Help: Video of Black Insects in Semi-Hydro

[djf123]

I have an Aerangis fastuosa in semi hydroponics. Essentially smashed clay as the medium instead of leica. Also, the plant's pot is sitting in a uncovered glass vase to keep up the humidity which is typically around ~80%.

Recently I noticed hundreds of small black insects moving about in the medium. They are about 0.1 mm long or less (very small), very fast moving (always moving), and black in coloration. They tend to reside in the wet area of the clay. I have a microscope, so I took a video of one of them that I knocked off onto a piece of white paper. Video in the YouTube link below.

pest - YouTube

Can somebody ID this insect for me? Is this insect damaging to the plant? And most importantly how do I get rid of it? What insecticides should I buy?

[rbarata]

I can't help you but they look a predator.

[SouthPark]

Whatever it is, it looks like photo number 6 in :

tiny black bugs in bed – ayurvedadoctor.info

I have never seen one before, but a search comes up as 'bristletail'.

Bristletail and a Mouse Encounter - What's That Bug?

Probably harmless to orchids. I would just leave it there.

[DeaC]

I'm thinking springtail which are harmless.

[Roberta]

If they are springtails, they don't hurt the plant but they could indicate that there is some rotting material in that pot. Might be worth unpotting the plant and taking a look at those roots. They may be staying too wet.