I *think* these are aphids.. not sure

These guys travel up and down the stem of the plants, I find them congregated together near the veins mostly, walk pretty slowly. I also find them on the outside of my containers. Just trying to get a confirmation bc I don’t find any aphids like this in my research. I never find any flying, most appear to be about the same size.

I grow in living soil, earth boxes, these are mid veg. Not sure what else I should include about my setup other than that.

Could these be root aphids? I moved some dirt aside to expose some top feeder roots and didn’t see anything on the roots so I thought maybe there were the above ground type. I have a video of one dying, but can’t include that here. You can see it in the most up close thumbnail.

myke said:

https://mystargarden.com/root-aphids/

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Thanks for the url. Those seem to have more of a pointy butt. I can’t seem to find any aphids that really match what I have. But they congregate like aphids so that’s why I guessed that.

def look like mites not aphids, but missing some distinctive markings to tell which type of mite. size fits 2 spot, its big for sure. look for eggs, their eggs are also very informative to their species

very likely 2 spot. but def not russet or broad.. almost look like hypoapsis miles, which are a predatory mite (good bug)

Mites, dawn dishsoap, spray down or put in shower if can, then spray soap, put pot in bag, spray upside down too. Citric acid is contact killer. Lots of thing can perterb them, more airflow etc. Be gentle but not too gentle, if webs get rid of, eggs in there and underside of leaves.

Samwell Seed Well said:

def look like mites not aphids, but missing some distinctive markings to tell which type of mite. size fits 2 spot, its big for sure. look for eggs, their eggs are also very informative to their species

very likely 2 spot. but def not russet or broad.. almost look like hypoapsis miles, which are a predatory mite (good bug)

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I’ve been going back and forth between aphid and mite as well. It’s really tough to get good pics. I feel like they move a lot slower than the hypoapsis mites running around. I’ll do some
Research on the 2 spot mite.

I can’t find any eggs. But I’ll do more research on where to look. Thanks for the reply.

Southernontariogrower said:

Mites, dawn dishsoap, spray down or put in shower if can, then spray soap, put pot in bag, spray upside down too. Citric acid is contact killer. Lots of thing can perterb them, more airflow etc. Be gentle but not too gentle, if webs get rid of, eggs in there and underside of leaves.

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Thanks for the suggestion! How often would one apply this mixture? I’m using earth boxes so I can’t easily move the pots.

Should I do any type of soil treatment with something suited for soil? Or will spraying the plant be enough to eradicate them? I’m a newbie so not sure on some of this. I haven’t seen any webs but will be on the lookout. Thanks again!

Looks like mold mites. Tyophagus putescentiae

I found this thread that looks very similar but no ID on them.

waterproof808 said:

Looks like mold mites. Tyophagus putescentiae

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I have also looked at those. Although I thought maybe these weren’t mold mites since it seems like they are feeding on the plant. I read mold mites shouldn’t harm plants. At least that what I assume they are doing when congregating on the veins. Thanks for the reply!

waterproof808 said:

Looks like mold mites. Tyophagus putescentiae

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I am leaning more and more to mold or bulb mites. However, the mites I have are more white with no spots. Also their legs are white where a bulb mite has reddish brown legs. In the most magnified pic, I think the legs look darker due to the background. I also see hair like protrusions which would be more like a mold mite.

I guess I’m a little baffled as to why they would be on the plant if they are mold mites though.

I have now gotten some pics with better markings visible. Still not sure on what these are.

Root aphids have 6 legs. Soil mites have 8.

myke said:

Root aphids have 6 legs. Soil mites have 8.

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I can definitely see 8 legs on these. I’ve got quite an infestation at this point. I think I’ll do a soil treatment with some dr zymes. Thank you for the reply

Adult root aphids also have wings.

myke said:

Adult root aphids also have wings.

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Thanks! I am leaning away from aphids at all at this point. Most people I’ve talked to have said mites of some sort. Some say beneficial others say not so much. I know in the last grow they got into the buds so that’s why I’m trying to figure this out while I’m in veg. Bc once they go to the buds Im not longer interested in hosting them as guests lol. Also no wings that ive seen. Thanks for the replies!

Hanksgrow said:

Thanks! I am leaning away from aphids at all at this point. Most people I’ve talked to have said mites of some sort. Some say beneficial others say not so much. I know in the last grow they got into the buds so that’s why I’m trying to figure this out while I’m in veg. Bc once they go to the buds Im not longer interested in hosting them as guests lol. Also no wings that ive seen. Thanks for the replies!

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Let us know what you find out

myke said:

Let us know what you find out

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Will do!

Hanksgrow said:

I have now gotten some pics with better markings visible. Still not sure on what these are.

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Looks like a type of Oribitad mite.

If you’re infested it doesn’t matter what type of mite at this point.
Insecticidal soap spray a few times over the next week should suppress them.