CLOSED: Tiny black mite?? with 2 white dots

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CTMGGardener Waterbury, CT Mar 23, 2008

I'm not sure what this is. It's very small, like a pinpoint, not pinhead. There are no plants growing in the media yet, just seeds planted, so they are walking around the top of the soil. They are black with two white dots on their back. I think they may be a mite, but perhaps they're a predatory mite and I shouldn't worry about them. I accidently brought them in when I used some sand that was in our sandbox in my potting mix…lesson learned.

They are way to small to photograph. Does anyone have any ideas?? I did try a spray without any success.

Thanks,

Post #4698137
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envirosci Sarnia, Canada Jun 08, 2008

Hi,
After much searching I think I have finally identified the mystery bug that plagues us both.
It's a globular springtail...copy this link for a picture:

http://bugguide.net/node/view/110738/bgpage

Is this the one?
They're definitely the ones I have.
Here's some more info.

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/9.pdf

If you still have them around, or see them again, I would isolate the affected pots and let the soil dry out before watering again....that's what I'm going to try anyways.
Hope this helps.

Post #5072560
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CTMGGardener Waterbury, CT Jun 11, 2008

That's them. I think the juveniles are solid black.

I can't believe you found that. I love bugguide.net, but I would have never guessed it was a springtail. They looked so much like mites and they are sooo tiny.

Thank you!

Post #5088330
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