Springtail Kit for Ants – Cleaners & Prey

Description

Presentation of springtails for ants:

Springtails are small arthropods found in the soil, often in contact with ants. Their role is to aerate the soil, feed on organic matter, and accelerate composting.

Packaging of springtails for ants:

• 60ml bottle with a small strain of springtails,
• Sachet of food to be distributed in small quantities approximately 3 times a week (must be consumed quickly by the springtails),
• Substrate (special peat).

Allows you to feed a small colony or seed a breeding tank to produce your own springtails, or to seed a terrarium.

The role of springtails with ants:

1/ Springtails serve as food for certain small species (including exotic species such as Odontomachus).

2/ Springtails feed on ant waste and participate in maintaining the breeding environment.

They are particularly well-suited to life in a terrarium with substrate. They will feed on organic matter and food scraps. In the event of mold or spoiled food, they will help reduce its quantity, thus contributing to maintaining hygiene in the nest. Keeping them outside the nest is also very interesting, allowing observation of the soil's life cycle. Ideal for educational purposes!

Springtail breeding guide:

They can be raised with extreme simplicity inside the container provided. However, we recommend the following equipment:

• A sealed plastic box, 10 to 20 cm on each side
• Moist (not soggy) substrate: peat, coconut fiber, bark, etc
• Food: spirulina, brewer's yeast, dry bread... In small quantities to be consumed quickly.

The springtails in our container can be used to seed your breeding tank and multiply at room temperature (no need to overheat). Keep the container tightly closed, except during the 2 to 3 feedings per week, which will also have the added benefit of refreshing the air. Aerate the substrate by turning it over occasionally if necessary.

How to collect springtails:

They will tend to climb onto harder surfaces like dry bread or bark. Don't hesitate to add a piece to the substrate to encourage them to leave it and find a new home there. Then all you have to do is shake the now-colonized piece over your ant farm or terrarium!