Little Tiger Springtail (Entomobrya multifasciata) Striped and active, this species adds charm and cleanup power to any bioactive tank.

Striped and active, this species adds charm and cleanup power to any bioactive tank.

If you want your microfauna to be more than just functional, the Little Tiger Springtail is the one to watch.

Entomobrya multifasciata is a boldly patterned, high-energy springtail species with distinct dark striping across its pale yellow body, earning it the “tiger” name among terrarium keepers. Native to temperate woodlands across North America and parts of Europe, this species thrives in leaf litter, under bark, and along the humid layers of rotting logs, where it plays a critical role in nutrient cycling and fungal moderation.

Unlike more cryptic springtails that stay buried in the substrate, E. multifasciata is highly visible and active, making it a favorite for bioactive hobbyists who appreciate life at every level of the tank. It's equal parts cleanup crew and natural enrichment.

Why Choose Entomobrya multifasciata?

• Visually striking, with bold tiger-like striping and animated movement

• Great for terrariums and vivariums where microfauna visibility is part of the experience

• An excellent bioactive cleanup crew member for managing mold, soft decay, and microbial overgrowth

• Well-suited to cohabitate with isopods, millipedes, amphibians, and reptiles

• Highly mobile, quickly colonizes new substrate zones, making it ideal for tanks that get occasional replanting or disturbance

🧡 Their movement provides natural stimulation for curious species like dart frogs, geckos, and isopods.

How to Introduce Them
Sprinkle them onto moist substrate, leaf litter, or decaying wood. They prefer surface layers but will explore throughout the tank when humidity is right. Once they’ve scouted the terrain, they’ll establish colonies under bark slabs, moss patches, and natural decor. For isopod setups, introduce near cork bark and feeding stations where microbial buildup occurs.

Feeding & Habitat Care
E. multifasciata feeds on mold, fungal hyphae, decaying plant matter, and biofilm. They’ll thrive in rich organic media with good airflow and humidity between 70–90%. If culturing separately or boosting a new population, offer nutritional yeast, soft fungal blooms, or ground fish flakes. Their high metabolism means they’re often the first responders to microbial shifts, useful for terrarium mold prevention and vivarium pests control.

🌿 Their surface-level foraging also helps regulate humidity and promotes natural soil aeration.

What Makes Them Unique
Compared to standard white springtails like Folsomia candida, the Little Tiger is faster, more surface-oriented, and simply more fun to observe. While species like Hypogastruridae work deep in the soil, E. multifasciata dances along the forest floor, making them perfect for keepers who want to see their cleanup crew in action. They’re also less prone to drowning in moist enclosures, making them a smart choice for frog and gecko tanks with shallow water features.

Best Use Cases

• Tropical or subtropical vivariums with moss, bark, and leaf litter layers

• Showpiece terrariums where movement and contrast matter

• Springtails for terrariums housing frogs, geckos, or small reptiles

• Active isopod tank helper species to regulate mold around food

• Companion species in mixed springtail colonies for visual and functional diversity

🐾 Need a springtail that pulls its weight and adds charisma to your microfauna mix? This one checks all the boxes.

🛒 Bring home the Little Tiger and upgrade your cleanup crew with a species that keeps your tank clean, and alive with personality.