I have owned Hermit Crabs for almost three years now and I've noticed within the last year that these tiny insects keep showing up in my tank. They remind me if book lice, and are very tiny and greyish white. No matter what I do they keep returning in the tank. Is there any way to get rid of these things without harming the crabs? I think they may be attracted to their food, although I usually feed them freeze-dried mealworms, shrimp, and crickets. I will admit I leave their food in there for long periods of time, but these aren't maggots or fruit flies.
I'm at a loss because I have done everything for these crabs and they still seem to be too much work. Please help!
Tiny Bugs Please Help
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aussieJJDude
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Re: Tiny Bugs Please Help
They sound like sprintails. If so, they harmless and help form a biological clean up crew - and actually eat mould spores!
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"She’s there, she’s upright, and she’s wigged" ~ Trixie
Infrequently on due to studies
Re: Tiny Bugs Please Help
On mobile so hard to upload a picture but I got this oneaussieJJDude wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2019 8:15 pmThey sound like sprintails. If so, they harmless and help form a biological clean up crew - and actually eat mould spores!
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Are these springtails?
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aussieJJDude
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Re: Tiny Bugs Please Help
They do look like it...FenHarel wrote: On mobile so hard to upload a picture but I got this one
Are these springtails?
Looks very similar to Willowsia nigromaculata... probably not the case, but very similar body shape. Are they around 2mm in length?
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|| Avid Aquarist Addict (2007) || Crazy Crabbing Connoisseur (2012) || Amateur Aroid Admirer (2014) ||
"She’s there, she’s upright, and she’s wigged" ~ Trixie
Infrequently on due to studies
"She’s there, she’s upright, and she’s wigged" ~ Trixie
Infrequently on due to studies
Re: Tiny Bugs Please Help
I googled the Willosia nigromaculata and they seem to be a perfect match, though I'm unsure. They vary in size from 1-3mm.aussieJJDude wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2019 8:40 pmThey do look like it...
Looks very similar to Willowsia nigromaculata... probably not the case, but very similar body shape. Are they around 2mm in length?
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Their bodies are kind of scaled looking, three sections on their back, layered one on top of the other, and are either the dark grey or translucent. Not sure if the translucent are the same type of insect. Seem to have no affect on the crabs though as one is out right now checking out shells. My biggest concern is whether or not they will leave the tank and get into my room?
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aussieJJDude
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Re: Tiny Bugs Please Help
Most likely if they do leave the tank, they won't survive. Smaller insects really prefer humid conditions in order to retain moisture.
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|| Avid Aquarist Addict (2007) || Crazy Crabbing Connoisseur (2012) || Amateur Aroid Admirer (2014) ||
"She’s there, she’s upright, and she’s wigged" ~ Trixie
Infrequently on due to studies
"She’s there, she’s upright, and she’s wigged" ~ Trixie
Infrequently on due to studies
Re: Tiny Bugs Please Help
Do you want them gone?
I have had pets in the past, but my family can’t have any furry or feathered ones due to allergies. I usually try my best to help and currently trying to set up a crabitat. I also try to treat others with Love!❤️