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Re:Springtails vs. Aphids
In respect to the inquiry regarding Springtails Vs. Aphids on the floating
plants of an aquarium. Springtails will often bounce off the surface of the
plant when disturbed and are capable of comparatively rapid locomotion.
Aphids will just sit on top of the leaf surface with their sucking mouth part
stuck into the epidermis in order to aquire juices from the plant.
My experience with Springtails is that removal of any dying plants or
leaves on the surface will result in their disappearance. Aphids are
harder to get rid of, but frequent and persistent washing of the surfaces of
the leaves and disturbance of their perch by frequent and persistent washing
them off is the only safe way that I know of getting rid of them. If they
are sprayed off into the water, the fish often can be induced to eat them.
The aphids seem to be quite harmful to most plants and it is well worth the
effort to continually upset them into the water. Another remedy is to get
all plant material beneath the surface of the water for a time sufficient to
clear the infestation. I have even gone so far as to drastically trim back
the leaves and emersed parts of my aquarium plants. Removal and washing of
the plants is a very drastic measure and often results only in controlling
-but not elimination of the aphid pests.
The Springtails and Aphids are both insects, but the aphids do not have
functional wings in the larval stage-the plant juice sucking stage.
These and similar infestations, problems, and diseases can often be avoided
by quarantining any new plants for a sufficient period of time.
Elmer Morehouse
45 years into aquariums and still a complete novice. Enjoy-Enjoy-Enjoy