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mexifelio Jul 09, 2008

I was watering my sweet pea vines that are inside of a terra cotta pot. I had the pot inside of a plastic container to contain all the water that drips out of the bottom.
After a few minutes I took the pot out of the plastic container and placed it back where it usually sits by the window.

When I looked closely at the water that was left over in the plastic container I noticed some extremely tiny white things jumping around. I tried to take as clear of a picture as I could of them.

I didn't notice anything on the soil, and the soil itself was actually pretty dry before I watered it.

Anyone have any ideas what these things could be? They are about the size of a point of a pencil.

Thumbnail by mexifelio
Post #5227930
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jul 09, 2008

These are springtails, primitive arthropods (authorities are divided as to whether these should be considered true insects) in the order Collembola. Ones such as yours are harmless detrivores; a few species in a different family (Sminthuridae) can be garden/agricultural pests. They all require abundant moisture to thrive, as they are very susceptible to dessication. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springtail for much more information.

Post #5228226
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mexifelio Jul 09, 2008

Thanks suunto!
Kind of weird that is what it is because it is so hot and dry right now. I'm amazed there is even any moisture at the bottom of the pot for them to survive.

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