Springtails (Collembola) – Bioactive Clean-Up Crew
Springtails are tiny soil-dwelling invertebrates that make an excellent addition to any terrarium or vivarium. They act as a natural clean-up crew by feeding on mold, decaying matter, and leftover food, helping to keep your enclosures fresh, balanced, and healthy. In bioactive setups, they contribute to a self-sustaining ecosystem, reducing waste and supporting the overall well-being of your plants and animals.
Descriptions of available species:
Tropical Pink (TP) – A hardy and active species that thrives in a huge range of environments, from cool to hot, super humid to fairly arid. Quick reproductive rate and prefers to stay at surface.
Temperate White (TEMP) – The classic springtail, great for a wide variety of enclosures. Surface dwelling and is not tolerant of excessive heat.
Spanish Orange (ORG) – Brightly colored and eye-catching, ideal for tropical bioactive setups. Burrows in substrate.
Florida Orange (FLO) – A vibrant and robust species well-suited for warm climates. Likes to burrow.
Lilac (LLC) – A unique pastel-colored springtail that adds variety to your clean-up crew. Likes all levels of substrate. These do very well in wetter, high humidity conditions.
Yellow Albino (ALB) – the albino form of lilac which are visually striking and much easier to see, while still excellent at mold control. Can be found on top and throughout substrate.
SPRINGTAILS
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All springtail cultures from the OIF are now shipped and supplied on charcoal. When sent through post, a filler is added to secure and protect the colony, in addition to a reduction in the water level. Upon arrival, we recommend promptly removing the filler and adding dechlorinated water to provide the best conditions for your culture to thrive.
Every springtail culture from the OIF, regardless of species, is guaranteed to contain a minimum of 150 specimens (both adults and juveniles).
To get an accurate estimate of numbers, simply "flood" the colony with water - all springtails float on water, a characteristic which permits easy observation and transfer.
