This is my in-house, completely organic springtail food recipe, developed to support consistent feeding, steady reproduction, and long-term colony health in commonly kept springtail species. The distinctive blue color comes naturally from blue spirulina and butterfly pea flower—no dyes or additives. When moisture is added, the food activates and turns blue, making it easy to monitor hydration and feeding zones.

The formula is designed to complement my clay culture media and has been refined through hands-on culturing and ongoing observation to support dense, stable populations rather than short-lived spikes.

Recommended For

• Temperate springtails (including Folsomia candida)
• Many commonly kept tropical springtail species

Feeding Guidelines

• Begin with a small pinch to test consumption
• To moisten, add just a couple drops of water
• The food must be slightly moistened to be consumable
• If the culture is already damp, do not add additional water
• Avoid standing water or pooling — food that dissolves in pooled water cannot be consumed and may spoil the culture
• Only re-feed after all food has been fully consumed, ideally within 7 days

Important Feeding Notes
Not all springtail species share the same dietary needs. Some species—such as slime- or biofilm-feeding springtails—require specialized food sources and may not thrive on this formula alone. If you’re unsure whether this food is appropriate for your species, please ask before purchasing.

Growth vs Maintenance

• Small, more frequent feedings promote faster population growth and cleaner cultures
• This formula is intended for explosive growth when needed
• For maintenance (not rapid expansion), feed once every 1–2 weeks
• Cultures that become overpopulated may eventually crash, regardless of food quality