Springtail Culture

Springtails (Folsomia candida) are tiny arthropods used as "Tank Janitors" in a terrarium or vivarium eating mold and waste. These temperate/tropical springtails will thrive in most terrarium/vivariums conditions including those for Crested Geckos, Tarantulas, Dart Frogs and more.

To seed your substrate, mix the full culture directly into your substrate and keep hydrated. Spreading the culture to different areas will assist with reproduction in all areas of the tank. After adding your Springtail Culture to the substrate Springtails will reproduce entirely on their own.

To start your own colony, setup a small breeding habitat using a plastic container with a lid filled 3/4 full with natural charcoal. Place a piece of charcoal in the seeding culture and allow time for the Springtails to migrate. Once Springtails are visible on the piece of charcoal, slowly and carefully move the charcoal piece from the culture to the plastic container. This will transplant a starter portion Springtails for the new colony. After transplanting the charcoal, provide a very small amount food and keep the container moist and closed. Be sure to vent the container once a day for fresh air and over time the Springtails will reproduce.

Did you know? Isopods work together with Springtails as supporting microfauna for bioactive terrariums..