Royal Python's Cove
Folsomia candida "White" Springtails
Folsomia candida "White" Springtails
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Folsomia candida: Functional Ecosystem Contributors
White Springtails (Folsomia candida) are vital microscopic organisms in vivarium ecosystems, acting as effective cleanup crews and enhancing overall habitat health. Here’s a comprehensive overview of their functions, preferred habitat, thriving conditions, and suitable cohabitants.
Functions in Vivarium Ecosystems
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Decomposition: White springtails excel at breaking down decaying organic matter, helping to maintain clean and balanced substrate conditions.
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Nutrient Cycling: Through their waste, they recycle nutrients back into the soil, enriching the substrate and supporting robust plant growth.
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Bioactive Cleanup Crew: They consume leftover food, mold, and detritus, which significantly reduces the risk of mold outbreaks and pest infestations in the vivarium.
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Soil Aeration: Their movement through the substrate aids in maintaining soil structure and aeration, promoting healthy root development.
Preferred Habitat
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Substrate: Thrive in moist substrates rich in organic matter, such as coconut fiber, leaf litter, or compost.
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Moisture Levels: Prefer moderate to high humidity (50-70%) to prevent desiccation.
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Temperature: Ideal temperature range is typically 65-75°F (18-24°C), with tolerance for slight fluctuations.
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Ventilation: Require adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant air and ensure optimal oxygen levels.
Thriving Conditions
To create optimal conditions for White Springtails, consider the following:
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Hydration: Regular misting is essential to maintain humidity, along with areas of moist substrate for retreat.
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Feeding: Provide a diet of decomposing plant matter, yeast, and sometimes specialized powdered foods to support their growth.
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Substrate Depth: A depth of at least 1-2 inches allows for sufficient movement and access to food sources.
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Compatibility: Avoid overcrowding and ensure ample hiding spots to create a healthy environment.
Recommended Cohabitation
Enhance the diversity and functionality of your vivarium by cohabitating Folsomia candida with:
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Powder Orange Isopods (Porcellionides pruinosus): They collaborate in decomposing organic matter and nutrient cycling.
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Dwarf White Isopods (Trichorhina tomentosa): Both species contribute to substrate maintenance and nutrient cycling.
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Earthworms: Living beneath the substrate, they improve aeration and nutrient enrichment, benefiting the overall ecosystem.
By fostering a balanced ecosystem with these inhabitants, you can create a thriving vivarium that supports plant health, maintains cleanliness, and enriches the habitat for all its inhabitants.
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Shipping Policy & Live Arrival Guarantee
Timeline and Processing
Order Processing Time: All orders are processed within 1-2 business days (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays). Please allow for additional processing time during peak seasons or holidays.
Shipping Days: We ship live insects Monday through Wednesday to ensure that orders do not sit in transit over the weekend. We do not ship live insects on Thursdays or Fridays to avoid delays caused by weekend transit.
Delays: While we do our best to ship all orders on time, please understand that shipping carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) may experience delays that are beyond our control. Please track your shipment regularly for updates.
Temperature Warning
To ensure the safe arrival of your live insects, we take temperature into consideration. The health of your order is our top priority, and we have specific procedures in place for extreme temperatures.
- Cold Weather Shipping (Fall/Winter Months):
During colder months, we include heat packs in all orders to maintain a safe temperature range for your insects. If temperatures are below 40°F (4°C) at any point during transit, we will include a heat pack at no additional cost. - Hot Weather Shipping (Spring/Summer Months):
In warmer months, if temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C), we may delay your order shipment or opt to ship your insects with cool packs or use additional insulation to prevent overheating. We will reach out if we believe weather conditions are too extreme for shipping and discuss the best options for you. - Live Arrival Guarantee:
We guarantee live arrival of your insects only if the package is received within the first 2 hours of delivery (in cases of heat packs or cool packs used). In the event of any issues, please contact us immediately with photographic evidence of the condition of the insects upon arrival.
Shipping to a Hub
Hold for Pickup Option
- Shipping to a Hub:
To minimize potential risks associated with extreme weather or shipping delays, we highly recommend choosing the “Hold for Pickup” option with carriers like UPS or FedEx. This allows your package to be kept at a local hub for pickup rather than sitting in a mail carrier’s truck. This option is available at checkout and provides more control over the timing and condition of your insect order.
Shipping Carriers
Carrier Options:
We ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx depending on the size, weight, and destination of the order. All live insect shipments are sent via expedited or priority shipping methods to reduce transit time.
Overnight Delivery:
We ship overnight via FedEx. This option automatically includes Live Arrival Guarantee.
Tracking:
A tracking number will be provided once your order ships. Please track your package to stay updated on its estimated delivery time. In case of delays or issues with the tracking, please contact us immediately, and we will assist in resolving the issue.
Live Arrival Guarantee & Shipment Protection
Automatic Shipment Protection: To ensure the well-being of your insects, shipment protection is automatically included in all live insect orders at checkout. This means your order is covered for issues related to shipping conditions, such as delays, extreme weather, or packaging problems.
For 2-Day Express Shipping: Shipment protection applies to all orders, including 2-day express shipments, so you are automatically covered for the duration of transit, even if the insects are in transit for longer than overnight shipping.
How to Ensure Your Insects Arrive Safely
- Live Arrival Guarantee Applies to All Orders with Shipment Protection: The live arrival guarantee is applicable for any live insect order as long as the shipment is received on the first delivery attempt, and shipment protection is active.
- If your insects do not arrive alive, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photographic evidence of the insects' condition to qualify for a replacement.
Refunds & Replacements
Refunds
If your insects arrive dead or in poor condition, and the shipment is covered by Shipment Protection, we will issue a replacement or a refund for the cost of the insects (excluding shipping).
- Note: We do not offer refunds for shipping costs due to the nature of live insect shipping.
Replacement
In cases of dead-on-arrival (DOA) insects, we will ask for photographic evidence of the condition of the insects upon delivery. Once confirmed, we will send a replacement order at no additional cost (subject to availability).