Entomobrya nivalis

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Entomobrya nivalis: /ɛnˌtoʊmoʊˈbraɪə nɪˈvælɪs/

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Summary

Entomobrya nivalis, commonly known as the cosmopolitan springtail, is characterized by its slender body and specific pigmentation patterns. It lives in temperate and polar regions, adapting to cold environments with antifreeze compounds in its hemolymph.

Physical Characteristics

Measures about 2 mm in length; yellow or white background with dark pigment forming transversal bands along the third segment of the thorax and segments 2 to 6 of the abdomen; U- or 11-shaped pattern on the fourth segment of the abdomen distinguishes it from other species in the genus.

Identification Tips

Note the characteristic dorsal U-shaped marking on the posterior part of the abdomen.

Habitat

Juveniles live in the leaf litter of forests and migrate upward after becoming adults, often found among lichens growing on trees. During winter, they shelter under loose portions of bark.

Distribution

Holarctic; found in temperate and polar regions of North America and Europe.

Misconceptions

The dark 'pigment' on the abdomen may be mistaken for pigmentation but can actually be the contents of the gut, creating 'false pigmentation.'