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Cleanup Crews (or CUC) are invertebrates that can be used in terrariums, reptile enclosures, and invertebrate enclosures to better replicate a natural environment. This is what is known as "bioactive." CUC springtails will cleanup mold blooms and break down rotting plants back into fertile soil. It has become accepted that springtails are a necessity in all terrariums and bioactive setups.
In the role of cleanup crew you can use multiple species to fill different niches. In nature you will find different springtails in all layers of the environment. The small moisture lovers are in the soil, the semi-arid springtails roam the detritus layer, and the arid springtails move out onto the sunbeaten ground. The guides below will help you discern the right species or combination of species for your specific needs.
Click the buttons to be guided to the springtails best for your needs and information about each specific setting.
Read through the alphabetically ordered
list below for species specific information to make sure the springtails you're getting
are what is right for you.
Arrhopalites caecus "Globular Cave Springtails"
Proven as a cleanup species. Best in moist and humid environments such as terrariums. We use this species in our isopod bins and closed terrariums.
Ceratophysella sp "Lilac Springtails"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Best in moist and humid environments such as terrariums.
Coecobrya tenebricosa "Tropical Pink Springtails"
Thoroughly proven as a cleanup species. Great for a variety of environments, high or low humidity, although they prefer high. They will roam onto dry land but not to the degree of arid springtails. Extremely fast breeding and aggressively hungry; they have been known to eat the plants in closed terrariums and compete with isopods for food. We don't prefer this species for CUC but they are sworn on by many.
Desoria trispinata "Blue Velvet Springtails"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Only for moist and humid environments like terrariums and the wet side of invertebrate enclosures.
Entomobrya atrocincta "Dimorphic Springtails"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Best for arid environments like reptile bioactives. They still require access to a small moist area for egg laying and moisture regulation; this can be as simple as a cup of wet sphagnum moss.
Entomobrya confusa "Varicolored Springtails"
Proven as a cleanup species. Great for a variety of environments, high or low humidity, although they prefer high. They will roam onto dry land but not to the degree of arid springtails. We recommend this species for terrariums and isopod bins.
Entomobrya sp "Wood Runner Springtails"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Best for arid environments like reptile bioactives. They still require access to a small moist area for egg laying and moisture regulation; this can be as simple as a cup of wet sphagnum moss.
Entomobrya unostrigata "Cotton Springtails"
Proven as an arid cleanup crew species. Best for arid environments like reptile bioactives. They still require access to a small moist area for egg laying and moisture regulation; this can be as simple as a cup of wet sphagnum moss. We have used this species with great success in a ball python bioactive.
Folsomia candida "Common White Springtails"
Thoroughly proven as a cleanup species. Only for moist and humid environments; they will not tolerate dry land. The most common species for use with terrariums and for a good reason. This is an excellent CUC member.
Homidia socia "Three-Lined Springtails"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Best for arid environments like reptile bioactives. They still require access to a small moist area for egg laying and moisture regulation; this can be as simple as a cup of wet sphagnum moss.
Isotoma delta
Unproven as a cleanup species, low potential. This species is better as a pet springtail than a CUC member. Slow breeding and not particularly aggressive feeders so unattractive for cleanup.
Lepidocyrtus sp "Blacklight"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Best for environments with a moisture gradient or potted plants. They will roam readily roam onto dry land.
Lepidocyrtus sp "Micro Gold Springtails"
Proven as a cleanup species. Best for environments with a moisture gradient or potted plants. They will readily roam onto dry land, tolerant of humid terrariums as well. We use this species in our isopod bins.
Lepidocyrtus sp "Pearlescent Springtails"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Best for environments with a moisture gradient or potted plants. They will readily roam onto dry land, tolerant of humid terrariums as well.
Lepidocyrtus sp "Silver Springtails"
Thoroughly proven as a cleanup species. Best for environments with a moisture gradient or potted plants. They will readily roam onto dry land. We use this species in our isopod bins. This species and Lepidocyrtus like it are well known for popping up in bioactive setups all on their own. High potential for a variety of environments.
Neanura growae "Florida Orange Springtails"
Proven as a cleanup species. This species is best for moist and humid environments and makes a great ornamental cleanup species. They will require supplemental feeding with springtail food in order to thrive, so they are best as a splash of color in your terrariums and isopod bins and not a dedicated CUC member.
Onychiurinae sp "Little Soil Springtails"
Thoroughly proven as a cleanup species. Only for moist and humid environments like terrariums. We have used this species with success in closed terrariums and moss grow bins. Not aggressive feeders so great for use with small and sensitive plants which larger and hungrier springtails may damage.
Pogonognathellus dubius "Giant Silver Bullet Springtails"
Proven as a cleanup species, but best as a large showcase species and not a dedicated CUC member. Best for moist environments, can tolerate low humidity. Can be used in congruence with smaller species. We have used these and Arrhopalites caecus with great success in isopod bins.
Proisotoma minuta "Blue Podura Springtails"
Proven as a cleanup species. Best in moist and humid environments such as terrariums. Very fast breeding and with a good appetite so can be used to take care of troublesome mold blooms and rotting plants.
Pseudosinella rolfsi "Runner Springtails"
Proven as a cleanup species. Best in moist and humid environments such as terrariums. They don't roam onto dry ground, can be used in congruence with a species that does.
Pseudosinella sp "Bylas, AZ"
Proven as a cleanup species. Great for a variety of environments, high or low humidity, although they prefer high. They will roam onto dry land but not to the degree of arid springtails. Extremely fast breeding and aggressively hungry so can be used to take care of troublesome mold blooms and rotting plants.
Tomocerus minor "Giant Runner Springtails"
Unproven as a cleanup species. Best as a large showcase species and not a dedicated CUC member. Best for moist environments, can tolerate low humidity. Can be used in congruence with smaller species.
Vertagopus sp "Sombré Springtails"
So far unproven as a cleanup species, high potential. Very fast breeding and with a good appetite so can be used to take care of troublesome mold blooms and rotting plants.
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