Orange Springtails "Yuuklanura Aphoruroides"

Yuukianura aphoruroides, commonly sold as "Orange Springtails," are small, bright orange hexapods that add visible colour to bioactive setups. Unlike the typical white springtails most keepers start with, these are actually visible against substrate—their vivid orange colouration makes them one of the more attractive functional microfauna options available. They're slow-moving, non-jumping, and easy to observe.

A Glimpse

• Origin: Europe (Spain) or Asia (sources vary)
• Scientific Name: Yuukianura aphoruroides
• Also known as: Orange Springtails, Protanura Orange (older name)
• Maintenance required: Easy
• Average Size: Up to 4mm
• Rarity: Rare
• Temperature: 21-27°C (70-80°F)
• Humidity: 70-85%
• Substrate: Soil-based or clay (flexible)
• Favorite food: Fish flakes, brewer's yeast, decaying organic matter

Orange Springtails: Introduction

Springtails (Collembola) are tiny hexapods that form the foundation of bioactive cleanup crews. They consume mould, fungi, decaying organic matter, and bacteria—keeping enclosures clean and supporting healthy substrate ecosystems. While common white springtails (Folsomia candida) are functional workhorses, they're not much to look at.

Orange springtails changed the aesthetic equation. Their bright orange colouration makes them genuinely visible against dark substrate, adding a splash of colour to terrariums while performing the same cleanup functions. For keepers who want their microfauna to be part of the display rather than invisible background workers, orange springtails deliver.

Yuukianura aphoruroides belongs to the family Neanuridae. One distinctive trait of this family is that they lack the furcula—the forked "springing" organ that gives springtails their name. This means they don't jump. They move slowly and deliberately, making them easy to observe and reducing escape risk during maintenance.

Taxonomy note: There's some confusion in the hobby around orange springtails. Yuukianura aphoruroides is sometimes confused with Bilobella braunerae (a different, rarer red springtail species) and Neanura growae (Florida Orange springtails, a separate species native to Florida, USA). The PostPods page also mentions "Protanura Orange" as an alternative name. These are distinct species despite similar colouration—care requirements are broadly similar, but they're not interchangeable names for the same animal.

Origin note: Sources conflict on origin—some list Asia, others (Exuvium) list Spain/Europe. The species may have broader distribution than commonly stated, or there may be ongoing taxonomic confusion.

Orange Springtails: Physical Traits and Characteristics

• Adults reach approximately 4mm—small but visible to the naked eye
• Bright orange colouration (varies from yellow-orange to deep orange)
• Rounded, chunky body shape (described as "dirt Cheetos" or "dirt gummies")
• No furcula—they cannot jump
• Slow, deliberate movement
• Newborns are off-white, developing orange colouration as they mature

The orange colour is their defining feature. Against dark substrate, they're immediately visible—a stark contrast to white springtails that blend into most backgrounds. Colour intensity can vary between individuals and may be influenced by diet and age.

Behaviour

Orange springtails display characteristic Neanuridae behaviour.

Movement: Slow crawlers that don't jump. This is a significant advantage—no frantic springing out of containers during maintenance, and easier observation of their activity.

Activity patterns: Active at any time but most visible during feeding. They spend considerable time burrowed in substrate but swarm food when offered.

Climbing: Capable climbers that will follow condensation trails and find ventilation holes. Secure containers with minimal or no ventilation are recommended.

Burrowing: Spend significant time underground in substrate. Deep, organic substrate supports natural behaviour.

Feeding behaviour: Highly responsive to food—they swarm offered foods quickly, which is the best time to observe them. Described as having "voracious appetites."

Social: Gregarious. They do well in groups and colonies establish readily.

Diet

Orange springtails are detritivores with broad appetites.

Primary foods:

• Decaying organic matter
• Mould, fungi, and bacteria (they actively consume these—don't clean them out)
• Leaf litter
• Decaying wood

Supplementary foods:

• Fish flakes (excellent protein source, promotes reproduction)
• Brewer's yeast (a favourite—sprinkle every few days)
• Dried mealworms
• Fruits and vegetables
• Commercial springtail foods

Feeding notes:

• They have large appetites for their size
• Regular feeding at consistent intervals supports colony health
• High protein intake increases reproduction rate
• They have a "sucking mechanism" that allows them to consume even very dry foods
• Avoid overfeeding—remove excess food to prevent mould buildup (though they'll eat some mould)

Orange Springtails: Breeding

Orange springtails breed readily under appropriate conditions.

Breeding characteristics:

• Prolific reproducers when established
• Rapid population growth under optimal conditions
• Newborns are off-white, developing colour as they mature
• Adapt well to various environmental conditions

Optimal breeding conditions:

• Consistent moisture
• Temperatures around 21-27°C (70-80°F)
• Abundant food supply
• Stable environment

Reproduction rate: One reviewer noted they "don't seem as prolific as white springtails" but that the colony "has done reasonably well." This is consistent with reports that coloured springtail species often breed somewhat slower than common whites, though they still establish viable colonies.

Note: Some sources incorrectly describe orange springtails as having a furcula and jumping ability. Yuukianura aphoruroides belongs to Neanuridae, which lack the jumping organ. If your "orange springtails" jump, you may have a different species.

Orange Springtails: Habitat Setup

Flexible substrate options make these easier to keep than some coloured springtails.

Enclosure: Simple containers work well—plastic storage containers, deli cups, or terrariums. Keep lids secure. Non-vented containers are often recommended as they'll find and climb through ventilation holes. Some keepers report success with ventilated containers (PostPods notes this), so there's flexibility.

Ventilation: Minimal to none preferred. Opening the enclosure for feeding and maintenance provides sufficient air exchange. If using ventilation, expect some escape attempts.

Substrate: Orange springtails are flexible regarding substrate—more so than Thai Red springtails:

Soil-based options:

• Organic topsoil (pesticide-free)
• Sphagnum peat moss
• Forest humus
• Earthworm castings

Alternative substrates:

• Calcium-bearing clay substrate
• Flake soil (rotted white wood)
• Charcoal with sphagnum moss (some success reported)

Soil-based substrates generally produce better results, but they're more adaptable than species that strictly require soil. Depth of at least 5cm (2 inches) is recommended.

Additions:

• Leaf litter (food and hiding spots)
• Moss
• Decaying wood pieces
• Softwood chunks

Humidity: 70-85%—moderately high but not extreme:

• Keep substrate consistently damp but not waterlogged
• Mist regularly with dechlorinated water
• Adjust watering frequency based on your environment's humidity

Temperature: 21-27°C (70-80°F). Room temperature in UK homes generally works well. Some sources suggest they tolerate a wider range—Exuvium notes they don't need additional heating in winter as a "European species." They're fairly adaptable to temperature variation.

Live plants: Safe to include. Orange springtails don't consume live plant material (though they may nibble sprouting parts). Plants add visual interest and don't interfere with springtail care.

Bioactive Use

Orange springtails excel in bioactive applications.

Strengths:

• Effective mould and fungus control
• Break down decaying organic matter
• Process waste and dead material
• Visible—you can actually see them working
• Don't jump during maintenance
• Add colour to substrate
• Don't harm live plants

Suitable applications:

• Tropical terrariums and vivariums
• Dart frog enclosures (also serve as food source)
• Reptile bioactive setups
• Amphibian enclosures
• Isopod enclosures (work alongside isopods)
• Display terrariums where aesthetics matter

As feeders: Their larger size (compared to white springtails) and bright colour make them suitable food for small amphibians and reptiles, particularly dart frogs. They're more visible than white springtails, making it easier for predators to locate them.

Compatibility: Work well alongside isopods. The combination creates effective bioactive systems—springtails handle mould and fine organic matter while isopods process larger debris.

Suitability

Orange springtails suit keepers wanting visible, colourful microfauna.

Good choice for:

• Display bioactive setups where aesthetics matter
• Keepers wanting visible cleanup crews
• Dart frog enclosures (food + cleanup)
• Terrarium enthusiasts
• Those frustrated with invisible white springtails
• First-time coloured springtail keepers (easier than some alternatives)
• Family-friendly setups (interesting to observe, harmless)

Less suited for:

• Very dry/arid setups
• Keepers wanting absolute maximum breeding speed (whites may be faster)
• Those who want jumping springtails (these don't jump)

Care level: Easy. They're adaptable, tolerant of various substrates, and establish well. The PostPods page rates them "easy" and customer reviews are positive ("Fantastic value," "quantity and quality are 2nd to none"). Less demanding than Thai Red springtails while offering similar visual appeal.

Value: At £10 for 25 (with larger quantities at £17.50 for 50 and £30 for 100), orange springtails are reasonably priced for a coloured species. Much cheaper than Thai Reds while offering similar visibility benefits. Good value for adding colour to bioactive setups without major expense.

Comparison with Thai Red Springtails: Both offer visibility benefits over white springtails. Thai Reds are larger, redder, and more expensive. Orange springtails (Yuukianura aphoruroides) are smaller, more orange/yellow, cheaper, and arguably easier—they're more flexible on substrate and temperature. For most keepers, orange springtails offer the best balance of visual appeal, ease of care, and price.

What to expect: Expect small but visible orange springtails that add genuine colour to your substrate. Expect slow, deliberate movement rather than jumping—they won't ping out of containers during maintenance. Expect them to spend considerable time burrowed but emerge to swarm food during feeding. Expect establishment to take a few weeks before the colony becomes fully active. Expect breeding that's steady if not explosive—they'll multiply, just perhaps not as rapidly as white springtails. For keepers who want functional cleanup crew that actually looks interesting, orange springtails deliver excellent value. The customer reviews confirm the experience: "Nice bit of colour in a bio set up," "Absolutely outstanding service," "quantity and quality are 2nd to none."