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Critter Bug in Springtail Culture

esnailme

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I have 2 large styrofoam shipping containers measuring 18" x 18".

Both containers are teeming with springtails and some other critter.

The critter first showed up when I added leaf litter to my substrate.

Attached is an image.

Can anyone identify?
 

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limnologist

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I have 2 large styrofoam shipping containers measuring 18" x 18".

Both containers are teeming with springtails and some other critter.

The critter first showed up when I added leaf litter to my substrate.

Attached is an image.

Can anyone identify?

I have the vary same thing in my vermicompost. I cant say the scientific name but I can tell you that they are harmless, eat excess food (they result from overfeeding) and that they are commonly called compost mites or detritous mites. you can get rid of them by decreasing the rotting organic matter, get rid of all mold, and decrease the moisture level. (hard to do when your breeding springtails.)
 

AdvythAF

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I wanted to add to what Limnologist said; you can actually turn or mix the soil a bit, I found that it discouraged the mites because they live mostly on the soil surface. If you are not careful, sometimes they take over cultures so just be careful.
 
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