Globular Cave Springtails (Arrhopalites caecus) – Live Springtails for Bioactive Terrariums, Vivariums, and Reptile Enclosures

Globular Cave Springtails (Arrhopalites caecus) – Live Springtails for Bioactive Terrariums, Vivariums, and Reptile Enclosures

Small but mighty, Globular Cave Springtails (Arrhopalites caecus) are highly specialized, humidity-loving micro-cleaners that thrive in low-light, moist bioactive habitats. With their rounded bodies and pale coloration, they blend seamlessly into forest and cave-style substrates while keeping mold, fungi, and waste in check. A perfect addition to deep-soil terrariums and reptile enclosures where cleanliness and microfauna balance matter most.

🔍 About the Species

Arrhopalites caecus is a globular-bodied, eyeless springtail species adapted to life in dark, humid conditions such as caves and forest litter. Its compact shape and slow, deliberate movement set it apart from the more common long-bodied springtails. This species excels in enclosed habitats where moisture is high and airflow is low.

🌍 Native Range & Habitat

Native to European and North American cave systems and forest soils, these springtails inhabit decomposing organic layers, moss beds, and underground root zones. In captivity, they replicate this behavior in mossy vivariums, terrariums with deep soil, and damp reptile tanks.

🏡 Ideal for Home Use In:

• Forest-floor or cave-themed terrariums

• Dart frog, gecko, salamander, and newt enclosures

• Isopod and millipede cultures

• Deep soil plant terrariums

• Moist reptile habitats needing mold control

• Temperate or tropical vivarium systems

✅ What They’re Good For:

• Decomposing organic waste and dead plant matter

• Reducing mold and fungal buildup

• Supporting microfaunal diversity and substrate aeration

• Helping balance moisture-loving microbial life

• Acting as micro-prey in small animal systems

🧪 How to Add & Care for Globular Cave Springtails

To introduce to an enclosure:

1. Gently pour or scatter the colony and its media into the moist substrate layer.

2. Lightly mist to allow them to settle into leaf litter, moss, or soil.

3. Keep them in shaded, low-disturbance zones.

To culture separately:

• Use a closed or partially ventilated container with damp clay, coco coir, or charcoal.

• Feed infrequently with small amounts of yeast, mushroom powder, or leaf litter.

• Maintain consistent humidity between 85–100% and temperatures of 64–72°F.

Care Tips:

• Mist regularly to maintain high humidity.

• Avoid overfeeding to prevent mold spikes.

• Cultures reproduce slowly but steadily in stable conditions.

Globular Cave Springtails are the quiet, hidden workforce of a clean, balanced bioactive habitat. Perfect for humid, low-light setups where traditional springtails may not thrive—add a colony to your terrarium today and let nature handle the mess.