Entomobryidae

Womersley, 1934

slender springtails

Subfamily Guides

5

, commonly known as , is a large of springtails (Collembola) containing over 1700 described . Members are characterized by an enlarged fourth abdominal segment, a well-developed (springing organ), and often possess prominent body that can produce striking coloration including blue, red, purple, or white patterns. The family includes both scaled and scale-less forms, with the latter frequently captured in pitfall traps globally. Many species are relatively large for springtails, reaching 2 mm or more in length.

Lepidocyrtinae by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Entomobrya zona by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.Homidia sauteri by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Entomobryidae: /ˌɛntəmoʊˈbraɪɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other by the combination of: enlarged fourth abdominal segment; well-developed with dens longer than manubrium, tapering and annulated; dentes roughly parallel and distally curved; small mucro with one or two teeth; reduced prothorax lacking setae; longer than diagonal; presence of mandibular plate; non- abdominal segments; body with and thick setae; often with prominent . Scale-less forms can be distinguished from Poduromorpha by their elongated body shape and longer antennae. Cave-dwelling exhibit elongated appendages and often modified claws.

Images

Habitat

Diverse including soil, leaf litter, faunas high in trees, riverine and swamp woodlands, mid-mountain grasslands and forests, and intertidal zones. -less are frequently collected in pitfall traps. Some species occur in cave environments.

Distribution

Global distribution. documented from Europe (including widespread occurrence of Entomobrya nivalis), North and South America, Asia (China, Japan, Australia), Africa (Morocco), and various island systems including the Canary Islands.

Diet

Pollen and fungal spores have been observed as food sources. Some have been found in bark beetle galleries where they presumably feed on fungi or act as saprophages.

Behavior

On humid mornings, many climb herbaceous plants to feed. Some species are known to occur in the high in trees.

Ecological Role

Soil fauna contributing to health and soil . Prey for various including ground beetles, the shore bug Saldula saltatoria, soil centipedes, lady beetle larvae, ants, and crab spiders. Some occur in association with bark beetle galleries.

Similar Taxa

  • IsotomidaeBoth belong to Entomobryomorpha and share elongated body forms; distinguished by 's enlarged fourth abdominal segment and specific chaetotaxy patterns
  • TomoceridaeSimilar elongated and scaling; Tomoceridae typically have a more robust body and different antennal segment proportions
  • Poduromorpha (e.g., Hypogasturidae)-less may be confused with poduromorph springtails in pitfall traps; distinguished by longer , more elongated body, and Entomobryidae-specific abdominal segment proportions

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Sources and further reading