Insect eating springtails

[Terrarium77]

I have a terrarium that has moss in it that I gathered along with plants that I purchased. I added springtails to the terrarium and now I have an fast moving insect that is eating my springtails. It is dark brown about about 3/8 inches long, has many feet and small antennas. I have tried to capture it but as soon as there is any movement he goes into hiding. Any suggestion what it might be and how to get rid of it? Thanks

 

[Dorifto]

I have a terrarium that has moss in it that I gathered along with plants that I purchased. I added springtails to the terrarium and now I have an fast moving insect that is eating my springtails. It is dark brown about about 3/8 inches long, has many feet and small antennas. I have tried to capture it but as soon as there is any movement he goes into hiding. Any suggestion what it might be and how to get rid of it? Thanks

It's probably a mini centipede, it will get rid of mites too, so it could decimate the springtails colony a bit, but also takes care about other potential pests.

I leave them alive.

 

[Wolfram1]

there is a lot of unneccessary anxiety about cleanliness and soil fauna in general

as in most cases combating the individual parts can lead to imbalances and actually produces more problems than it solves

look at this wonderful website and enjoy natures small marvels:

Photos of Collembola | soil springtails - A Chaos of Delight

A collection of some of the most interesting and beautiful photographs of Collembola or springtails, a beautiful soil animal and member of the mesofauna.

www.chaosofdelight.org

 

[Dorifto]

A

there is a lot of unneccessary anxiety about cleanliness and soil fauna in general

as in most cases combating the individual parts can lead to imbalances and actually produces more problems than it solves

look at this wonderful website and enjoy natures small marvels:

Photos of Collembola | soil springtails - A Chaos of Delight

A collection of some of the most interesting and beautiful photographs of Collembola or springtails, a beautiful soil animal and member of the mesofauna.

www.chaosofdelight.org

100% agree

I tend to monitorize any outbreak, (any type of critter) it helps me to identify potential issues beforehand. Usually they will find a balance by themselves, so there is nothing to worry about.