Globular Springtails
Symphypleona
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Collembola
- Order: Symphypleona
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Symphypleona: //sɪmˌfaɪˈpliːənə//
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Images
Summary
Symphypleona, commonly known as globular springtails, are a distinctive group of small hexapods recognizable by their spherical body shape and long antennae. They play a vital role in soil ecosystems and are found worldwide.
Physical Characteristics
Body size usually >0.7 mm, distinctly subglobular trunk, antennae longer than head, eyes usually present, abdominal segmentation dorsally indistinct.
Identification Tips
Symphypleona can be distinguished by their round, almost spherical body shape and long antennae, unlike Poduromorpha which have short legs and are more oval in shape, and Entomobryomorpha which have a slender body.
Habitat
Worldwide and throughout North America, commonly found in moist soil and leaf litter.
Distribution
Found worldwide, with ~1,150 species in 120 genera across 10 families; localized in >30 genera of 8 families in the specified area.
Diet
Feeding primarily on decaying organic matter and microorganisms in the soil.
Life Cycle
Life cycle details are not specified; typically involves several molts before reaching maturity.
Reproduction
Reproductive habits are not detailed; generally, springtails utilize a form of external fertilization.
Predators
Predators include various soil-dwelling organisms such as larger arthropods and nematodes.
Conservation Status
Not specifically mentioned; however, their sensitivity to environmental changes may imply vulnerability to habitat degradation.
Ecosystem Role
Play a crucial role in soil health by aiding in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Economic Impact
Economic impacts not detailed; may be involved in soil health impacting agriculture.
Cultural Significance
No specific cultural significance mentioned.
Health Concerns
No health concerns associated with this group are provided.
Collecting Methods
- Sifting soil and leaf litter
- Pitfall traps
- Vacuum sampling
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol storage
- Freezing for short-term preservations
- Desiccation with silica gel
Evolution
Formerly considered a suborder of insects, now recognized as an order within Collembola due to phylogenetic studies.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often thought to be insects due to their small size and segmented bodies, they are more closely related to hexapods.
Tags
- Hexapoda
- Collembola
- Symphypleona
- Springtails