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Can you help identify the larvae in the soil please?

dewibalaJj7gcoyXdewibalaJj7gcoyX Posts: 4
in The potting shed


Hi,
Can you help identify the larvae which is very prevalent in the soil. The garden historically has been used for exhibition roses by my dad but he cannot remember seeing these. I have looked online, books etc but cannot identify. They are approx 2-4mm and have what llok like horns. Sorry for the quality of the picture. Thank you.


Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It's a bit hard to tell but they're probably springtails. Do they jump about when disturbed?
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • dewibalaJj7gcoyXdewibalaJj7gcoyX Posts: 4
    Thank you. This was taken in the Autumn my recollection is they move pretty quickly. If it helps they appeared to be in clusters of what looked like hundreds all together. If it helps I live in north Wales. Are they harmful to a veg garden and what would be the best way to deal with them if needed? Sorry for all the questions.

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    They look like springtails, beneficial soil fauna.

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • shane.farrellshane.farrell Posts: 207
    Definitely springtails. Great little critters.
  • shane.farrellshane.farrell Posts: 207
    Could be Protaphorura armata based on my own images (keyed out) but hard to say.
  • dewibalaJj7gcoyXdewibalaJj7gcoyX Posts: 4
    Hi thank you.
    No doubt Protaphorura armata as I have seen them close up. Can I take it they are beneficial in the veg garden. 
    Once again thanks. 
  • shane.farrellshane.farrell Posts: 207
    Definitely. Benign breaker downerers.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I had these in the spring, wondered what on earth they were looked terrifying!!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Good bird food I should think.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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