small red spiders
Posted by Chrissy Despins on January 9, 2006
Q: We have just noticed hundreds of small red "spiders" all over our deck this week...they are every where crawling around.When we get close they jump...(just like fleas)This is January 8th!!!What in the world are they?..could they be baby spiders hatching too early due to warmer weather (12 Celcius)
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: British Columbia
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: My first thought was that you were seeing Red Spider Mites (not really spiders) but mites don't jump. From your description, sounds to me that you have springtails - also called "snow fleas". Spiders and mites have 8 legs, and if these are indeed springtails, they will only have 6. These are totally harmless insects although no one wants them in their home. Take a look at the address I've provided and see if these look like your animals - ohioline.osu.edu Springtails do vary in color so don't let their color throw you off (I've never seen red ones, myself). If this isn't what you have, feel free to get back to me and we'll keep trying. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( January 9, 2006)