{"product_id":"springtail-clean-up-crew","title":"Springtail 'Clean-Up' Crew","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtail 'Clean-up' Crew\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne of the most efficient clean-up crews you will find out there!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpringtails (Collembola spp.) are small white\/grey isopods that only measure a few millimeters long. These mini, land-dwelling crustaceans, are becoming increasingly popular in our ant keeping community due to their; hardiness, high breeding rates and more importantly - efficient lifestyle of breaking down organic matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese are an ant colony's best friend (and fellow keepers!) as they feed on decaying plants and vegetables, along with common plant-killing fungi. This means that they reduce the amount of organic waste and therefore, limit the build up of bacteria and mould in the enclosure. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot only this but for instance, in a bioactive setup, having springtail communities also facilitate plant growth as the recyled waste produced by these ispods, provide important minerals for them to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLastly, for certain smaller species of ants that have specialised feeding habits such as \u003cem\u003eStrumigenys leptorhina\u003c\/em\u003e, these can also be a source of livefood!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Soil filled tub with hundreds of active springtails\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Maintain cultures humid\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e- If creating a bio-active setup, it is recommended to introduce springtails first to allow proper establishment of community\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AntsHQ","offers":[{"title":"Large tub","offer_id":64311781622109,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1058\/4109\/9101\/files\/springtails_1.webp?v=1777381047","url":"https:\/\/www.antshq.co.uk\/products\/springtail-clean-up-crew","provider":"Ants HQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}