red spider mites

[Kelz]

I have noticed in one of my snail tanks a small red spider mite type of thing, does anyone know what this is? how it could have got there and how i can get rid of it.

Many thanks

Kelz x

[suzy]

If it is a red spider mite it shouldn't harm the snails but if there is only one I would squish it to be sure! It could have come in on plant material or even been carried in the wind. Red velvet mites look similar to red spider mites but are much bigger and I have only heard of them affecting insects, but snail eggs may be a target(http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/acarology/zhang/a081.pdf)

There are some mites that more commonly affect snails but these are white or cream in colour. See www.petsnails.co.uk/problems/mites.html#start

For help with identification thes pages may be useful:
www.defenders.co.uk/pest-problems/red-spider-mite.html
bugguide.net/node/view/91197/bgimage
bugguide.net/node/view/2419/bgimage

Hope this helps :-)

[Kelz]

Thank you so much Suzy, I have only seen the one but will keep a look out. Are they actually called red spider mites? or did I just hazard a guess?

[suzy]

Yep, the ones that cause trouble on plants are called just that. Gardeners really think up some inventive names don't they?!