05-12-2020, 10:46 AM
Springtail vs Mites...
I have heard the theory that all things being equal, Springtails will 'out populate' mites.
I kinda believe that. I really only think that Mites take over a FF Cx is when the flies are not producing for either old age or poorly made founding stock or possible environmental factors.
Mite contamination in springtail cx's happens in two ways:
1. Springtail cxs are place too close to FF cxs and the mites simply walk onto the Springtail cxs
2. Mites arrive at the Springtail cxs on an escaped FF. FFs normally 'carry' grain mites that are just hanging out on the legs or the body of the fly. Not SUCKING the blood of the fly, just crawling around or tucked onto the fly.
The FF desires to get moisture from the Springtail CX and finds an opening and settles on the Springtail CX media. The grain Mite(s) then disembark the Fly Taxi and voila.....mite contamination.
Any thoughts? Theories?
I have heard the theory that all things being equal, Springtails will 'out populate' mites.
I kinda believe that. I really only think that Mites take over a FF Cx is when the flies are not producing for either old age or poorly made founding stock or possible environmental factors.
Mite contamination in springtail cx's happens in two ways:
1. Springtail cxs are place too close to FF cxs and the mites simply walk onto the Springtail cxs
2. Mites arrive at the Springtail cxs on an escaped FF. FFs normally 'carry' grain mites that are just hanging out on the legs or the body of the fly. Not SUCKING the blood of the fly, just crawling around or tucked onto the fly.
The FF desires to get moisture from the Springtail CX and finds an opening and settles on the Springtail CX media. The grain Mite(s) then disembark the Fly Taxi and voila.....mite contamination.
Any thoughts? Theories?
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"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana".