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 for 50 springtails or fewer, 5.5 oz for 100 to 200, 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 orders@springtailfarmy.com within 24 hours of the USPS delivery scan with your order number and a short video of the culture in its original container, shipping label visible.