Small containers work best for most species in this genus, which makes sense considering many of them live in the confines of rodent burrows for much of their life. For a good sized starter group of your typical Arenivaga species, I'd recommend using a container no larger than 2 qts, upgrade the enclosure size once they fill up that one, (which could take a while). It all depends upon the species though, some like a roomier cage, as they can get territorial and cannibalize or bite off legs of their tankmates, (like genitalis or tenax for example). Others simply need a larger enclosure because of their size, like the unusually large bolliana or floridensis.
The substrate should be at least a couple inches deep, and should consist of fine coconut fiber or a similar material.
It's typically recommended not to use sand as the main substrate base, as some commonly available sands are much too abrasive for them, and very hard to maintain a proper humidity gradient with. However, soft river sand and even more abrasive commercially available ones can be used for some psammophile spp., or mixed in with coco fiber for non-psammophiles. While they may live in sandy habitats in the wild, the micro-habitats most commonly cultured Arenivaga live in aren't necessarily very sandy. Many species are found in rodent burrows for example, which often have a light, soft layer of what is presumably decaying vegetation and dust on the floor, which is apparently rather close to the texture of coconut fiber.
As stated before, substrate shouldn't be too chunky for most spp., as the smaller nymphs may have a difficult time getting around, (sifting the coconut fiber to keep it pretty fine may be necessary for some species). On top of the substrate, there should be a layer of crushed, dead hardwood leaves, as it seems to be an important part of their diet.
Most of the enclosure should be kept dry, with a quarter to a third of the substrate kept moist at all times. Most times I opt for horizontal gradients, but you can also use a vertical humidity gradient instead, with the lower layers of the substrate kept moist, and the upper layers dry, (some species actually prefer this). Ventilation levels should be very high, as most Arenivaga become prone to fungal infections when ventilation is too low, and females can refuse to lay oothecae without enough airflow.
Diet:
Decaying hardwood leaf litter should be available at all times, as should some sort of protein source, like dog/cat food or chick feed. Most fruits and veggies go untouched.
Temperature:
Room temps work well for breeding Arenivaga, 70-75F°. However if you keep them more in the 75-85F° range, they'll grow and breed faster.
Breeding/Life cycle:
Adult females live up to 1-2 years, depending on the species, and males typically only live 1-2 months at most. The females lay small, inconspicuous oothecae in the substrate that take 3-5 months to hatch, and the resulting nymphs take around a year or two to mature, (all depending on how much protein they get, and at what temperatures they are kept). Overall, care of this genus seems to be pretty straightforward, but they are certainly more fragile than many of the exotic Corydiidae genera, like Polyphaga or Therea.
Most of the enclosure should be kept dry, with a quarter to a third of the substrate kept moist at all times. Most times I opt for horizontal gradients, but you can also use a vertical humidity gradient instead, with the lower layers of the substrate kept moist, and the upper layers dry, (some species actually prefer this). Ventilation levels should be very high, as most Arenivaga become prone to fungal infections when ventilation is too low, and females can refuse to lay oothecae without enough airflow.
Diet:
Decaying hardwood leaf litter should be available at all times, as should some sort of protein source, like dog/cat food or chick feed. Most fruits and veggies go untouched.
Temperature:
Room temps work well for breeding Arenivaga, 70-75F°. However if you keep them more in the 75-85F° range, they'll grow and breed faster.
Breeding/Life cycle:
Adult females live up to 1-2 years, depending on the species, and males typically only live 1-2 months at most. The females lay small, inconspicuous oothecae in the substrate that take 3-5 months to hatch, and the resulting nymphs take around a year or two to mature, (all depending on how much protein they get, and at what temperatures they are kept). Overall, care of this genus seems to be pretty straightforward, but they are certainly more fragile than many of the exotic Corydiidae genera, like Polyphaga or Therea.
Species notes:
Arenivaga apacha:
This species is fairly prolific if kept properly, simple care for Arenivaga. Seems to enjoy a vertical humidity gradient, but accepts a horizontal one as well. Can be a bit nippy towards each other when crowded, similar to genitalis.
Strains established in culture:
"DOT Rest Area, Amado, AZ"
"Miller Canyon, AZ"
"Sunny Flat Campground, Cave Creek Canyon, AZ"
"The Thing, AZ"
Arenivaga bolliana:
One of the easier species to breed, and also the largest Arenivaga species, period. Does best with a third to half the substrate kept humid, the rest dry, and they really love their leaf litter. Other than that, care is standard for this genus.
Strains established in culture:
"Del Rio, TX"
"McAllen, TX"
Arenivaga floridensis:
The most challenging of the Arenivaga species, these seem to prefer a very specific humidity gradient, and typically only like hanging out where the dry substrate touches the humid substrate. Does better in larger setups, and is one of few species in this genus that prefers pure sand as it's substrate, since they are one of the few cultured Arenivaga found exclusively in sand dunes. Males mature MUCH faster than females, which also makes breeding a huge pain.
Strains established in culture:
"Archbold, FL"
"Lake Placid, FL"
"Ocala, FL"
"Poinciana, FL"
"Tampa, FL".
Arenivaga erratica:
This species is similar to A.tonkawa in appearance, but a bit more slender in morphology. They prefer a third of the substrate be kept humid.
Strains established in culture:
"Animas, NM"
"Ft. Davis, TX"
Arenivaga genitalis:
This species doesn't love crowding and can be quite aggressive towards each other in cramped conditions, though this can vary by locality. Prefers a quarter to a third of the substrate be kept humid.
Strains established in culture:
"Butcher Jones Recreation Area, AZ"
"Sahuarita, AZ"
Arenivaga grata:
A large species, unusual in it's preferance for a chunky substrate. Prefers more of a 50/50 humidity gradient, similar to bolliana and tonkawa.
Strains established in culture:
"Peña Blanca, AZ"
"Mt Ord, AZ"
Arenivaga hopkinsorum:
This species appreciates high ventilation and low humidity, keep a quarter or so of the substrate humid, the rest dry.
Strains established in culture:
"Peña Blanca, AZ"
Arenivaga investigata:
This species is a true psammophile, so a setup similar to A.floridensis with a pure sand substrate is required. Prefers a quarter of the substrate to be humid, the rest dry. Not quite as picky as A.floridensis, so a better introduction to keeping psammophile Arenivaga spp. than them.
Strains established in culture:
"Borrego Springs, CA"
"Imperial Dunes, CA"
Arenivaga cf. nalepae "Bakersfield, CA":
This medium sized species, seems to do best on an inorganic substrate like sand (or at least a mix higher in inorganic substrate than organic). Prefers a third of the substrate humid, the rest dry.
Arenivaga tenax:
Can be rather prolific if kept properly, pretty standard care for Arenivaga. Can be a bit cannibalistic when crowded/not given enough protein, but otherwise very hardy.
Strains established in culture:
"Rodeo, NM"
"Soccoro, TX"
Arenivaga tonkawa:
One of the easiest species to breed, a bit more humid loving than most Arenivaga, seems to prefer a third to half the enclosure being kept humid (but with LOTS of airflow). Prolific and hardy.
Strains established in culture:
"DOT Rest Area, Amado, AZ"
"Ector County, TX"
"Sahuarita, AZ"
"San Antonio, TX"
Arenivaga sp. "Hesperia, CA":
This is an undescribed species, and does well on a sand and coco coir mix. Does well kept with a third of the substrate humid, the rest dry.
Arenivaga sp. "Mescalero Dunes, NM":
This is an undescribed species, seemingly a psammophile. Does well kept with a third of the sand humid, the rest dry. Perhaps the easiest of the psammophile Arenivaga spp..
Arenivaga sp. "Phoenix, AZ":
This locality looks very similar to (and may just be) A.tonkawa, however they are a bit smaller and much more vibrant in coloration, and also seem quite bit less hardy. They prefer a third of the substrate be kept humid, the rest dry, and seem particularly sensitive to frass buildups and poor quality substrate.
