Springtail FAQ
Last reviewed October 15, 2026
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Each links to the full guide.
Are springtails harmful to people or pets?#
No. Springtails don't bite, don't spread disease and don't damage household items. In a terrarium they eat mold and decaying matter, and very small animals such as dart froglets eat them.
Are springtails insects?#
Not anymore. They have six legs like insects, but springtails (Collembola) are now classed as a separate branch of the six-legged animals, with mouthparts tucked inside the head.
What do springtails eat?#
Mostly mold and fungi, plus decaying plant material and bacteria. In a culture, feed a tiny pinch of brewer's or nutritional yeast every few days, only once the last feeding is gone.
Why did my springtails arrive in such a small container?#
Springtails are only a few millimetres long, and a compact, damp culture travels well. Containers are sized by headcount: 3.25 oz under 100 springtails, 5.5 oz for 100 to 299, and 8 oz for 300 or more. It's a starter, meant to go into your enclosure or a larger culture within a few days.
I opened the container and can't see any springtails. Are they dead?#
Probably not. They often seem inactive after shipping, and most avoid light and hide in the substrate. Let the container sit at room temperature for a few hours, then check the surface, the walls and the underside of the lid.
How many springtails do I need for my terrarium?#
A small vivarium needs only a few dozen; larger enclosures may need a few hundred or more. A culture of a few hundred can seed three or four small enclosures (up to 12 × 12 inches).
How fast do springtails breed?#
Expect babies after a few weeks. Give a new culture about a month to settle in; after that it grows quickly as long as it stays damp and isn't overfed.
Do springtails jump?#
Many do, using a forked spring under the abdomen called the furcula, mostly to escape danger. Some plump, short-legged kinds have a short furcula or none and mostly crawl.
What temperature do springtails need?#
Room temperature, roughly 65–80°F. Above about 80°F they breed more slowly, and extremes or direct sun can crash a culture.
Will springtails escape and infest my house?#
Springtails need constant moisture, so a few strays in a dry room won't last. Large numbers in a home point to a damp spot, such as a bathroom or basement, and drying it out is the fix.
How do I tell springtails from mites?#
Count the legs: springtails have six and a pair of antennae; adult mites have eight legs and no antennae. Mites are usually rounder and crawl slowly.
What if my springtails arrive dead?#
Our No Recruit Left Behind live-arrival guarantee covers it. Email [email protected] within 48 hours of the USPS delivery scan with your order number and a short video of the culture in its original container, shipping label visible.