Overview
Springtails (order Collembola) are tiny arthropods (0.5-2mm) that serve a dual role in the reptile hobby: as micro-feeders for the smallest species and as essential clean-up crew in bioactive enclosures.
💪
48%
Protein (DM)
,
🧈
16%
Fat (DM)
,
🦴
15mg
Calcium/100g
,
⚖️
1:4.7
Ca:P Ratio
,
💧
70-75%
Moisture
,
🐛
Negligible
Chitin
Nutritional Profile
Nutritional Breakdown — Springtails (Collembola (various))
Protein
48% DM
Moderate
,
Fat
16% DM
Moderate
,
Calcium
15mg/100g
Moderate
,
Ca:P Ratio
1:4.7
Moderate
,
Digestibility
Zero chitin
Excellent
Overall Feeder Rating
5/10
Moderate Feeder — Use with Care
Key Benefits
Essential for bioactive setups — they consume mould, decaying organic matter, and fungal growth, keeping vivariums clean and healthy. A natural food source for the smallest micro-predators. Incredibly easy to culture on charcoal or coir with brewers yeast. Self-sustaining populations in bioactive enclosures. Negligible chitin.
Suitable Species
ℹ️
Suitability Guide
🟢 = Highly recommended 🔵 = Good choice 🟡 = Occasional use 🔴 = Not recommended
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Storage & Keeping
💡
Storage TipsCulture on damp charcoal or coconut coir in a sealed container. Add a small amount of brewers yeast, rice, or fish flakes weekly. Cultures thrive at room temperature and reproduce continuously.
Limitations
⚠️
Things to ConsiderFar too small for anything but the tiniest species. Cannot provide meaningful nutrition for any animal larger than a dart frog or mourning gecko hatchling. Difficult to dust with supplements due to tiny size.
References
- Finke, M.D. (2002). “Complete nutrient composition of commercially raised invertebrates used as food for insectivores.” Zoo Biology, 21(3), 269–285.
- Oonincx, D.G.A.B. & Dierenfeld, E.S. (2012). “An investigation into the chemical composition of alternative invertebrate prey.” Zoo Biology, 31(1), 40–54.
- Wikipedia contributors. “Collembola (various).” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Link