Orange Springtails "Bilobella braunerae"

Orange Springtails belong to a class of arthropods called Collembola, but they majorly resemble insects. They are better known as nature's clean-up crew, breaking down organic matter and preventing algae and mold buildup in terrariums. Because of this, keepers put them with isopods so they can keep the enclosure clean. If you are intrigued by these species, Orange Springtail is a good choice as they are tiny, vibrant, and perfect for any bioactive setup.

Orange Springtails: A Glimpse

• Origin: East Asia

• Scientific Name: Billobella braunerae

• Difficulty: High

• Rarity: Rare

• Temperature: 18-27°C

• Size: Up to 4 mm

• Humidity: 70-80%

• Favorable Foods: Fungus, bacteria, mold, decaying plant material, fish flakes, brewer's yeast. 

An Overview

Belonging to East Asia, Orange Springtails are rare and popular for their small size and bright orange coloration, making them attractive and different from other species. They grow up to 4 mm and have delicate bodies used to living in specific conditions, like in a warm and humid environment.

Every species have a type like eating habit and living preferences, which may seem like a challenging task, but if you are experiences with them, you can give them the same ambiance in a terrarium, where they will easily thrive. 

Orange Springtails: Basic Care

We have provided some tips so you can care for your springtails in the best way possible.

• Orange Springtails thrive in an environment with consistent humidity and temperature. Therefore, you must control both and ensure the levels don't fluctuate much.

• Hygrometer and thermometer tools help in monitoring the temperature and moisture levels and maintain the range.

• Misting the enclosure regularly is important, but don't flood the substrate, as it can create problems for your little friends and even mess with their survival.

• Orange Springtails are very sensitive. Therefore, you cannot let harmful chemicals or contaminants enter their enclosure.

Orange Springtails: Feeding

Orange Springtails are detritivores in nature which means they need decaying organic matter to meet their nutritional requirements and stay healthy as long as they are alive. Some of their favorite foods include foods include fungus, mold, bacteria, fish flakes, and Brewer's yeast, which you can easily get from a pet shop that deals in arthropods and crustaceans.

Orange Springtails: Appearance and Behaviour

• Orange Springtails are popular because of their vibrant orange color, which makes them unique and easier to spot even in the wild. 

• They have a soft body and a forked appendage on the underside of their abdomen that helps them jump whenever they feel threatened.

• They are fast-moving creatures and prefer to cluster around food when active but hide when the conditions are not right.

• Orange Springtails are social creatures and thrive better in groups. Therefore, you should keep them in a colony in the terrarium.

Orange Springtails: Habitat

In their natural habitat, Orange Springtails mostly make their home under leaf litter, under bark, or in moist soil, and you must mimic the same in captivity. Keeping them in a bioactive terrarium is a good idea, particularly if it has reptiles or amphibians that need a high-humidity environment to survive.

Orange Springtails: Substrate Mix

Using the right substrate mix, containing coco coir, activated charcoal, leaf litter, and clay pebbles, you can keep your springtails happy and not let them suffer health-wise. Also, layer the substrate so the top stays damp and the excess moisture drains down. You can also add small patches of moss, as it holds humidity and creates microhabitats for the springtails to explore.