Temperate White
Folsomia candidaThe hobby's workhorse white springtail — hardy, explosive, all-female clones.
Overview
Folsomia candida, the classic temperate white springtail (~1.5–3mm). Reproduces parthenogenetically (all-female) and explosively at cool room temperature — the default bioactive cleanup crew and micro-feeder. Bulletproof as long as the medium stays damp and it doesn't overheat.
Diet
Grazers on mould, yeast, fungi, biofilm and fine decaying matter — the bioactive cleanup crew and a micro-feeder. Feed lightly; the culture itself grows most of their food.
Not needed as such — a light weekly dusting of brewer's yeast is the standard "feed".
Not required.
Environment
A ventilated lid — a little airflow prevents anaerobic crashes, but keep it humid. Never let it go stagnant or bone dry.
A deli cup (small) or 6qt tub (production) with a moist medium, kept in low, indirect light out of direct sun.
Substrate
Classic method is horticultural charcoal kept wet (holds moisture, huge microbial surface); or a moist coco / soil + leaf-litter medium for the more soil-loving tropical species. Consistently damp, never standing water.
Temperament
A cleanup crew + micro-feeder for small amphibians, geckos, mantis nymphs and spiderlings; mostly stays in the medium.
Breeding
Parthenogenetic (all-female clones) and highly prolific — a healthy charcoal culture booms.
Growth
Explosive at cool room temperature on a damp medium.
Common mistakes
- ✕Overheating (above ~80°F) — this is a cool-loving species; heat stalls and can crash it.
- ✕Overfeeding → mould and grain mites.
- ✕Standing water → anaerobic crash.
- ✕Letting it fully dry out.
Pro tips
- ✓Keep a backup culture split off your strongest bin.
- ✓Harvest by tapping (they climb the sides) or floating with a little water.
- ✓Re-seed vivariums every 2–4 weeks for continuous mould control.
How sources agree
Sources are unanimous: Folsomia candida is the hardy, explosive, parthenogenetic temperate white springtail — charcoal or damp medium, cool room temp, light yeast feeding. The one recurring caveat is that it dislikes heat, so keep it cool.
Sources
Keeping Temperate White?
Soon you'll be able to track this species in VivKeeper — care reminders, your own notes, and colony history. Free for your first 3 months.