[HillstreamBiotoper]

Are these just springtails, or are they subterranean termites (but I don't see adults), book lice, or psocids?

They are in my hermit crab terrarium. They have antennae that are about half the length of their bodies which stick out the front at about 45 degrees. It seems like they may have too large of abdomens to be springtails, but I don't know too much about those.

Are they an issue?
Can they escape?
How can I get rid of them (if I need to)? Are there any predators that will hunt them out?

If they are just springtails, I will welcome them.

 

[Frshwtr]

Springtails have a unique forked 'tail' under their abdomen that allow them to jump or spring - why they are called springtails. Do they jump when you touch them?

I'm not an entomologist, but I don't see the spring on their tail. Those definitely look like termites. Is that wood they are on?

 

[HillstreamBiotoper]

They have coconut fiber substrate. I think they are termites. Is there any way that I can get rid of them? In the past, I have changed the substrate to get rid of them (not knowing what they were), and they just reappeared. Are there any predators I could put in the tank or any competitors? I am afraid of them escaping. I have not seen any non-workers.

 

[Frshwtr]

Well…. Redo the scape? Throw it all out and start over? I would be more concerned with termites in my dwelling spreading beyond that enclosure.

 

[HillstreamBiotoper]

How do I make sure they actually go away? Last time I cleaned everything and threw out the substrate, and gave my hermit a bath, but they still came back. Also, I do not have anywhere else to home him temporarily and it not be depressing. I just have a small tote and several empty aquariums, but I can picture his shell screeching across the glass.