Please help identifying a pest!! There are so many of these little guys in the bottom of my alocasia’s decorative pot. They are very tiny and some are almost iridescent, don’t appear to be able to fly, but move quickly. I’ve only seen a few on the plant itself. Any thoughts on what it could be and how to treat are appreciated!
Looks like an aphid to mw
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I’ve seen these little guys running around around sink areas in our old house. They dart quickly and I’ve never seen them fly. But I hate to tell you I have no idea what they are. Let me know if you find out, because I’ve always been curious. I have a feeling they’re not bad, if that’s what I saw in the past.😊💚🪴
1 LikeThanks! That’s what I’m thinking too, after doing some research. Any thoughts on keeping them vs trying to treat the plant? I’m seeing mixed reviews on keeping them as beneficial insects.
2 LikesI’d keep an eye on them - they’re big in the terrarium world… but usually in a context where they’re not all around the house!
2 Likes Where did you find your information on springtails? I googled them including Wikipedia but I couldn’t seem to find anything regarding their benefits or disadvantages, particularly as it applies to plants. If you’d pass on some of your info sites, I’d really appreciate it. 😊💚🪴
0 LikesMostly Reddit (I googled springtails houseplants Reddit), but there were a couple other informational sites I was able to find too
1 Like Thanks for the info! 😊💚🪴
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They look like springtails to me too. When I first noticed them I was worried for my plant bbs but I learned from a fellow Planta friend that they don’t do any harm🙌 They’re pretty interesting little helpers and worth the google search if you want to learn more!
2 Likes Springtails! I never bothered to do any research on these little bugs because they seemed perfectly content to occasionally zip here and there, and seemingly, didn’t cause any problems. Are they beneficial or are they detrimental? TXS? 😊💚🪴
0 LikesFrom what I’m reading online, they are beneficial. But they also populate quickly so it seems like it’s possible to easily get an infestation. I think I’m going to keep them for now but keep an eye on them so they don’t get out of hand.
1 Like Very interesting! I will do some research which I should’ve done long ago. But thanks so much for that info.😊💚🪴
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i noticed some similar ones today while watering! they were only on the bottom, didn’t fly, and were kind of dark + translucent. all my research also said springtails so i’m glad to hear i’m not the only one :)
