Question
QUESTION: Hi Jack,
I had a plant in water for about 2 years,always did fairly well,,anyways I put it on top of my aquarium (with fish) and today noticed some tiny white bugs on the plant. They were on the vase and plant itself..will these pests go into the tank too? I removed the plant,and cleaned my aquarium,but now I'm worried they might go into the tank as well..
thanks,,Libby

ANSWER: Libby,

Aphids are generally not found on aquatic plants. These are more likely springtails (also called collembola). Springtails are harmless and won't hurt your aquarium (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/springtails.html for a picture and life history information). Take a close look with a magnifying glass and post a follow up if you believe these are not springtails and I'll help you figure it out.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok,,nope,not a springtail.. theses were really tiny and whit.like a speck.

ANSWER: I suppose it could be some kind of fungus but there are no insects or mites this small on aquatic plants. I think by cleaning the aquarium you have probably already done the best thing. Sorry I can be more specific but you might try contacting someone in the "fungus" or "plant disease" sections.

Jack DeAngelis



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I think I wasn't clear in the first question,,I'm sorry...The plant that had the small bugs wasn't an aquarium plant,but a plant I had placed on top of the aquarium. The plant was in a vase of water,,not soil,but had little tiny white speck bugs on it.
I was just worried that the bugs might make it into the aquarium and thrive there?
thanks again,,

Answer
Ok, that makes sense but I don't think these are insects or mites. Can you tell if they are moving? There's nothing of this description that would hurt the aquarium so I don't think you need be concerned. You could take it to you local county Cooperative Extension office where it could be examined under a microscope. Post a follow up if you can't locate an Extension office in your area and I'll help you locate one (tell me your county/city and state names).

Jack DeAngelis