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Poppy seed like bugs

Discussion in 'Issues, Disease and Pests' started by PeterM, Sep 19, 2019.

  1. Sep 19, 2019 #1
    PeterM

    PeterM New Member

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    Hi, does anyone know what bug I'm dealing with? It looks like small (about 1mm) black poppy seed (on pictures - this is the best I could do, it is so small), it's moving quite quick. For me it looks like armored, black metallic tank.
    First I noticed it in my warm paludarium - 82F/68F (28C/20C) RH 80-85% on driftwood branches, seems not to like too much cork surfaces, but now I can seen it also in my intermediate paludarium as well - 75F/62F (24C/17C) RH 85-90%. I've noticed that it prefers shaded parts of branches but few guys are walking in full light as well.
    Can you please help me indetify this creature and tell me is it dangerous to my orchids and how to get rid of it.
    Regards
    Peter
     

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  2. Sep 20, 2019 #2
    pcolman

    pcolman Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    Seems people get worried about these regularly. Oribatid mites, also known as moss mites. Harmless. They feed on decaying plant matter and fungi. I would not worry about them. If you want to get rid of them, I'd recommend a flamethrower, as I've not seen them affected by treatments for other things, including other harmful mites.
     
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  3. Sep 20, 2019 #3
    PeterM

    PeterM New Member

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    Thank you so much! So if they’re harmless I don’t need to equip myself with flamethrower and let them clean my paludarium a bit.
     
  4. Nov 5, 2021 #4
    TinaT

    TinaT New Member

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    When I saw them on one of my orchids, my knee jerk reaction was to get rid of them. However as pcoleman stated they are a good pest! Found article for you and other's that may want picture id and information.
    All about oribatid mites - A Chaos of Delight
     
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