Description
Tropical Springtails (Collembola springtails sp.) are a very small species of arthropods (under 3mm) that make great feeders for many dart frogs especially for baby froglets. The are an excellent food for the frogs and positively contribute to the overall well being and health of your Vivarium’s ecosystem.
What Do Springtails Do In a Terrarium
In nature, springtails are little janitors helping to decompose dead and decaying organic matter on the moist rainforest floor. They are often used by dart frog enthusiasts as a vivarium Clean Up Crew (CUC). Once in your terrarium they will help to cycle the leaf litter, decaying plant material, and fecal material (poop) from your frogs, geckos, snakes or other small animals. Once a large number of springtails is established in your terrarium soil, they will continually reproduce to create a steady supply of snacking food for your Dart Frogs. Springtails should be able to keep up with most of the decomposing needs of frog habitat. However some frogs will forage more than others and you may be required to add more springtails to you vivarium as needed.
Springtails should not be used as your only food source for you amphibians or reptiles, as they cannot be easily dusted with the proper supplements that your animals will need. However they make a great treat and are important in the overall health of your vivarium. Tropical Springtails require a high humidity maintained from 70-99% Since Springtails are so light they are able to float on water, which make it easy for you to scoop them from a master culture.
A starter culture of Springtails is sold in an 8 oz deli cup with Biochar horticultural charcoal. When you receive your starter culture of Springtails, you can dump it directly into your Bioactive Vivarium, or start a master culture of your very own.
For more information on how to properly care for, house and feed off your new Springtail culture, please read our care sheet Here.
Our Tropical Springtails are available for sale and shipping in Canada Only or pick up in Calgary by appointment