Yet another thread on tiny black bugs

[ALToronto]

These look like really fat thrips - bulbous bellies with slightly pointy butts. Are thrips always skinny, or is there a plump variety as well? And these bugs jump phenomenal distances compared to their tiny size. A 5 cm jump (2") is not unusual.

I have found these in my phal seedling compots and in a clear s/h pot with a catt seedling. All the pots with these bugs have luscious algae growth and are always moist, and the bugs seem to be quite happy munching on the algae. I have seen no damage whatsoever on orchid roots or leaves, and I've been watching them like a hawk.

I don't have a problem with insects taking up home among my orchids, as long as they don't abuse my hospitality. I've been encouraging spiders to weave their webs, and they do a pretty good job of keeping the fungus gnats under control. But these bugs don't venture outside of the compots, so the spiders can't catch them.

Here are two photos of one of the biggest such bug, on the wall of the pot. Most are barely visible.

[Leafmite]

Looks almost like a psyllid. I am pretty bad, though, with photos. Hope you get it identified!

[nikkik]

Springtails?

[ALToronto]

Thanks - but I thought springtails were wormy-looking? These guys don't have anything resembling a tail. Don't know what psyllids are, will have to look them up tonight.

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

Thanks - but I thought springtails were wormy-looking? These guys don't have anything resembling a tail. Don't know what psyllids are, will have to look them up tonight.

Springtails look like worms in the one of the stages in its lifecycle, but they don't look like worms at all to me when they're adults. Plus the jump pretty far considering their size. I sometimes get them and as you described they don't bother the plants.

Sorry, I couldn't help! Hopefully, leafmite is right and you will have an answer.