Do you use springtails in your tarantula enclosures?

[antinous]

Was wondering how many keepers use springtails in their enclosures. Now that most of my collection are NWs that require moist sub, I was thinking of getting springtails (also I’m a bit paranoid about getting mold/other unwanted stuff).

 

[basin79]

Yep. Use them in all my pet enclosures that will support them. Tarantulas, spiders, centipedes, vinegaroon, Tokay gecko, Tiger salamander.......

 

[Ryunss]

They are the most useful things ever in moist enclosures.

 

[Greasylake]

I have a culture of springtails that has exploded in population, but I haven't bothered putting them in any enclosures as most of my collection consists of slings. I'm going to put them in some of my centipede enclosures though just to get the numbers down in my culture.

 

[KezyGLA]

Pretty much every enclosure of mine has them

 

[antinous]

Will they still breed proifically in the enclosures? How many did you start with?

 

[basin79]

Will they still breed proifically in the enclosures? How many did you start with?

Only if the conditions are right. Some moisture and food. That's why it's important to either put them in an already "used" enclosure or you put some food in with them.

 

[basin79]

I have a culture of springtails that has exploded in population, but I haven't bothered putting them in any enclosures as most of my collection consists of slings. I'm going to put them in some of my centipede enclosures though just to get the numbers down in my culture.

They pose absolutely no harm to your slings if that's what you're worried about. If it's just the size of the enclosures I understand.

 

[antinous]

Only if the conditions are right. Some moisture and food. That's why it's important to either put them in an already "used" enclosure or you put some food in with them.

Would you recommend me putting in a little rice or yeast into the enclosure as well or should I wait until the T had a few feedings in the enclosure for them to find the boli?

 

[basin79]

Would you recommend me putting in a little rice or yeast into the enclosure as well or should I wait until the T had a few feedings in the enclosure for them to find the boli?

A dead cricket, cricket legs, a little fish food etc will work.

 

[antinous]

A dead cricket, cricket legs, a little fish food etc will work.

Got it, how many would you put into, lets say a 6 qt and 15 qt enclosure?

 

[Greasylake]

They pose absolutely no harm to your slings if that's what you're worried about. If it's just the size of the enclosures I understand.

I know they won't do anything to my slings, I just don't think it's worth it to put springtails in a slings enclosure I'm going to rehouse in a few months anyway.

 

[Gaherp]

I bred dartfrogs from the age of 12 so springtails and other small insects to break up waist in my vivariums was a must. This definitely carried over to my tarantulas. I utilize those little buggers in every cage I can. I have filtered down my options to three insects though. Used to have five varieties of springs but none did better then the one I still use to this day. I stick with a shiny temperate springtails native to here(Ga) since they reproduce a lot faster then many available on the market, and are a bit more tolerant of dry conditions. The only other cleaners I culture is dwarf white and CR dwarf purple isopods. The isopods have a more dual purpose though since really small slings chow on them also.

 

[basin79]

Got it, how many would you put into, lets say a 6 qt and 15 qt enclosure?

Just put some in and see how they go. If they breed you know your enclosure can support them.

 

[BoyFromLA]

I have a culture of springtails that has exploded in population, but I haven't bothered putting them in any enclosures as most of my collection consists of slings.

You are always welcome to send me some.

 

[Gaherp]

Got it, how many would you put into, lets say a 6 qt and 15 qt enclosure?

I would put a leaf(oak or magnolia) in the springtail culture with a few little spots of yeast on it. Moisten the leaf and when a decent amount is on it I shake them into the said cage. If it is slightly moist and leftover prey item parts are present they multiply quickly. You can also just open springtail culture lid and tilt towards the cage you want them. One good puff of air and they will sail right in. I do not do this as much though since they will go further then just the cage. They do not fly just light enough that a blow of air and send them pretty far.

 

[antinous]

Got it, thanks everyone!

Also if anyone has some extra and want to make a little money lmk lol

 

[Gaherp]

I use mainly just instant yeast. Buy a jar and keep it in the fridge and lasts me a long time. Just like mentioned above I have used successfully fish flakes, rice, small pieces of vegetables, and various moldy things. All get devoured i just like the convenience of just using the years since I use it for fly cultures, isopods, and the springs. I will say though springtails will feed a lot of different things from dartfrog poops to pieces of dead prey items and a lot in between

Pic of yeast sorry for quality pic is on my fire

 

[SonsofArachne]

I have a A. hentzi freebie sling that was was tiny (1/16 in) when I got it and ignored pre-killed prey for some reason. Springtails got it through a couple of molts till it was big enough to take pinhead roaches. I've fed them to small true spiders and centipede babies as well.

 

[MikeofBorg]

I have them in all my enclosures including my two amphibians. I actually enjoy watching the little white buggers work with a magnifying glass. They are quite active little hexapods.