Entomobrya

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Collembola
Order: Entomobryomorpha
Superfamily: Entomobryoidea
Family: Entomobryidae
Subfamily: Entomobryinae
Genus: Entomobrya

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Entomobrya: //ɛn.toʊˈmɑː.bri.ə//

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

Images

Entomobrya multifasciata 63542927 by Alexis. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Entomobrya nicoleti (44129087921) by AJC1 from UK. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Entomobrya multifasciata 100502654 by Alexis. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Entomobrya multifasciata 100502578 by Alexis. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Entomobrya nicoleti (26360134507) by AJC1 from UK. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Entomobrya lanuginosa (11539169933) by Andy Murray. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Summary

Entomobrya is a diverse genus of springtails known for their slender bodies and adaptation to various terrestrial habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Slender body shape, often with long antennae and legs, typically measuring a few millimeters in length.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic body shape and antennae length; some species may have unique color patterns or morphological features.

Habitat

Found in a variety of environments including leaf litter, soil, and decaying organic matter.

Distribution

Commonly distributed in various ecosystems; approximately 40 species are noted in specific regions, with over 340 species worldwide.

Diet

Primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying plant material, fungi, and microorganisms.

Life Cycle

Life cycle typically involves egg, juvenile, and adult stages; development is direct without a pupal stage.

Reproduction

Reproduction is sexual, often occurring in moist environments where males and females engage in courtship behaviors.

Predators

Preyed upon by various predators including spiders, beetles, and other insectivorous animals.

Ecosystem Role

Important decomposers in the soil ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil structure.

Collecting Methods

Hand collection from leaf litter
Soil sampling with a sieve
Traps baited with organic material

Preservation Methods

Ethanol fixation
Dry preservation in labeled vials
Slide mounting in a suitable medium

Evolution

Part of the evolutionary lineage of Collembola, with morphological and ecological adaptations to diverse environments.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for insects, though they belong to a separate class of arthropods; not harmful to humans.