About Tropical Springtails
Sinella curviseta (Tropical Springtails) suit warm, humid enclosures. They are a bit larger and more active than Folsomia candida and do well alongside Cubaris and tropical setups.
Natural history & background
Tropical springtails live on warm, humid forest floors. They handle heat and moisture better than temperate species and outcompete mould in wet tubs.
Housing a culture
Same as temperate: ventilated 32 oz cup, moist charcoal/clay or coir. They tolerate warmth well, which matches Cubaris tubs at 22–26°C.
Substrate & moisture
Keep very moist. Tropical springtails want wetter substrate than Folsomia. Do not let it dry out.
Temperature
20–28°C (68–82°F). They handle the warm end better than temperate cultures.
Feeding
Brewer's yeast 1–2× weekly. Fish flakes and mushroom work too.
Introducing to isopod enclosures
Seed into Cubaris and tropical isopod tubs on the moist side. Do not put them in dry Armadillidium setups. They need humidity to stick around.
Breeding
Prolific in warm, moist conditions. Cultures establish quickly.
Common issues & troubleshooting
Springtails die off in dry isopod tub
- Wrong species for the setup. Use Folsomia candida for dry temperate tubs; save Sinella for humid tropical ones.
Culture overheated
- Keep below 30°C. Move the cup away from heat sources.
Escaping
- Secure the lid. Pinhole vents are enough for air without mass escapes.