Podura is a of springtails (Collembola) constituting the sole genus of the Poduridae and superfamily Poduroidea. The genus contains four described , including the widespread Podura aquatica and two fossil species from Baltic amber. Members are characterized by their stout body form and are among the more morphologically distinct lineages.
Identification
Stout-bodied springtails with a compact, robust build distinguishing them from the more slender forms typical of many other poduromorph . The family Poduridae is at the level, making identification to family and genus equivalent. -level identification requires examination of specific morphological characters not detailed in general sources.
Images
Distribution
Arctic and Sub-arctic regions; Europe; Mediterranean region; Northern Eurasia; Northern North America. The has a predominantly Holarctic distribution pattern.
Similar Taxa
- Other PoduromorphaPodura can be distinguished from other poduromorph springtails by its stout body form; most other in this order exhibit more slender or elongate body plans.
- EntomobryomorphaUnlike the elongate, often scaled springtails in Entomobryomorpha, Podura have a compact, robust body structure.