Entomobryinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Entomobryinae: /ˌɛntəmoʊˈbraɪɪniː/

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Summary

Entomobryinae is a subfamily of slender springtails within the family Entomobryidae, characterized by their diverse morphology and ecological niches, found in various environments and playing important roles in the ecosystem as decomposers.

Physical Characteristics

Characterized by an enlarged fourth abdominal segment and a well-developed furcula. The body has trichobothria and thick clavate setae, and often scales. The dens is longer than the manubrium, tapering and annulated. The dentes are roughly parallel and distally curved. The mucro is small with one or two teeth.

Identification Tips

Look for species with a reduced prothorax that lacks setae and antennae longer than the head diagonal. Look for distinguishing features such as coloration, presence of scales, and body size (often over 2 mm).

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats including soil, leaf litter, canopy faunas in trees, intertidal zones, and brood galleries of bark beetles.

Distribution

Worldwide and throughout North America, with more than 1700 described species globally in various genera.

Diet

Feed on pollen, spores of fungi, and possibly act as saprophages in bark beetle galleries.

Predators

Prey for a range of predators including ground beetles, Saldula saltatoria, lady beetle larvae, ants, and crab spiders.

Ecosystem Role

Entomobryids are important decomposers in the ecosystem, aiding in nutrient cycling by feeding on organic matter and fungal spores.

Collecting Methods

• Pitfall traps
• Canopy traps

Tags

• Entomobryinae
• springtails
• entomology
• ecology
• decomposers