Springtail Culture - Live Insects for Bioactive Reptile Habitats & Terrariums - 8 oz cup

Description: Springtails are tiny arthropods, usually under 1/4 inch long. They feed on soil microorganisms and help break down small amounts of organic matter such as decaying leaves, poop, and leftover food. This activity may help reduce mold and support a healthier substrate when the habitat is properly maintained. The most common springtail used in terrariums is the temperate white springtail (Folsomia candida). Don't be surprised if springtails seem to appear almost by magic in your habitat. They are common in nature and thrive in warm, humid terrariums. Springtails pose no known health risk to pets, including pet arthropods like millipedes and isopods or pet arachnids like tarantulas and jumping spiders. In fact, small or young amphibians, reptiles, and arachnids may treat them like a tasty snack. To learn more about integrating springtails into your bioactive terrarium, check out our Beneficial Bugs for Better Terrarium Maintenance learning center article!

Name: Live Springtail Culture 8 oz Insects for Bioactive Terrarium

Species: White temperate springtails (Collembola sp.)

Normal Pet Size at Maturity: 1-3 millimeters on average

Average Lifespan: The springtail colony will continually replenish its population naturally with proper conditions.

Basic Diet: To encourage a boost in population of springtails, we recommend offering brewer's yeast for the animals to feed on. Just sprinkle it lightly directly on the moist clay medium. Once established, your springtails should subsist on the natural detritus and waste produced by the live animals and plants in your terrarium.

Habitat Necessities: Springtails are highly adaptable but thrive best at standard household temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Extreme heat (above 90°F) or freezing temperatures will wipe out a colony. Springtails require moisture-retaining substrate. The two best options are: Horticultural Charcoal: The gold standard for dedicated cultures. It resists mold, absorbs impurities, and its porous surface creates millions of tiny caves for them to hide and lay eggs in. You fill it with water up to about 1⁄4 or 1⁄2 of the charcoal layer. Soil⁄ ABG Mix: Ideal for terrariums. A mix of coconut coir, peat moss, tree fern fiber, and sphagnum moss holds moisture perfectly. Springtails are photophobic, meaning they naturally avoid bright light. They require cracks, crevices, or leaves to hide under during the day. For cultures, pieces of rough charcoal or a few strands of damp sphagnum moss provide perfect shelter. For terrariums, leaf litter and cork bark are essential. While they love a sealed, humid environment, they will suffocate if carbon dioxide builds up too much over time. Dedicated Cultures: Use a solid lid to lock in humidity, but open the lid for 5 to 10 seconds once or twice a week to let fresh air in. Alternatively, poke a few tiny pinholes in the lid and cover them with medical paper tape (Micropore tape) to let air exchange while preventing pests from getting in. Terrariums: Standard ventilation mesh is usually more than enough.

Does this Critter Need a Roommate? Not a requirement, but springtails live in colonies and will cohabitate naturally in a terrarium with reptiles or invertebrates. Springtails are too small for most snakes lizards and geckos to bother hunting, but they also breed incredibly fast, so your springtail population is not at risk if their tankmates decide to snack on a few.

Minimum Enclosure Size: Springtails need a minimum of 16 oz container that is at least 4 - 6 inches deep. Springtails need at least 1 inch of substrate while also leaving room for airspace.

Safety Tips for You and Your Pet: It is recommended to closely monitor any new pet for 30 days in their own enclosure to observe signs of illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan. All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.