NCGal asked 7 years ago
Back for a third time, Adam.
We’re nearing the end of the pupae window. I believe what we’re now catching in the Victor traps are not fleas. I contacted my local coop extension but they can’t identify the specimen from the photos I forwarded, or from specimens in a glue trap. They asked for me to capture 6-12 in soapy water, but so far I’ve got nothing. I’ve compared every photo I could find on line to what is in the trap and the closest resemblance is a springtail, but they’re not 100% the same.
The specimens in my trap are brownish/blackish, the size of a full grown flea, have two front antenna, what appears to be 1 tail at the back and hair on the sides. Their shape is narrow and so they appear to look almost helicopter-like.
In your experience have you heard of other bugs or insects like this attracted to light, that might end up in a glue trap?
Thank you very much for your help.
Adam Retzer Staff answered 7 years ago
NCGal,
Good to hear from you again. I’m glad you solved the bug mystery. And thanks for sharing it here. It may help visitors in the future with a similar issue.
Adam
Me again. The county agent allowed me to bring in a specimen still in a glue trap, and she was able to identify directly under a microscope. They are, indeed, springtails!
We definitely had fleas, as springtails don’t bite and I had a plethora of horribly itchy bites and fleas on my socks and in my blankets. I’m not sure at what point we began capturing springtails but the current mystery is solved. Thank you again for all your help.