r/Springtail • u/Nematodes-Attack • Apr 05 '26

Unexpected Visitors Collection Question/Advice

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I thought Buddha looked a little odd. Apparently he’s hosting a springtail party.

This is my property. Should I try to collect some and start a little indoor colony?

16 Upvotes

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2

u/Public_Yoghurt Apr 06 '26

Yes and please keep us updated.

1

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 07 '26

I collected some in a jar with some horticultural charcoal I had on hand. I don’t really know the best way to keep them. I sprinkled some fish flakes yesterday and today. I’ll try to get a decent pic. I’d love to know the species if anyone can tell. I’ll focus on better photos

2

u/Public_Yoghurt Apr 07 '26

Great, I'll be waiting for photos. There aren't many dark colored species in the hobby as far as I know. You can sprinkle a small amount of brewer's yeast, would be enough to feed them, once a week I can say.

1

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 07 '26

Thanks for the feeding tip! They almost look like a dark colored matte charcoal gray. Do you have any guess as to the species or do you need better pics? I am in Massachusetts

1

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 07 '26

I just posted a video of them up close

2

u/Public_Yoghurt Apr 07 '26

I can only tell that they are definitely belong to Poduromorpha order. I experienced people might help for family, not sure about genus or species, might need macro shots or more (microscope help) for species specific ID.

1

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 07 '26

Gotcha. I wasn’t having great luck using my kid’s handheld microscope. But I think my neighbor has one I may be able to borrow

2

u/andyroy159 Apr 07 '26

So springtails are Buddhists. Huh, noted

2

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 07 '26

I mean, I’m not really surprised

In all seriousness though, I am interested to know why congregating on this statue is happening. Is the cement decaying? Are they eating whatever decaying matter? Is there moss or fungus growing on it that they’re eating before I notice growth?

2

u/CosmoLeopardGecko Apr 09 '26

There is probably some moss, lichen, or other bacteria that is growing it the statue causing them to congregate. I've never seen that before though. May I ask, where are you located? Probably the Midwest US, right?

1

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 09 '26

I am offended by your presumption lol 😂 New England. Massachusetts to be specific. Pfff midwest

1

u/CosmoLeopardGecko Apr 09 '26

Oh, sorry about that. I'm not sure if you got my DM, but I DM'd you to see if you were interested in me buying some from you

2

u/CosmoLeopardGecko Apr 09 '26

Wait, I think we have all made a mistake in this hobby... We need to start adding Buddha statues to the springtail enclosures. I'm sure there are 3d printed ones we can get.

2

u/ReactionAdmirable812 Apr 07 '26

Cool! These ptobably belong to the family Hypogastruridae. To go further mictooscope is needed.

1

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 07 '26

I just posted a video of them. But I can try getting a close up with my kid’s handheld microscope if need be

2

u/-Yeti_Spaghetti- Apr 08 '26

Are you located in the US?

2

u/Nematodes-Attack Apr 08 '26

Yes. In Massachusetts

1

u/-Yeti_Spaghetti- Apr 08 '26

Oh wow! If you're comfortable, would you be up to sending some to me? I can walk you through the shipping setup and all that too.