopod species that naturally lives in association with ant colonies. In captivity, they can be kept either with ants or in a dedicated micro setup. They are shy, slow-moving, and incredibly interesting for those who enjoy observing unique behaviors.
Enclosure:
Provide a small, escape-proof container with fine ventilation. Use a shallow substrate of flake soil and sphagnum moss, with generous amounts of decaying leaf litter. Include small bark pieces and surfaces to mimic their natural environment. If housed with ants, ensure the setup supports both species’ needs.
Temperature & Humidity:
Maintain temperatures between 70-75°F. "Ant Woodlouse" prefers high humidity (85-95%), as they are prone to desiccation. Keep the enclosure consistently moist—mist lightly and frequently.
Feeding:
In ant colonies, they scavenge organic debris and fungi. In a standalone enclosure, provide decaying leaf litter, a touch of softwood, and occasional microfauna-safe protein supplements. They do not require much food and are very low waste.
Behavior:
These tiny isopods are extremely secretive and will spend most of their time under cover. They breed slowly and thrive in highly stable, undisturbed setups. Best suited for advanced keepers or as a companion species for ant displays.
Platyarthrus aiasensis "Ant Woodlouse" Care Guide
Platyarthrus aiasensis, commonly known as the "Ant Woodlouse," is a fascinating, tiny isopod species that naturally lives in association with ant colonies. In captivity, they can be kept either with ants or in a dedicated micro setup. They are shy, slow-moving, and incredibly interesting for those who enjoy observing unique behaviors.
Enclosure:
Provide a small, escape-proof container with fine ventilation. Use a shallow substrate of flake soil and sphagnum moss, with generous amounts of decaying leaf litter. Include small bark pieces and surfaces to mimic their natural environment. If housed with ants, ensure the setup supports both species’ needs.
Temperature & Humidity:
Maintain temperatures between 70-75°F. "Ant Woodlouse" prefers high humidity (85-95%), as they are prone to desiccation. Keep the enclosure consistently moist—mist lightly and frequently.
Feeding:
In ant colonies, they scavenge organic debris and fungi. In a standalone enclosure, provide decaying leaf litter, a touch of softwood, and occasional microfauna-safe protein supplements. They do not require much food and are very low waste.
Behavior:
These tiny isopods are extremely secretive and will spend most of their time under cover. They breed slowly and thrive in highly stable, undisturbed setups. Best suited for advanced keepers or as a companion species for ant displays.
Platyarthrus aiasensis "Ant Woodlouse" Care Guide
Platyarthrus aiasensis, commonly known as the "Ant Woodlouse," is a fascinating, tiny isopod species that naturally lives in association with ant colonies. In captivity, they can be kept either with ants or in a dedicated micro setup. They are shy, slow-moving, and incredibly interesting for those who enjoy observing unique behaviors.
Enclosure:
Provide a small, escape-proof container with fine ventilation. Use a shallow substrate of flake soil and sphagnum moss, with generous amounts of decaying leaf litter. Include small bark pieces and surfaces to mimic their natural environment. If housed with ants, ensure the setup supports both species’ needs.
Temperature & Humidity:
Maintain temperatures between 70-75°F. "Ant Woodlouse" prefers high humidity (85-95%), as they are prone to desiccation. Keep the enclosure consistently moist—mist lightly and frequently.
Feeding:
In ant colonies, they scavenge organic debris and fungi. In a standalone enclosure, provide decaying leaf litter, a touch of softwood, and occasional microfauna-safe protein supplements. They do not require much food and are very low waste.
Behavior:
These tiny isopods are extremely secretive and will spend most of their time under cover. They breed slowly and thrive in highly stable, undisturbed setups. Best suited for advanced keepers or as a companion species for ant displays.