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Insect identification

Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2021 3:03 pm
by ChristianH26
Hello. I have noticed a lot of these tiny insects inside of stevies tank. I suspect that they may have arisen from his sphagnum moss. Could somebody please identify these? Thanks

Re: Insect identification

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 12:52 am
by kayla990
It seems likely it would be a springtail (which are beneficial to your tank). However.. in the image, it's tricky to tell if it actually has mandibles or antennae on the front of it's face. If it is mandibles, I would look up reference images of small termites and larvae to be on the safe side.

One way to test would be to gently spray water or blow on it - if it jumps far, it'll be a springtail and there's nothing to worry about :)

Re: Insect identification

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 12:57 am
by ChristianH26
Thank you. I did suspect it was springtails which can hitch a ride in moss. I highly doubt it would be termites as I live in England where thankfully termites don’t exist. Thanks for your help. :)