Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The mites most people seem to post about are black as far as I can tell. Are the very tiny white mites harmful to reptiles, amphibians, arthropods? They look like moving bright white grains of sand. They seem impossible for me to get rid of since most of my creatures prefer humid, warm, soil substrates. Does anyone have any advice? references? links? I'd like to find out if these are really something to worry about or not. Thanks!

I can't give you a specific species on the mites, but if you desire such, you can usually take a sample to your university's entemology department.

I can tell you that there are thousands of species of mites and other invertebrates that fit your description. They are very common in the type of setup that you describe. I have them in a good half dozen of my enclosures. For the most part, they are a good thing. They help convert detritus into usuable components for your plants (or just parts no longer detrimental to your herps). I have not heard of any species that resemble these little bugs that are parasitic to herps. While they are commonly present on inverts (commonly millipedes), I do not know if they are harmfull to them or not. I don't think they are.

I hope this helps,

Ian

Thank you for your insight Ian! I appreciate your thoughts.

I saw a little white mite moving on my rainbow boa's head and I imagined him thinking "You are incompetent. Take me back to Brazil." and that spawned a waterfall of anxiety in my head!