Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Doing a viv clean today, I noticed that my driftwood is crawling with little white bugs. They're ovular, and shiny. There are none on my snake, but there are some in the water dishes and some on the substrate.

I didn't notice them there this time last week, and I haven't added anything to the viv since then.

I've searched through books and the net, and have found nothing resembling them.

Are these a danger to my animals? What could they be?

Thanks.
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Danielle

Herps:
1.0 BRB
1.0 Amel Motley Corn
----------------------
Other critters:
1.0 Great Dane
1.0 Siamese
1 Senegal Parrot
1 Blue Fronted Amazon

I don't remember the name of them, but they are harmless little mite-type creatures that feed on wastes. The first time I saw them I freaked out and did a super cleaning before learning that they don't do anything to the animals.

Christina
www.herptiles.net

Thank you!

That's a relief. I boiled all of the cage furniture and changed the substrate. They seem to be gone for now.
-----
Danielle

Herps:
1.0 BRB
1.0 Amel Motley Corn
----------------------
Other critters:
1.0 Great Dane
1.0 Siamese
1 Senegal Parrot
1 Blue Fronted Amazon

I call them wood mights, don't know if it's proper or not. I enjoy having them in all my natural viv's as it's a good sign of biocycling.

Ian

Thanks for the response.

I'm glad they are a positive addition. If they come back, I won't be so worried.
-----
Danielle

Herps:
1.1 BRBs
1.0 Amel Motley Corn
----------------------
Other critters:
1.0 Great Dane
1.0 Siamese
1 Senegal Parrot
1 Blue Fronted Amazon