Entomobrya zona

Christiansen & Bellinger, 1980

Rocky Mountain Springtail

Entomobrya zona, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain , is a small springtail to the Rocky Mountains and known from three caves in the Grand Canyon. reach approximately 2 mm in length and are characterized by tan coloration with black markings, including a distinctive wide dark running down the center of the . The species occurs at elevations from 1,700 to over 3,000 meters in arid environments and coniferous forests. It is frequently found in subterranean , where it is considered a troglophile.

Entomobrya zona by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Entomobrya zona by Blazeclaw. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Entomobrya zona: /ɛnˌtoʊmoʊˈbraɪə ˈzoʊnə/

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Identification

Entomobrya zona can be distinguished from similar Entomobrya by the combination of its tan body with black markings and a wide dark running down the center of the . The species' restricted distribution in the Rocky Mountains and Grand Canyon region provides additional diagnostic context. measure approximately 2 mm in length.

Images

Habitat

Found in arid environments and coniferous forests in the Rocky Mountains and westward. Occurs at elevations ranging from 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) to over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Frequently observed in caves (entrance and twilight zones), under rocks, beneath wood logs, and among other debris.

Distribution

Rocky Mountains, United States; specifically documented from three caves in the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Similar Taxa

Entomobrya speciesOther Entomobrya share general body plan and coloration patterns; E. zona is distinguished by its specific abdominal banding pattern and geographic restriction to the Rocky Mountains and Grand Canyon region.