HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I’ve noticed very small white bugs in my hermit crabs enclosure and I’m not sure if they’re dangerous. My first guess is mites but I’m not sure. What do I do?

Is it possible if you can get a picture? It could be mites, but it could also be something more harmless like a springtail. I can try to give you an ID if you send a picture and your approx. location

It’s mostly likely either springtails or food mites. Both are harmless and can help control mold growth by eating waste and old food.


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I wanna say there’s a care sheet somewhere on here that lists different bugs with pictures and info! Can’t remember exactly where I saw it though


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Spocktopus wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:17 pm

Is it possible if you can get a picture? It could be mites, but it could also be something more harmless like a springtail. I can try to give you an ID if you send a picture and your approx. location

I got a 5 second video but i don’t know how to insert videos or photos

JoeHermits wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 16, 2020 7:45 pm

It’s mostly likely either springtails or food mites. Both are harmless and can help control mold growth by eating waste and old food.


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I hope it’s just that but the bugs are not on/around the food bowl they’re in the middle of the tank crawling in the substrate.

They may be springtails but are definitely not hermit crab mites since those will cling exclusively to the hermits.

Photo and video posting guide: viewtopic.php?t=87783


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JoeHermits wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 17, 2020 2:34 pm

They may be springtails but are definitely not hermit crab mites since those will cling exclusively to the hermits.

Photo and video posting guide: viewtopic.php?t=87783


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I’ve been looking at the post about different bugs in hermit crab enclosures and looked up photos and videos of spring tales and I don’t think that’s the bug I have. The bugs in the tank are VERY small and white. They look like little dots walking around and are very hard to see.

Do they look like mites?


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JoeHermits wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 18, 2020 9:18 pm

Do they look like mites?


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Yes, they look like mites, but I think they’re harmless. I will keep a close eye on my hermit crab to make sure they not on them. I’ve only seen them in the tank and not on the hermit crab.

Yeah, one of the downsides to a warm, humid habitat is that they can attract all sorts of small animals. Luckily, most are harmless so they’re seldom an issue.


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I just discovered bugs that aound like that in my tank too! Do they look like these guys?

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