Katie Walsh
- Mar 16
- 3 min read

Springtails on Clay Substrate

Springtails are small hexapods. They play a vital role in a frog vivarium. Springtails are part of the clean-up crew that is discussed when building bioactive vivariums. They aid in the decomposition of decaying plant matter and other organic matter. Springtails are also a great food source for smaller animals such as dart frogs. Although springtails can be used in many different habitats, this article is written through the lens of dart and tree frog keepers.

What is substrate?

Substrate is the surface or material in which an organism lives, grows, and/or obtains its nourishment. In the frog hobby springtails are commonly raised on clay, dirt, and charcoal. Each substrate has its pros and cons.

Why clay substrate?

Clay is a great substrate for beginner hobbyists. There are many benefits to raising springtails on clay. The springtails absorb calcium carbonate which is then passed on to the frogs providing them with extra nutrients.

Raising springtails on clay cultures provides a large surface area for the springtails to grow and reproduce. The clay is easy to pour from whether one is seeding the vivarium or feeding frogs. The clay will stay in the container while the springtails can be tapped out.

Springtails will continue to reproduce on the clay provided they are taken care of. The clay cultures usually last about a year before they would need to be replaced. Clay that needs to be replaced will have very few springtails reproducing, full of holes, and clay starting to spread on the lid.

Care of springtails

Due to the size of the springtails a fabric or vented lid is not recommended, they are often kept with tightly secured lids that are virtually airtight. Although there are many different types of containers that one can use to raise springtails, the size is really up to the person culturing them. Many people prefer 8 oz or 16 oz deli cups. Since springtails are kept in airtight containers they will need access to oxygen. It is as simple as popping open the lid 2-3 times a week. During that time check the moisture of the clay. Using a squeeze bottle, add a small amount of water (a few droplets) as needed to keep the clay moist. Feed the springtails 1-2 times a week. Keep springtails out of direct sunlight. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for a springtail culture to become a booming culture. Booming culture is a term to describe many springtails in a culture. Once a culture is booming that is the time to create new cultures, seed habitats, or feed animals.

Fresh Culture (just made and seeded with springtails)	Booming Culture (5 weeks)

The next image shows a culture that is past its prime. It is over a year old, the clay has lots of holes, smells, and springtails are no longer producing. The fuzzy white patches are food that has molded over due to the lack of springtails. At this stage, it is best to trash the culture and start over.

Springtail Growth

The following images document 7 weeks of growth progression in the same springtail culture. This is an 8 ounce culture of springtails. The culture was opened 2-3 times a week to allow oxygen to reach the springtails. During that time a small amount of water was added along with a sprinkle of food. All products used to produce this culture can be found below.