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Tropical Springtails for Desert Ants

Started By UberDuber , May 22 2018 8:54 AM

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1 reply to this topic

#1 Offline UberDuber - Posted May 22 2018 - 8:54 AM

Advanced Member

Members
44 posts

Hey guys,

I have some mold issues in my oldest dirt nests and want to introduce springtails. I haven't been able to find any in my local area, so I bought some off Josh's Frogs and I've been able to culture them well. I have 1000's of springtails in my culture now.

My question is, has anyone used these springtails in their formicariums? All the packaging says in order for them to reproduce effectively, they need temps in the 70's and high humidity. All of my harvester ant colonies are kept in the high 80's with a significant moisture gradient. Are these springtails just going to die in there?

Any advice is appreciated!

Keeping P. Barbatus, C. Penn., C. Discolor, and Atta Texana.

#2 Offline Ant Broski - Posted May 22 2018 - 4:33 PM

Advanced Member

Members
59 posts

LocationNormandy Park, WA

Hey guys,

I have some mold issues in my oldest dirt nests and want to introduce springtails. I haven't been able to find any in my local area, so I bought some off Josh's Frogs and I've been able to culture them well. I have 1000's of springtails in my culture now.

My question is, has anyone used these springtails in their formicariums? All the packaging says in order for them to reproduce effectively, they need temps in the 70's and high humidity. All of my harvester ant colonies are kept in the high 80's with a significant moisture gradient. Are these springtails just going to die in there?

Any advice is appreciated!

With the humidity being 80%, I’m sure the springtails will survive. Try adding some biodegradables like leaves on top of the soil.