Resources

Make Flake Soil for raising Beetle Larvae
Jump to: Ingredients and ToolsGetting the fermentation startedMaintaining fermentationStoring and Using Flake Soil Flake Soil is fermented wood required to feed certain species of beetle larvae. These larvae survive exclusively on decomposing wood until they pupate and become adults, who then eat a sweet diet rich in sugars and fruits. Unfermented wood that is yet to decompose is too difficult for many beetle larvae to eat, so it must be broken down by fungi through fermentation.  Other groups of invertebrates may benefit from having flake soil in their substrate and diet,... Read more...
Care Sheet: Vinegar Eel (panagrellus spp)
Vinegar Eels are most commonly known as a very easy to culture live food in the aquarium hobby. As the name suggests, they can live in vinegar- but they are not “eels” and are actually tiny nematode worms. They are most suited as a starter food for feeding young and tiny fish that are too small to feed on microworms and newly hatched baby brine shrimp, which are similar in size. Species: Panagrellus sppCommon name: Vinegar EelGroup: NematodesSize: 1mm Lifespan: 10 months (as individuals)Diet: Bacteria and yeast in the vinegar.Appearance:... Read more...
Care Sheet: Microworm (panagrellus spp)
Jump to:HousingHarvesting and Use Microworms are most commonly known as a very easy to culture live food in the aquarium hobby. These are nematodes that live on starchy environments that are rich in living yeast. They are most suited for feeding young fish fry that need very small food. Species: Panagrellus sppCommon name: MicrowormGroup: NematodesSize: 1.5mm in length.Lifespan: 20-25 days (as individuals)Diet: Active live yeast.Appearance: Very tiny white worms. Will appear as glistening movement inside an active live culture.  Housing Back to Top Our recommended size: Jars or takeaway containers with... Read more...
Flightless Fruit Fly Culture Recipes
Printable PDF available! These DIY recipes work best with cultures kept at temperatures of 18-24C, as fermentation is required to raise fruit flies quickly and prevent mold. These recipes make enough food medium for multiple cultures depending on the size of your container. Feel free to try these recipes and make personal adjustments to your needs at home.Note: Made some changes to simplify recipes in early April 2022. We hope this helps! Banana and Oat Base This recipe matures flies a bit slower than typical, but lasts longer.Ingredients: Half a... Read more...
Care Sheet: Springtails (Collembolla)
Springtails are tiny hexapods that are technically not true insects. There are over 3,600 species of springtails that inhabit all soil-based, vegetated habitats on Earth. Temperate springtails, which are commonly used in the hobby are detritovores that mostly help decay by eating fungi. Read more...
Care Sheet: Flightless Fruit Fly (drosophila melanogaster)
In captivity, drosophila melanogaster is commonly used for studies in labs due to their short lifespan, ease of breeding and genetic selection. Due to this, vestigial wing (small reduced wing) varieties exist. This has made it easier to handle these flies, both for scientists and hobbyists! Read more...
Care Sheet: Terrestrial Isopods (slaters, pillbugs and woodlice)
Terrestrial isopods are interesting, as they contain fully terrestrial crustacean species that don't have an aquatic life stage. In the wild and in captivity they serve as nature's clean up crew, living on the ground among leaf litter and fallen logs.  Read more...