Bilobella braunerae

Short description:

For all those who want to bring some colour into their clean-up crew, Bilobella braunerae is perfect. The reddish springtails are not a colour mutation, but occur naturally. Quite striking, one might think, but this species was only discovered and classified in 1981.

Our breeding animals originally come from southern Spain and therefore do not need a diapause. A diapause is a lowering of the temperature in winter. Bilobella braunerae is also found in Central Europe and therefore does not have high temperature requirements.

 

There, too, they usually live hidden in dead wood under tree bark. In the terrarium they live relatively unafraid and can be seen quite often. They are comparable to the already known tropical white springtails. Differences can be found in their size and also in their behaviour. Bilobella braunerae, for example, does not jump! They do not have a furcula, which makes them much more predictable in handling.

Of course, the relatively small springtails do not require a large terrarium. Theoretically, they can be bred in a cricket box, but this would be a pity, as this species looks much better in a beautiful forest terrarium. In addition, you can socialise all kinds of species with Bilobella braunerae. No matter if millipedes, isopods, snails, scorpions, spiders and everything else that lives in forests appreciate the company of a decomposer that removes the remains.

The substrate should consist of forest humus, dead wood and leaves. Alternatively, flake soil and leaves can be used. The substrate should always be kept moist and not dry out. We also add a small pinch of springtail food every two days. This increases the reproduction rate and the animals develop faster. Of course, vegetables and fruit can be added.