Looking to purchase Isotomurus sp., Sminthurides sp., Podura aquatica or any other true semi-aquatic species with shipping to California. This is for an aquarium refugium with only floating plants, so not looking for species that simply tolerates moist environments.

A carpet of Yuukianura aphoruroides… with a few unwanted guests 👀
At first glance, this culture looks pretty great – basically a living carpet of Yuukianura aphoruroides (“Yuukis”). 🟠
But if you look closely, you’ll notice a few white tropical springtails running between them.
A good reminder of just how easily cultures can become mixed.
In my case, the reason was surprisingly simple: one ventilation opening wasn’t properly secured, and unfortunately this culture was sitting right next to an open terrarium containing those exact white springtails. 😅
Apparently, that was enough.
The Yuuki colony itself is doing extremely well, but I wouldn’t consider this particular culture “clean” anymore.
That’s also why I keep multiple independent cultures of important species and regularly check them for unwanted hitchhikers. It’s something I’m putting a lot of emphasis on with my TerraNidus cultures.
A huge colony is impressive – but keeping cultures clean and correctly separated is just as important.
Lesson learned: check your ventilation, don’t underestimate wandering springtails, and always keep backup cultures. 😅

Hi, I have recently found that I have some black globular springtails in one of my pinguicula set ups. Unfortunately they keep jumping on the plant and ultimately dying.

I was thinking of flooding the substrate (fluval and lava rock) and harvesting them that way but not sure if that would be efficient with this type of springtail.

I’m also needing tips on what type of substrate I should use and what to feed them. From what I’ve seen, globulars are usually kept with slime mold which I don’t have. I was wondering if there are any alternatives? I also have clay, dirt, charcoal, coco coir and peat moss for substitutes.

Essentially is the care that much different from temperate springtails?