Heteromurus nitidus

(R. Templeton, 1836)

slender springtail

Heteromurus nitidus is a of slender springtail (Collembola) characterized by a superhydrophobic that enables it to float on water. The species produces nitidane, an irregular prenylated diterpene with a unique seven-isoprene structure that dominates its cuticular lipids—unlike typical insects that rely on hydrocarbon mixtures. Its distribution is influenced by soil acidity, with documented interactions involving earthworms and pressure. The species exhibits seasonal changes in wetting and tends to aggregate in coordinated groups.

Heteromurus nitidus by (c) Philippe Garcelon, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Heteromurus nitidus: /ˌhɛtɛroʊˈmjʊrəs ˈnɪtɪdəs/

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Habitat

Soil-dwelling; occupies soils with specific acidity conditions where distribution patterns relate to soil pH

Distribution

Belgium (Flemish Region, Walloon Region), Denmark; distribution varies according to soil acidity levels

Behavior

Tends to aggregate in large groups and exhibit coordinated group ; possesses a superhydrophobic that allows floating on water; shows seasonal changes in wetting behavior

Ecological Role

Important soil-dwelling ; interacts with earthworms; subject to pressure; sister class to Insecta

Human Relevance

Used as a model organism in laboratory studies of microplastic and cuticular chemistry; laboratory cultures maintained on plaster of Paris and activated charcoal substrate with baker's yeast

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