Temperate Springtails (Collembola) in NW enclosures?

[HumidElk525633]

I have one B. Hamorii and am planning to order some other species soon (C. parvum, B. boehmei, C. cyaneopubescens, H. sp. Columbia large, and D. pentaloris) and am wondering if these springtails would be able to survive in their enclosures. All of them would be slings less than an inch and will be on slightly moist sub. My B. hamorii is about 2 inches and the top layer of sub is dry with the bottom layers moist. The substrate (for the new arrivals too) is/will be a mix of sphagnum moss, top soil, peat moss, and coco fiber as well as creature soil and arachnidirt. I’m not sure if they would survive in the enclosure since the top layer is dry and I’m worried that if they die out it will cause mold and fungus to grow. Ive done research on these species and have heard that the GBB likes to burrow and likes moist sub in earlier years and prefers dry substrate as it matures. The tiger rump and pumpkin patch like moist sub throughout their lives (correct me if I’m wrong) so maybe springtails would be a good option for them? Would the springtails stress the T out if they are crawling around in burrows? I guess my main questions are:

Would the springtails survive in their enclosures and if they don’t will their carcasses cause mold growth?

Would it even be worth introducing springtails in their enclosures? I have no problems with mold right now.

Are these species good candidates for adding springtails to their enclosures?

 

[viper69]

Any dead material is great for fungi

if you have no issues why adding them? Use the KISS method

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

I’ve only ever added springtails to my moisture dependent species substrates. Ones that are kept moist all the time. I still end up seeing them in the water dishes. I’ve read that there are springtails that thrive in more arid environments, though I’ve never tried them. If you have proper ventilation and allow it to dry out as needed, you should be fine. Sling enclosures are small and don’t require much.

 

[HumidElk525633]

Use the KISS method

What is the KISS method? I’ve never heard of that acronym before

 

[A guy]

Just spot clean.

 

[Glorfindel]

remove bolus, uneaten prey, etc.

 

[viper69]

KISS method is a well known approach to virtually everything; I use it all the time

Keep It Simple Stupid

 

[HumidElk525633]

oh okay duh, thanks