Sminthurididae
Sminthurididae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Collembola
- Order: Symphypleona
- Family: Sminthurididae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sminthurididae: /smɪnˌθʊrɪˈdɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Sminthurididae, a family of globular springtails, includes about 20 species in North America and over 170 species worldwide, with distinct sexual dimorphism noted in reproductive behavior.
Physical Characteristics
Sexually dimorphic: male antennae are modified for grasping; males are half the size of females. Females may carry males locked to their antennae while feeding.
Identification Tips
Look for males attached to females' antennae; males are typically smaller than females and often grasp onto females in a head-to-head position.
Habitat
Worldwide, found throughout North America; often in moist environments.
Distribution
Worldwide and throughout North America.
Diet
Feeding on decaying organic matter and microorganisms found in soil and litter.
Life Cycle
Incomplete metamorphosis; development from egg to juvenile stages before becoming adults.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction; males deposit spermatophores to attract females.
Ecosystem Role
Important decomposers in ecosystems, contributing to the breakdown of organic material.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collection from soil or leaf litter
- Using Berlese funnels to extract from leaf litter
Preservation Methods
- Alcohol preservation
- Drying specimens for museum collections
Evolution
Belongs to superfamily Sminthuridoidea, which includes a monotypic family in the Canary Islands.
Similar Taxa
- Sminthuridoidea
- Collembola
Misconceptions
Some may mistake them for pests, although they play a beneficial role in soil health.
Tags
- springtails
- Sminthurididae
- arphopoda
- Hexapoda