Springtails (class Collembola) are the other half of a working bioactive cleanup crew. While isopods process leaf litter and larger debris, springtails handle what isopods can't reach — mould, fungal growth, bacterial films, and fine organic matter in the substrate. A healthy colony in a reptile, amphibian or planted vivarium means less mould, fewer fungus gnats, and a substrate that actively maintains itself.

Every culture on this page is UK-bred, shipped in its established substrate, and backed by a live arrival guarantee with a 20% overcount included as standard. Orders post Monday to Thursday only to keep livestock out of weekend depots.

Species we stock

We keep cultures across a range of genera — from the bulletproof standard species every bioactive keeper should have, to rare coloured morphs that are actually visible in your tank:

• Temperate Springtails (Folsomia candida) — the workhorse white springtail. Hardy, prolific, tolerates UK room temperatures, and the standard choice for most bioactive setups.
• Thai Red Springtails (Lobella sp.) — large, candy-red, non-jumping springtails from Thailand. Discovered around 2021 and genuinely visible against dark substrate.
• Orange Springtails (Yuukianura aphoruroides) — vivid orange, non-jumping, slow-moving. A budget-friendly alternative to Thai Reds for keepers who want visible microfauna.
• Orange Springtails (Bilobella braunerae) — a separate orange species with similar colouration but different taxonomy. We list both because they are genuinely different animals.
• Lilac Springtails and Lilac & Yellow Springtails — purple-hued Ceratophysella sp. from Thailand, rare and striking in planted setups.
• Yellow (Albino) Springtails (Ceratophysella sp.) — cream-yellow colour morph, easy to culture and prolific.
• Snowflake Springtails (Onychiuridae sp.) — pure white, cold-tolerant, effective in cooler setups where tropical species struggle.

Common questions

Are springtails insects?
No — they're hexapods in the class Collembola, a separate lineage closely related to insects but outside Insecta. Functionally, they behave like tiny insects, but the distinction matters for anyone researching them scientifically.

What do springtails do in a bioactive enclosure?
They eat mould, fungal growth, bacterial films, and decaying organic matter. In a reptile, amphibian or planted vivarium they prevent mould blooms, keep the substrate biologically active, and occupy the niche isopods can't reach. Springtails and isopods are complementary, not interchangeable — most bioactive setups benefit from having both.

Which springtail species should I start with?
For a standard bioactive setup, Folsomia candida (our Temperate Springtails) is the default choice — cheap, hardy, breeds readily at UK room temperatures. If you want something visible against the substrate, the coloured species (Thai Red, Orange, Lilac, Yellow) do the same job while actually being watchable.

Can springtails be fed to dart frogs and small geckos?
Yes — they're a staple food source for Dendrobatidae (dart frogs), mourning geckos, small dart-frog-sized amphibians and juvenile reptiles. Established springtail colonies in a vivarium will continuously produce food while also keeping the setup clean.

Do springtails jump?
Most do — using a springing organ called the furcula — but several species we stock (Thai Red, Orange Yuukianura) do not jump at all. This is useful if you want to open the enclosure without springtails pinging out of it.

How do I keep a springtail culture alive long-term?
Keep the substrate damp (not wet), feed small amounts of brewer's yeast, fish flakes or rice every few days, and keep the lid on. Most springtails don't need ventilation — they need humidity. Opening the lid during feeding provides enough air exchange.

Will springtails harm my plants?
No. Springtails eat decaying plant matter, mould and fungi — not healthy living plant tissue. They're safe in any planted vivarium or terrarium.

Pair any of our springtail cultures with isopods for a complete bioactive cleanup crew. Not sure what combination suits your setup? Drop us a message before ordering — happy to advise.