9 replies to this topic

[BroJack]

These guys have invaded my queen ant test tube set-ups (Camponotus) over the past week. I am assuming that they are mites. They are about a millimeter in length and fast moving. I have not seen any on ants but that doesn't mean they are not on them. Mostly crawling around the tube down by the water end. Are they a problem? Solutions? Thanks ahead of time for any help!

[ponerinecat]

not a problem

[Broncos]

They don’t look to bad. Probably some beneficial mites.


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[dspdrew]

Completely harmless. I have them living in nearly every enclosure.

[ConcordAntman]

I don’t think I have them in my colonies but I’m curious. Tried doing a few searches on mites associated with Camponotus sp. without success.  Anyone know what they are?

Edited by ConcordAntman, April 16 2020 - 3:59 AM.

[TheMicroPlanet]

I'm in no way a mite expert, but I did some quick research and this looks like a holothyrid, maybe from the family allothyridae.

 

Found a similar picture of a holothyrid.

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, April 16 2020 - 4:47 AM.

[TheMicroPlanet]

Are we still sure this is a mite? What appears to be the anterior appendages look less like legs and more like antennae (in the first picture, not mine)

Edited by TheMicroPlanet, April 16 2020 - 4:48 AM.

[BroJack]

Thanks for the quick answers so far. You have been a lot of help and have saved me from trying to transfer all of my ants to new tubes. This was my first post (although I have read a lot) and a good experience.

Side question, is anyone using anti-mite paper (https://www.carolina...-roll/173115.pr) under their colonies? My understanding is that it is contact only and has no vapor pressure so no fumes. Safe? Not safe?

[AntsDakota]

If the mites aren't harmful, they could be beneficial to the colony, cleaning up their garbage, eating mold, and such. I would keep them around.

[ponerinecat]

Are we still sure this is a mite? What appears to be the anterior appendages look less like legs and more like antennae (in the first picture, not mine)

This is definitely a mite. Many mites are blind and use elongates legs to sense their environments, similar to many opiliones.