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Post by ellsie on Apr 7, 2009 17:00:13 GMT -5
a telltale sign that you have spider mites.....look for their webbing:  |
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Post by ellsie on Apr 7, 2009 17:07:07 GMT -5
You could try what PetMantis suggested.....immersing your entire VFT in water. Spider mites love warm, dry temperatures, which makes the perfect climate for their very short and fast reproductive cycle. If you noticed these mites after you repotted your VFT, chances are your moss contains dormant mite eggs, waiting to hatch. What I don't know if how long the eggs can survive submerged in water, but at least you will kill off most of the reproducing adults!!  |
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Post by markym4rk on Apr 7, 2009 17:10:20 GMT -5
I'll keep an eye out for webs and such but those bugs look yellow. The ones I have, so far, don't have webs and are mostly black. I've seen one red one before and several inmature ones that are smaller and are grey. I did notice the new growth being chewed up. Is this behaviour common to all species?
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Post by markym4rk on Apr 7, 2009 17:14:16 GMT -5
My other plants don't seem to be affected so I don't think its my moss. I bet they laid their eggs in the plant tissue. Perhaps i will try to immerse them in water for a full day followed by a dry day and so on.
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Post by ellsie on Apr 7, 2009 17:18:41 GMT -5
if you try to touch these bugs, what happens??
Do they jump and just seem to disappear??
How would you describe the shape of the bugs?? Round, sliver-like, etc.....
Also, what type of plant damage to you see?? Localized wiled spots. discoloration, etc....
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Post by markym4rk on Apr 7, 2009 17:26:18 GMT -5
They don't jump instead they try to flee from the crime scene with there legs. >.<
I'm not too sure about the shape but when i get a chance, I'll check it out and see if i can snatch one and take a pic of it. It seems they have chewed off the edges of the trap's leaf.
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Post by markym4rk on Apr 7, 2009 17:26:46 GMT -5
I'm glad everyone is helping me out here. I totally freaked out when i saw a WHOLE family of these guys.
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Post by ellsie on Apr 7, 2009 17:43:06 GMT -5
Perhaps you might have another species of spider mite.....the red spider mite?? They are usually red in color, but after sucking the life out of their plant homes, they can turn darker in color:  |
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Post by ellsie on Apr 7, 2009 17:46:37 GMT -5
If you do think that the bugs are some species of mite, then after your submerge your VFT, be sure to maintain high humidity and moisture. Mites are not particularly fond of high humidity and can't reproduce well in these conditions.
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Post by markym4rk on Apr 7, 2009 17:58:29 GMT -5
My terrarium is high in humidity 80+ RH most of the time.
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Post by lloyd on Apr 7, 2009 19:57:53 GMT -5
I used to have thrips now and then on my VFT's and sarr's. I find the Neem recipe on this site helps. Also I bet if you put the VFT's outside (as soon as weather allows) the bugs will go away.
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Post by markym4rk on Apr 7, 2009 21:43:12 GMT -5
Go away due to natural predators or just go away cuz its warm now?
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Post by lloyd on Apr 7, 2009 22:28:45 GMT -5
I just think the plants are healthier and more disease resistant outside.
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Post by markym4rk on Apr 7, 2009 22:41:20 GMT -5
I see. From what I can see, it doesnt seem to bother them too much jus worried about it spreading and being full blown. I'll try the drowning technique. Thx for the advice guys.
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Post by lloyd on Apr 8, 2009 9:30:45 GMT -5
You should definitely be on high alert for your other plants, giving them all a close once over. However not all plants will be affected or in the same way. It's generally a good idea to give all your plants a up-close (1-2" away) inspection every month or at the first sign of a growth slowdown or anything odd happening.
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Mar 23, 2019 8:19:19 GMT -5
Mar 23, 2019 8:19:19 GMT -5
