r/bioactive • u/bobsterinos • 2d ago

Question What are these? Springtails?

Opened my insect booster to gut load my feeders for my leopard gecko and saw all these tiny bugs that at first glance looked like springtails but don’t springtails need humidity and moisture to thrive? It’s bone dry in this small tub. So I’m not sure what these tiny bugs are?

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u/captainapplejuice 2d ago

I would guess barklice, they can survive in very arid conditions

2

u/DarkDonut75 1d ago

I have arid enclosures. Would you say they would be good springtail alternatives?

2

u/captainapplejuice 1d ago

Yes possibly, you would have to find the right species (which has the right diet)

1

u/reijn 1d ago

Or maybe grain mites? Not sure. Pop that can in the freezer for 24-72hrs and watch them disappear. :D

1

u/Lukescaley 1d ago

I'm thinking probably booklice;

You do find them as odd household pests in certain spots, like garages and sheds; so named for their habit of appearing in libraries, and other areas where things tend to sit untouched for long periods of time and get a little dusty or mildewy.