Overview
The Dwarf White Springtail (Folsomia candida) is the most widely kept springtail species in the bioactive hobby, and for good reason. Small, prolific, and undemanding, it forms the backbone of countless clean-up crews in tropical vivariums across the UK.
In the wild, Folsomia candida is found in soil and leaf litter worldwide, where it feeds on fungi, mould and decaying organic matter. In captivity, it performs exactly the same role — quietly grazing across the substrate surface and breaking down waste before it can build up.
Breeding
Folsomia candida reproduces extremely quickly under warm, humid conditions, with populations capable of doubling within a couple of weeks given a steady food supply and stable moisture. This rapid breeding rate is what makes it so effective as a clean-up crew — losses to predation or environmental fluctuation are quickly replaced.
In The Vivarium
Tropical White Springtails are most often introduced directly into the substrate and leaf litter of a bioactive vivarium, where they remain largely hidden, surfacing in larger numbers after misting. They’re also a valuable live food source for small amphibians, juvenile geckos, and other insectivorous animals.
For full setup and culturing instructions, see our Springtail Care Guide.
Care Requirements
| Scientific Name | Folsomia candida |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 20-28°C |
| Humidity Range | High - consistently damp substrate |
| Diet | Mould, fungi, decaying organic matter, yeast |
| Growth Rate / Maturity | Reaches maturity within a few weeks |
| Breeding Rate | Very fast - population can double within 1-2 weeks |
| Adult Size | 1-2mm |
| Typical Lifespan | Several months per individual |
| Native Range | Worldwide - soil and leaf litter |