Small white bugs in planted viv

[keeper_26]

Does anybody know what these little guys are? They're not even a millimetre in length each and present themselves in the hundreds. They seem to fancy the shade under ground cover plants and hang out mostly on the soil. Any idea what they are? Are they harmful? My guess was springtail larvae as I did mix in some soil from outdoors (I was recommended to do so) to help with waste decomposition and such. I don't mind accommodating creepy crawlies in the tank so long as they are HARMLESS to my U Phantasticus and the plants. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[RobV]

I'm no expert, but to me they look like baby pill bugs/sow bugs/potato bugs (whatever you call 'em). Little isopods.

As far as I'm aware, they feed on decaying organic matter, so they shouldn't bother the gecko - rather, they may help keep the tank clean, and be beneficial for live plants (?). I've heard they are edible for lizards.

Rob

 

[keeper_26]

That is a possibility as I did throw in about 20 pill bugs to help keep the soil clean. I didn't think they'd reproduce so fast though. I also didn't think too much about them being pill bug babies cause I couldn't find any such photos on the internet to compare them to. Hopefully it doesn't turn out to be a disaster.

 

[MauricesExoticPets]

Yep, isopods. No big deal, but they can reproduce at a good clip givin the proper conditions. Your reptile critter(s) will take care of any excess quickly enough.

Maurice Pudlo