whenever i look in my african land snails cage, there are little baby flies and these tiny little white things! they are really tiny but i dont no what they are! am i doing something wrong that makes the flies be born in poor dillains cage?! answer back a.s.a.p please im getting worried!!
2007-06-30 00:32:59 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The white things are mites and are harmless to you and the snail ... they are naturally found in soil and love the humid conditions. (Not sure what the flies are, but there are numerous minute species that thrive in the damp conditions).
To rid your tank of them you need to change your substrate completely, clean the tank and 'bathe' the snails (use room temperature water).
To help prevent an infestation in the future, improve the ventilation in your tank and remove surface debris and old food on a daily basis.
2007-06-30 08:55:26 · answer #1 · answered by Tifferz 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's highly likely the 'little white things' are nothing more than dust mite. I'm assuming you can see them scampering over the soft tissue part of the snail. Dust mite normally feed on dead tissue but if you place a slug or snail on any carpet that has not been treated for dustmite, you will quickly notice them crawling over the snail. They are not actually eating the slug/snail but rather taking moisture from the slimy creature. Disgusting I know, but true.
As for the tiny flies. They will be attracted to the snail for exactly the same reason. Moisture. They are not 'baby flies' but smaller fruit flies. It's just like when you see images of kids in africa with flies buzzing around their eyes. The flies there are trying to steal a drink aswell. Urghhh!!!!
2007-07-02 22:23:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a biologist to look at them with a microscope. You probably imported some mites and flies with your snail. Don't forget to wash your hands after handling the snail.
The white things are likely to be eggs. Dispose of them properly by freezing or boiling, make sure that they can't escape into the wild. The African Land Snail is an ecological disaster when released. NEVER throw a land snail out, don't listen to Omnisource.
2007-06-30 07:45:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The flies are likely fungus gnats and the tiny white things are probably springtails. Both are harmless. They tend to show up where there is high humidity, people with houseplants will get them as well in and around the soil. They feed on decaying organic matter. You can reduce the numbers by letting the cage dry out a little and keeping the soil stirred up will reduce the fungus gnat population.
2007-06-30 07:55:55 · answer #4 · answered by Thea 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yuck. . .who would have a snail as a pet. . .anyways, African land snails can make eggs even without a partner so that's what the "little white things" are. . .
http://www.amentsoc.org/snail.htm
2007-06-30 07:37:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
they are fruit flies that live on what your snails are eating
2007-07-02 16:00:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God, I wouldn't doubt it!
You absoutely would not believe the number of parasites that live on snails! Dillian is nothing less than a parasite's version of Motel Six.
Who EVER told you a snail would make a good pet?
Spongebob's a CARTOON, fer chrissake.
Now you throw that thing outside this instant; before you get sick.
There're puppies, kitties, bunnies, ponies that'd make nice pets you could PLAY WITH, or WALK or CUDDLE. Furry creatures with soft eyes.
EYESTALKS! Gross!
2007-06-30 07:44:04 · answer #7 · answered by omnisource 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
why get a snail as a pet? their slimy
2007-06-30 08:26:56 · answer #8 · answered by ♥Cherrie_Pie♥ 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋