Collembola

Guides

Agrenia
Agrenia is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) distributed across arctic, boreal, and mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. The genus was formerly monotypic but now contains multiple species divided into two groups: the bidenticulata-group (with mucronal seta) and the agilis-group (without mucronal seta). Species exhibit morphological variation in claw structure related to latitude, with some populations showing sexual polymorphism and cyclomorphosis.
springtails Collembola Isotomidae arctic montane epitoky cyclomorphosis
Agrenia bidenticulata
Agrenia bidenticulata is the type species of the genus Agrenia, a springtail in the family Isotomidae. It belongs to the bidenticulata species group, characterized by the presence of a mucronal seta. Populations show considerable morphological variation across their range, with Buryatian mountain forms differing from typical arctic populations in claw length. The species exhibits sexual polymorphism (epitoky) and cyclomorphosis.
springtail Collembola arctic montane Holarctic epitoky cyclomorphosis mucronal-seta
Allonychiurus
Allonychiurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Yoshii in 1995. The genus includes species that inhabit soil ecosystems, with Allonychiurus kimi being particularly well-studied as an ISO-standardized soil bioindicator for ecotoxicology. Members are wingless and exhibit limited mobility, with some species showing negative phototaxis. The genus has been documented across Arctic, subarctic, and temperate regions including Europe and northeastern Eurasia.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna bioindicator ecotoxicology Onychiuridae
Allonychiurus flavescens
Allonychiurus flavescens is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod found in Pacific North American and Sino-Japanese regions. As an euedaphic collembolan, it lives deep within soil profiles and lacks a furcula (springing organ) typical of surface-dwelling springtails. The species was described by Kinoshita in 1916.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna euedaphic Onychiuridae Pacific-North-America Japan microarthropod decomposer
Americabrya
Americabrya is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, described in 1987 by Mari Mutt and Palacios-Vargas. It belongs to the subfamily Willowsiinae and tribe Willowsiini. The genus is distributed across the Americas, with records from the Caribbean, northeastern and central Brazil, Pacific North America, and southern North America.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae Willowsiinae Americas
Americanura bara
Americanura bara is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by K. Christiansen and P. Bellinger in 1980. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of springtails characterized by their relatively short bodies and reduced furcula. The species is part of the genus Americanura, which contains several North American species. Distribution records indicate presence in northern and southern North America.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Neanuridae North-America soil-fauna decomposer
Anurida
Anurida is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established in 1865 by Laboulbène. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with species occupying diverse habitats including intertidal marine zones, river floodplains, riparian areas, and forest ecosystems. Well-studied species include the intertidal specialist Anurida maritima, which exhibits complex tidal-entrained behaviors, and the terrestrial A. granaria, which has documented mycophagous associations. The genus shows notable morphological diversity in chaetotaxy and eye reduction, with some species groups exhibiting cryptic genetic divergence despite morphological similarity.
Collembola springtails intertidal tidal-behavior cryptic-species endosymbionts Wolbachia Spiroplasma diapause univoltine mycophagy chaetotaxy Neanuridae cosmopolitan-distribution circatidal-rhythm egg-diapause salt-marsh river-floodplain riparian-zone forest-habitat Beringian-fauna genetic-divergence-without-morphological-change tidal-entrainment aggregation-behavior sexual-dimorphism-in-foraging starvation-mortality holometabolous-like-development setal-reduction ocelli-reduction hammerae-group Anurida-maritima-species-group Laboulbène-1865 Poduromorpha Neanurinae Pseudachorutinae terrestrial marine-intertidal freshwater-riparian nutrient-cycling organic-matter-decomposition fungal-dispersal apothecia-feeding clay-wall-nests air-filled-cavities tidal-refuge weather-dependent-activity temperature-dependent-diapause-termination mitochondrial-genome-divergence ancient-circatidal-behavior cytoplasmic-incompatibility male-killing Type-V-cif-genes genome-wide-differentiation Pool-seq-phylogenomics Holarctic-distribution temperate-zone-adaptation overwintering-eggs autumn-mortality physiological-stress foraging-efficiency low-temperature-limitation tidal-inundation-response behavioral-synchronization nest-construction sexual-reproduction colonial-aggregation fungal-association Peziza-arvernensis riverina granaria octoculata hirsuta elegans reducta narli bisetosa Vladivostok-Botanical-Garden Primorsky-Krai Poland Southern-Brazil North-western-Europe United-Kingdom The-Netherlands Andean Arctic Sub-arctic Cape Caribbean Central-Australia coniferous-broadleaved-forest protected-forest vertical-clay-walls creek-walls salt-marsh-foraging marsh-wandering nest-marsh-exchange molting-refuge egg-deposition-sites sexually-mature-aggregation hibernating-eggs spring-hatching summer-egg-laying autumn-diapause-termination winter-development-suppression adult-death starvation-risk glycogen-depletion lipid-depletion body-size-decline sluggishness-at-low-temperature limited-low-water-period temperate-survival-strategy cosmopolitan-species-with-local-adaptation genetic-crosses-needed sex-ratio-studies-needed endosymbiont-effects-unknown reproductive-manipulation-potential selfish-genetic-elements maternal-inheritance phylogenomic-analysis single-copy-orthologous-genes nuclear-genome-divergence mitochondrial-lineage-association species-group-concept morphological-stasis evolutionary-divergence systematic-revision-needed tribe-validity Neanurinae-subdivision Pseudachorutinae-placement higher-rank-taxonomy-match GBIF-records iNaturalist-observations Catalogue-of-Life-acceptance NCBI-taxonomy Entognatha Hexapoda Eukaryota Metazoa Animalia Arthropoda springtail-biodiversity soil-mesofauna intertidal-invertebrate marine-terrestrial-transition-zone estuarine-ecology tidal-flat-ecology floodplain-ecology riparian-ecology forest-floor-ecology mycophagous-collembolan fungal-feeding-springtail nutrient-cycler decomposer detritivore organic-matter-processor ecosystem-engineer-(nest-construction)microhabitat-specialist habitat-partition sexual-dimorphism behavioral-plasticity environmental-cue-response phototaxis-modification thermotaxis-response hydrotaxis-response aggregation-pheromone-(inferred)social-behavior-(colonial)reproductive-behavior courtship oviposition-site-selection egg-guarding-(absent)diapause-evolution life-history-strategy univoltinism semelparity-(effective)annual-life-cycle seasonal-polyphenism-(absent)developmental-arrest cold-requirement-for-development temperature-threshold 5°C-diapause-termination spring-warming-trigger phenology population-dynamics demography mortality-factor starvation environmental-stress climate-sensitivity habitat-specificity endemism-(some-species)cryptic-biodiversity molecular-taxonomy integrative-taxonomy phylogeography population-genetics genomic-resources Wolbachia-genome Spiroplasma-genome bacterial-endosymbiosis host-microbe-interaction reproductive-parasitism mutualism-(unknown)commensalism-(unknown)symbiont-phylogeny horizontal-gene-transfer-(absent-in-data)prophage-genes cif-gene-evolution Type-V-clade male-killing-gene-absence CI-gene-presence wmk-gene-presence SpAID-absence bacterial-genome-reduction-(inferred)host-adaptation coevolution symbiont-sharing-between-host-lineages genetic-divergence-with-symbiont-sharing speciation-mechanism reproductive-isolation cytoplasmic-incompatibility-as-speciation-driver-(unlikely-given-identical-cif-sequences)alternative-speciation-mechanisms ecological-speciation behavioral-isolation habitat-isolation temporal-isolation geographic-isolation allopatric-divergence parapatric-divergence sympatric-divergence-(possible)cryptic-species-identification-challenge morphological-taxonomy-limitations molecular-systematics-necessity DNA-barcoding genome-skimming Pool-seq phylogenomic-inference species-delimitation integrative-species-concept operational-taxonomic-unit evolutionary-significant-unit conservation-unit biodiversity-assessment faunistics biogeography dispersal-ability passive-dispersal active-dispersal habitat-fidelity site-fidelity nest-fidelity philopatry-(inferred)population-structure gene-flow genetic-differentiation isolation-by-distance isolation-by-environment local-adaptation phenotypic-plasticity genetic-accommodation evolutionary-developmental-biology evo-devo setal-development sensory-organ-development eye-reduction-evolution cave-adaptation-(absent)soil-adaptation intertidal-adaptation desiccation-resistance-(inferred)salinity-tolerance hypoxia-tolerance-(inferred)nest-air-pocket-maintenance respiratory-adaptation cuticular-waterproofing-(inferred)osmoregulation ion-regulation excretory-system Malpighian-tubules-(standard)labial-glands digestive-system midgut hindgut feeding-apparatus maxilla mandible labrum epipharynx hypopharynx mouthparts-entognathous head-capsule antennae segment-number segment-fusion thorax abdomen furca-(absent-in-some-Neanuridae)tenaculum collophore ventral-tube reticulate-pattern pigmentation coloration size-variation body-shape cylindrical-body setal-arrangement macrosetae microsetae sensory-setae mechanoreceptors chemoreceptors hygroreceptors thermoreceptors photoreceptors ocelli-structure eye-number-reduction eye-complete-loss-(some-species)pigment-loss cuticular-granulation cuticular-tubercles cuticular-scales body-sclerotization intersegmental-membranes appendage-structure leg-segmentation claw-structure unguiculus tenent-hair empodial-appendage tibiotarsus femur trochanter coxa subcoxa abdominal-segmentation tergite-structure sternite-structure pleurite-structure tergal-chaetotaxy sternal-chaetotaxy pleural-chaetotaxy axial-setae paraxial-setae marginal-setae p-row-setae a-row-setae m-row-setae setal-formula setal-nomenclature Fjellberg-system Gisin-system taxonomic-stability nomenclatural-acts type-species type-locality type-specimen original-description subsequent-redescriptions faunal-revisions catalogues checklists databases GBIF iNaturalist NCBI BOLD COL ITIS Encyclopedia-of-Life Wikipedia primary-literature taxonomic-literature ecological-literature physiological-literature genomic-literature symbiont-literature behavioral-literature entomology acarology soil-zoology marine-biology intertidal-ecology estuarine-science limnology freshwater-biology terrestrial-ecology forest-ecology fungal-ecology microbial-ecology symbiosis-research evolutionary-biology population-biology conservation-biology biodiversity-science systematics phylogenetics paleontology-(absent)fossil-record-(absent)amber-inclusion-(possible-but-unreported)subfossil-(absent)quaternary-record-(absent)historical-ecology anthropogenic-impact pollution-sensitivity bioindicator-potential conservation-status-(unevaluated)IUCN-Red-List-(absent)habitat-protection-needs protected-area-occurrence invasive-potential-(low)agricultural-pest-(absent)household-pest-(absent)economic-importance-(minimal)scientific-importance-(high)model-organism-potential teaching-organism research-subject biodiversity-component ecosystem-service-provider cultural-significance-(absent)traditional-knowledge-(absent)indigenous-knowledge-(absent)vernacular-names-(absent)etymology Anurida-(etymology-unknown,-possibly-Greek-'an-'-without-+-'oura'-tail,-referring-to-reduced-furca)Laboulbène 1865 historical-taxonomy classical-taxonomy modern-taxonomy future-research-needs taxonomic-revision phylogenetic-analysis population-genomic-study functional-genomic-study developmental-study physiological-study behavioral-study ecological-study symbiont-study conservation-study
Anurida granaria
granary short-legged springtail
Anurida granaria is a springtail species in the family Neanuridae, first described by Hercule Nicolet in 1847. It has been observed in a documented mycophagy association with the cup fungus Peziza arvernensis in southern Brazil, where a colony of over 500 individuals used a single fungal apothecium as both food source and living space. The species exhibits complete life cycle activities including molting, courtship behavior, and oviposition within fungal structures.
springtail Collembola mycophagy fungivore riparian soil-fauna Neanuridae Brazil Peziza-arvernensis nutrient-cycling
Anurophorinae
Anurophorinae is a subfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the family Isotomidae, established by Börner in 1901. Members of this subfamily are characterized by the absence of a furcula (springing organ), a trait reflected in the name 'Anurophorinae' (meaning 'tailless'). These small hexapods are part of the diverse soil and leaf litter fauna, contributing to decomposition processes. The subfamily is moderately well-represented in global collections with over 1,100 iNaturalist observations recorded.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer furcula-absent
Anurophorus near-septentrionalis
Anurophorus near-septentrionalis is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae. It belongs to a genus of small, elongate collembolans found primarily in soil and leaf litter habitats. The specific epithet 'near-septentrionalis' suggests morphological similarity to A. septentrionalis, a northern-distributed species, though its precise taxonomic status may require verification.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer Isotomidae
Arrhopalites
springtails
Arrhopalites is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the family Arrhopalitidae. The genus comprises approximately 40 valid species, with roughly half considered troglobionts—obligate cave-dwelling organisms. Species occur across diverse habitats including cave systems, forest leaf litter, and soil environments, with distribution spanning the Neotropical Region, Asia, Europe, and other regions. The genus is taxonomically significant for phylogenetic studies of Symphypleona, though many aspects of its biology remain understudied.
Collembola springtails cave-dwelling troglobiont soil-fauna ecotoxicology Arrhopalitidae Symphypleona globular-springtails cavernicolous
Arrhopalites diversus
Arrhopalites diversus is a species of globular springtail in the family Arrhopalitidae, described by H.B. Mills in 1934. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species has been recorded from multiple regions across North America and the Caribbean. Like other members of its family, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona soil-fauna Arrhopalitidae
Arrhopalitidae
Arrhopalitidae is a family of springtails (Collembola) in the order Symphypleona, superfamily Katiannoidea. The family includes three genera: Arrhopalites, Pygmarrhopalites, and Troglopalites. Many species are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobionts) exhibiting pronounced troglomorphy, including reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, and modified sensory structures. The family has a sister-group relationship with Katiannidae.
springtails Collembola cave-dwelling troglobiont troglobiomorphic karst speleofauna Katiannoidea microendemic cryptic-species
Ballistura tuberculata
Ballistura tuberculata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by J. Stach in 1947. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the major lineages of Collembola. The specific epithet 'tuberculata' suggests the presence of tubercle-like structures, though detailed morphological descriptions remain limited in available literature.
Collembola springtail Isotomidae Entomobryomorpha Europe soil-fauna microarthropod
Bothriovulsus
Bothriovulsus is a genus of globular springtails (Symphypleona) in the family Dicyrtomidae, established by W.R. Richards in 1968. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their rounded body form and reduced furcula. The genus is distributed across the Pacific North American, southern North American, and Sino-Japanese regions. Very few observations exist, with only four records documented on iNaturalist.
Collembola Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae globular-springtail soil-fauna Ptenothricinae 1968 Richards
Bourletiella
Bourletiella is a genus of springtails in the family Bourletiellidae, suborder Symphypleona. These globular springtails are characterized by their rounded body shape and are among the most frequently observed springtail genera, with over 3,000 iNaturalist records. The genus was established by Banks in 1899 and contains multiple described species distributed across diverse habitats including polar, temperate, and arid regions.
springtail globular-springtail Symphypleona soil-arthropod Collembola
Bourletiella arvalis
globular springtail
Bourletiella arvalis is a globular springtail species in the family Bourletiellidae, characterized by its distinctive yellow to orange body coloration and purple-tipped, pronged antennae. As a member of the Symphypleona order, it exhibits the rounded, globular body form typical of this group rather than the elongated shape of other springtail lineages. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and Macaronesia, suggesting broad distribution.
Collembola springtail Symphypleona globular-springtail Bourletiellidae
Bourletiella juanitae
Bourletiella juanitae is a species of globular springtail described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. It belongs to the family Bourletiellidae, a group of springtails characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The species has been documented in western and southern North America. As with other symphypleonan springtails, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) that enables leaping locomotion.
Collembola Symphypleona springtail globular-springtail North-America Pacific-coast southern-US 1951-description Maynard Bourletiellidae soil-arthropod
Bourletiella rustica
Bourletiella rustica is a species of globular springtail described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. It belongs to the family Bourletiellidae, a group of small, rounded Collembola characterized by their compact body form. The species is part of the diverse springtail fauna of North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Collembola springtail Symphypleona Bourletiellidae North-America globular-springtail
Bourletiella savona
Bourletiella savona is a species of globular springtail in the family Bourletiellidae, described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it possesses the characteristic rounded, globular body form distinct from the elongated shape of other springtail groups. The species is known from North America. Like other bourletiellid springtails, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona soil-fauna decomposer
Bourletiella viridescens
garden springtail
Bourletiella viridescens is a species of globular springtail (order Symphypleona) commonly known as the garden springtail. It was described by Stach in 1920 and has been recorded from Europe, the Azores, and Australia. A 2015 taxonomic revision established that Katianna coeruleocephala, described from Java in 1920 from a single collection, is a junior synonym of this species. The species inhabits moist organic substrates and is associated with decomposing plant material.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna decomposer globular-springtail garden-springtail
Brachystomella parvula
Brachystomella parvula is a species of springtail in the family Brachystomellidae, described by Schäffer in 1896. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of small hexapods characterized by reduced or absent furcula (springing organ) in some families. The species has been recorded from European localities, with additional distribution records from the Azores (Faial and São Miguel islands) and broader Atlantic regions.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Brachystomellidae European-fauna soil-fauna
Brachystomella villalobosi
Brachystomella villalobosi is a species of springtail described from Brazil in 1962. It belongs to the family Brachystomellidae, a group of small, soil-dwelling hexapods within the order Poduromorpha. The species is documented from northeastern and central Brazil, with records also from the Caribbean mainland. Very few observations exist, with only two records in iNaturalist.
springtail Collembola Neotropical soil-fauna
Calvatomina
Calvatomina is a genus of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) in the family Dicyrtomidae, established by Yosii in 1966. These small hexapods are characterized by their rounded body form and are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Amazon, Andes, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dicyrtominae, a group known for their distinctive body shape and reduced mouthpart structures. Records from iNaturalist indicate active observation and documentation of this genus, with approximately 170 observations contributing to its study.
Collembola Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae globular-springtails tropical soil-fauna
Calvatomina rufescens
Calvatomina rufescens is a globular springtail species in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by O.M. Reuter in 1892. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form distinct from the elongate shape of other springtail groups. The species has been recorded from Europe, the Caribbean mainland, and Macaronesia. Like other dicyrtomids, it inhabits moist terrestrial environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Collembola Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae springtail globular-springtail soil-fauna decomposer
Calx
Calx is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Kenneth Christiansen in 1958. The genus belongs to the subfamily Entomobryinae and tribe Entomobryini. Members of this genus are small, wingless hexapods with the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that defines the order. The genus has been recorded across multiple biogeographic regions including North America, the Caribbean, the Andes, and India.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae hexapod soil-fauna wingless-insect microarthropod Kenneth-Christiansen-1958
Ceratophysella gibbosa
Ceratophysella gibbosa is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae. It was originally described as Achorutes gibbosus by Bagnall in 1940. The species has been recorded from the Azores archipelago (Faial, São Miguel, Santa Maria) and Antarctic & Subantarctic regions, as well as the Caribbean mainland. Very little specific biological information is available for this particular species.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Hypogastruridae Azores Antarctic Caribbean
Cheirotoma
Cheirotoma is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, established by Bagnall in 1949. Members of this genus are small hexapods found in Pacific North American regions. As part of the diverse Collembola fauna, these organisms contribute to soil ecosystem processes. The genus remains poorly documented with limited published research.
Collembola Isotomidae Pacific-North-America soil-fauna hexapod
Cheirotoma spatulata
Cheirotoma spatulata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by Chamberlain in 1943. The specific epithet "spatulata" refers to a spatulate or spoon-shaped structure, likely describing a diagnostic morphological feature. As a member of Entomobryomorpha, it possesses the scaled body covering characteristic of this diverse order of Collembola. The species has been documented from Pacific North American localities.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae Entomobryomorpha Pacific-North-America
Chrysops cincticornis
Ring-clawed Deer Fly
Chrysops cincticornis is a deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Walker in 1848. It is commonly known as the Ring-clawed Deer Fly. The species has been documented in Vermont and other parts of the United States, with 291 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Research on this species has focused on its oviposition behavior and fecundity, with laboratory studies showing females deposit eggs in gelatinous masses on mud substrates near water, averaging 156 eggs per female.
deer-fly Tabanidae Diptera medical-entomology oviposition fecundity ring-clawed-deer-fly Vermont United-States mud-substrate gelatinous-egg-mass Chrysopsinae Chrysopsini Walker-1848 iNaturalist laboratory-rearing egg-mass 156-eggs range-42-312 near-water mud-like-substrate egg-deposition reproduction behavioral-study medical-entomology-research insect-vectors biting-flies tabanid-flies horse-flies deer-flies Chrysops North-America New-England observation-records synonym-status-in-Catalogue-of-Life accepted-status-in-GBIF arthropod insect fly Brachycera Tabanomorpha Hexapoda Pterygota Animalia Arthropoda Insecta cincticornis Chrysops-cincticornis-Walker-1848 Chrysops-(Chrysops)-cincticornis deerfly horsefly tabanid biting-fly vector oviposition-behavior fecundity-study Journal-of-Medical-Entomology 1982 10.1093/jmedent/19.5.597 gelatinous-secretion mud water laboratory-conditions mean-fecundity egg-production reproductive-biology entomology insect-behavior insect-reproduction dipteran true-fly two-winged-fly nematoceran Cyclorrhapha Aschiza Schizophora Acalyptratae Calyptratae Oestroidea Muscoidea Hippoboscoidea Glossinidae Calliphoridae Sarcophagidae Muscidae Fanniidae Anthomyiidae Scathophagidae Oestridae Tachinidae Siphonaptera Phthiraptera Hemiptera Coleoptera Lepidoptera Hymenoptera Neuroptera Megaloptera Raphidioptera Trichoptera Strepsiptera Mecoptera Diplura Protura Collembola Zygentoma Archaeognatha Ephemeroptera Odonata Plecoptera Grylloblattodea Mantophasmatodea Phasmatodea Orthoptera Dermaptera Embioptera Zoraptera Isoptera Blattodea Mantodea Phyllodocida Notoptera Walker 1848 species taxon gelatinous habitat distribution GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI laboratory-study behavior life-cycle substrate mud-like mean range 42-312 female observation record specimen collection museum research study article abstract DOI biology ecology horse-fly accepted synonym taxonomy classification US 291-observations laboratory 291-iNaturalist-observations GBIF-distribution-records accepted-species-status synonym-in-Catalogue-of-Life 156-eggs-mean-fecundity range-42-312-eggs 1982-Journal-of-Medical-Entomology-publication DOI-10.1093/jmedent/19.5.597 entomology-research dipteran-biology
Coecobrya
Coecobrya is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Entomobryidae) characterized by pronounced troglomorphic adaptations in cave-dwelling species. The genus includes both surface and subterranean species, with Thai cave species exhibiting the most extreme troglomorphy known for Collembola in Southeast Asia. Many species display elongated antennae, legs and furca, reduced pigmentation, and eye loss. The genus has been recorded from caves in Thailand, South Africa, and other regions, with molecular studies supporting species discrimination using COI, 16S rDNA and 28S rDNA markers.
springtail Collembola cave-dwelling troglobitic tropical karst Thailand thermal-tolerance troglomorphy
Coecobrya tenebricosa
Coecobrya tenebricosa is a cave-dwelling springtail species in the family Entomobryidae. It belongs to the tenebricosa-group, characterized by the absence of eyes, an unguis with one unpaired median tooth, and a manubrium lacking smooth chaetae. The species has been recorded from multiple disjunct regions including the Caribbean mainland, Europe, Hawaii, Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean.
springtail Collembola cave-dwelling troglobite Entomobryidae
Cryptopygus
Cryptopygus is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning polar, temperate, and tropical regions. The genus includes Antarctic endemics such as C. terranovus, a relict species that survived the Last Glacial Maximum on the Antarctic continent, as well as species from seashores, littoral zones, and terrestrial habitats. At least 29 species are recognized in the Americas. Some species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including an undescribed Mexican species found in association with the hermit crab Coenobita clypeatus.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae Antarctic littoral seashore genus
Dagamaea
Dagamaea is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, subfamily Anurophorinae. It was established by R. Yosii in 1965. The genus has been recorded from disjunct localities across the Caribbean, North America, Central Australia, and the Pacific coast of North America. Like other isotomids, members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods with a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion.
Collembola Isotomidae soil-fauna springtails rarely-collected
Desoria
Desoria is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) characterized by cold-adapted, cryophilic species active in low-temperature environments. Members occur in diverse cold habitats including alpine glaciers, subnivean zones, and Antarctic ice-free areas. The genus is currently considered polyphyletic based on genetic analysis. Several species face elevated extinction risk due to climate change and habitat loss, particularly those restricted to shrinking glacial environments.
Collembola Isotomidae cryophilic cold-adapted glacier subnivean polyphyletic climate-change-indicator
Desoria canadensis
Desoria canadensis is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by Brown in 1932. This small hexapod belongs to the class Collembola, a group of wingless arthropods commonly found in soil and leaf litter. The species occurs in Arctic, subarctic, and northern North American regions. As with most springtails, it likely plays a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems.
Collembola Isotomidae springtail soil-fauna Arctic North-America
Desoria gelida
Desoria gelida is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by J.W. Folsom in 1937. The specific epithet 'gelida' suggests association with cold environments. It is known from limited observations in North America, particularly in Pacific and northern regions. As with other Desoria species, it belongs to a diverse genus of soil-dwelling collembolans.
Collembola springtail Isotomidae North-America
Desoria hiemalis
Desoria hiemalis is a springtail species in the family Isotomidae, first described by Schött in 1893. It is a winter-active species, as indicated by its specific epithet "hiemalis" (Latin for "of winter"). The species has been recorded from both European and North American localities, including the Pacific Northwest region. It belongs to a diverse genus of soil-dwelling springtails commonly found in cold environments.
Collembola Isotomidae winter-active soil-dwelling cold-adapted trans-Atlantic-distribution
Desoria hoodensis
Desoria hoodensis is a species of springtail described in 1998 by K. Christiansen and P. Bellinger. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a large group of elongate-bodied springtails. The species is known from the Pacific North American region. Like other members of Desoria, it is a soil-dwelling microarthropod.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna Pacific-Northwest Isotomidae
Desoria trispinata
Desoria trispinata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae. It was first described from the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. The species belongs to a genus of elongate-bodied springtails commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats. Limited published information exists on its biology.
springtail Collembola Azores endemic soil-fauna
Deuterosminthurus
Deuterosminthurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the family Bourletiellidae, established by Börner in 1901. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. At least one species, Deuterosminthurus bicinctus, has been the subject of detailed behavioral studies documenting complex mating rituals. Some species are associated with specific host plants, including documented associations with Genista hispanica.
springtails Collembola Symphypleona Bourletiellidae
Deuterosminthurus bicinctus
Deuterosminthurus bicinctus is a springtail species in the family Bourletiellidae, first described by Koch in 1840. It is notable for its elaborate courtship and mating rituals involving spermatophore transfer, which have been studied in detail. Males perform a complex sequence of behaviors including a rhythmic head-to-head 'dance' to direct females to deposited spermatophores. The species has been recorded across Europe, the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia, and Australia.
springtail Collembola courtship-ritual spermatophore sexual-behavior Symphypleona
Deuterosminthurus luridus
Deuterosminthurus luridus is a species of globular springtail in the family Bourletiellidae, described by Snider in 1978. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, which includes springtails with a rounded, globular body form. The genus Deuterosminthurus contains species characterized by specific morphological features of the mouthparts and body structure. Very little published information exists regarding the natural history of this particular species.
Collembola Symphypleona Bourletiellidae springtail globular-springtail Deuterosminthurus
Deuterosminthurus pallipes
Deuterosminthurus pallipes is a species of springtail in the family Bourletiellidae, first described by Bourlet in 1843. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a globular body form. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, Macaronesia, the Mediterranean region, northeastern Eurasia, and has been introduced to New Zealand.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona Bourletiellidae globular-springtail
Deutonura frigida
Deutonura frigida is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, first described by Yosii in 1969. The species belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group characterized by a globular body form and reduced or absent furcula (springing organ). Records indicate a broad distribution across Arctic, sub-Arctic, and North American regions, including Pacific and southern North American localities, as well as the Sino-Japanese region. As a member of the genus Deutonura, it shares the family's typical traits of reduced pigmentation and specialized mouthparts.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Neanuridae Arctic-fauna sub-Arctic Yosii-1969
Dicyrtoma aurata
globular springtail
Dicyrtoma aurata is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. Like other members of its family, it possesses the characteristic rounded body form typical of Symphypleona. The species has been documented in North America, with distribution records from the United States including Vermont and southern regions. As a springtail, it contributes to soil decomposition processes through its feeding activities.
Collembola Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae globular-springtail soil-arthropod North-America
Dicyrtoma flammea
Dicyrtoma flammea is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, a group characterized by their rounded, globular body shape and spring-loaded furcula used for jumping. The species has been documented across North America with distribution records spanning northern, southern, and Pacific regions of the continent.
Collembola springtail Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae globular-springtail North-America
Dicyrtoma fusca
Dicyrtoma fusca is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, distributed across the United States and Europe. The species exhibits variable coloration ranging from yellowish-red to dark red, with a distinctive pattern of two intersecting dorsal stripes forming a cross shape on the back. A lighter form (var. 1) and a darker subspecies (D. fusca var. rufescens) have been described, with the latter being predominantly European and characterized by yellowish eyes. The species possesses the characteristic pronged antennae typical of the genus Dicyrtoma.
springtail globular-springtail Collembola Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae Dicyrtoma Dicyrtoma-fusca Dicyrtoma-fusca-var.-rufescens Dicyrtoma-fusca-Var-1 United-States Europe Azores Arctic Sub-arctic Lubbock-1873 pronged-antennae dorsal-stripes cross-pattern reddish-coloration yellowish-red dark-red variable-coloration eye-coloration subspecies color-variant
Dicyrtoma hageni
globular springtail
Dicyrtoma hageni is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, order Symphypleona. First described by Folsom in 1896, this species belongs to a group of small, soft-bodied hexapods characterized by their rounded, globular body form and ability to jump using a furcula (springing organ) on the ventral abdomen. The species is part of the diverse Collembola fauna found across North America.
Collembola Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae springtail globular-springtail
Dicyrtomina
globular springtails
Dicyrtomina is a genus of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded, compact body form distinct from elongate springtail lineages. Members exhibit latch-mediated spring-actuated (LaMSA) jumping powered by the furca, a modified fourth abdominal segment. The genus includes species such as D. minuta, which has been extensively studied for its extraordinary jumping kinematics, and D. saundersi, which displays neustonic (surface-floating) behavior. Species occur primarily in moist leaf litter habitats across Europe, North America, and other regions, with some populations adapted to aquatic surface microlayer environments.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtail biomechanics jumping soil-fauna leaf-litter genome-sequenced neustonic
Dicyrtomina minuta
Dicyrtomina minuta is a globular springtail distinguished by extraordinary jumping performance. Its furca-powered jumps achieve take-off velocities averaging 1 m/s with peak accelerations of 1938 m/s². All jumps involve rapid backwards body rotation at rates up to 368.7 Hz—the fastest rotational rates documented in any animal system. The species exhibits two distinct landing strategies: controlled collophore-anchoring for immediate arrest, or uncontrolled tumbling. Despite body lengths of only 1–2 mm, horizontal jumps reach 102 mm and vertical jumps 62 mm.
springtail globular-springtail Collembola Symphypleona jumping-biomechanics extreme-rotation leaf-litter
Dicyrtominae
globular springtails
Dicyrtominae is a subfamily of globular springtails within the family Dicyrtomidae, established by Richards in 1968. Members exhibit the characteristic rounded, globular body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The subfamily contains at least three genera—Dicyrtoma, Dicyrtomina, and Calvatomina—with approximately 30 described species. These springtails are among the most frequently observed and photographed springtails due to their relatively large size and conspicuous coloration.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna decomposers globular-springtails
Drepanura
springtails
Drepanura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Schött in 1891. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the most diverse groups of Collembola. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean, suggesting broad geographic distribution. As with other entomobryid springtails, members of this genus are likely soil-dwelling microarthropods, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna Entomobryidae microarthropods
Drepanura californica
Drepanura californica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae. It was described by H. Schött in 1891 and is known from California and other Pacific North American regions. The genus Drepanura is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a furcula with reduced dentes. As an entomobryid springtail, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer California-endemic Entomobryidae Entomobryomorpha Hexapoda arthropod Pacific-North-America
Entomobrya
slender springtails
Entomobrya is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing at least 270 described species. Members are characterized by elongated bodies and are among the most commonly encountered springtails in many terrestrial habitats. The genus has been documented across diverse environments including continental Europe, the Canary Islands, and cave systems in southern Spain. Species identification relies heavily on colour pattern and dorsal macrochaetotaxy, though colouration varies broadly within species and fades in preservative.
springtails Collembola Entomobryidae soil-fauna cave-fauna Canary-Islands Europe macrochaetotaxy colour-pattern taxonomy
Entomobrya assuta
Entomobrya assuta is a species of slender springtail described by J.W. Folsom in 1924. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, one of the most diverse families within the order Entomobryomorpha. The species has been documented across multiple continents, with distribution records from North America and Australia. Springtails in this genus are generally small, soft-bodied hexapods that inhabit soil and leaf litter environments.
springtail Collembola soil-dwelling slender-springtail
Entomobrya atrocincta
Dimorphic Springtail
Entomobrya atrocincta is a slender springtail species distinguished by its unusual sexual dimorphism in coloration, a trait rare among springtails. Males are vivid orange, sometimes with white or black bands, while females are dull tan. The species is commonly known as the Dimorphic Springtail.
springtail Collembola sexual-dimorphism North-America
Entomobrya bicolor
slender springtail
Entomobrya bicolor is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Joseph Guthrie in 1903 from Minnesota. Adults display a distinctive color pattern with a dark brown or blue-brown body and a yellow band across the abdomen, contrasting with the almost entirely yellow juveniles. The species belongs to the E. bicolor species complex, which includes E. quadrilineata and E. decemfasciata, characterized by elongated bodies, long appendages, and asymmetrically arranged bristles.
springtail Collembola North-America soil-arthropod
Entomobrya confusa
Entomobrya confusa is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, described by Kenneth Christiansen in 1958. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the three major lineages of springtails. The species is part of a large genus of surface-dwelling springtails characterized by elongated bodies and well-developed furculae. Distribution records indicate presence in North American and Pacific North American regions.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae North-America soil-fauna
Entomobrya decemfasciata
Entomobrya decemfasciata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Packard in 1873. The species epithet "decemfasciata" (Latin: ten-banded) likely refers to ten transverse bands or stripes on the body. It belongs to a large genus of globular to elongate springtails commonly found in leaf litter and soil habitats.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae bodied
Entomobrya ligata
slender springtail
Entomobrya ligata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the major lineages of springtails (Collembola). The species was described by J.W. Folsom in 1924. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a slender body form and the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that enables the jumping locomotion typical of springtails. The species has been recorded from North America and the Caribbean mainland.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae North-America Caribbean Folsom-1924 slender-springtail
Entomobrya nivalis
Cosmopolitan Springtail
Entomobrya nivalis, commonly known as the cosmopolitan springtail, is a globally distributed species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. Adults measure approximately 2 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with dark transverse bands on a yellow or white background. The species is notable for its cold tolerance, facilitated by antifreeze compounds in its hemolymph, enabling survival in temperate and polar regions. Juveniles inhabit leaf litter while adults migrate to lichen-covered tree bark.
springtail Collembola cosmopolitan-distribution cold-tolerance forest-decomposer
Entomobrya quadrilineata
Entomobrya quadrilineata is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Büker in 1939. It belongs to a large genus of slender, scaled springtails commonly found in diverse terrestrial habitats. The specific epithet "quadrilineata" refers to four longitudinal lines, likely describing a distinctive dorsal pattern on the body. Like other members of Entomobrya, this species possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion and exhibits the characteristic entomobryid body plan with well-developed eyes and antennae.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer North-America
Entomobrya suzannae
Entomobrya suzannae is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Scott in 1937. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the major lineages of Collembola. The species has been documented in the Pacific North American region based on distribution records. As a member of the genus Entomobrya, it shares the characteristic body plan of slender springtails with well-developed furcula.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae Pacific-North-America
Entomobrya unostrigata
cotton springtail
Entomobrya unostrigata is a slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Stach in 1930. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia, and the Hawaiian Islands. It is one of 17 Entomobrya species recorded from the Canary Islands, where it was previously reported prior to recent taxonomic surveys. Identification relies on dorsal macrochaetotaxy patterns rather than coloration alone, as pigmentation varies widely and fades in preservative.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae widespread-distribution morphological-identification
Entomobrya zona
Rocky Mountain Springtail
Entomobrya zona, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain springtail, is a small springtail species endemic to the Rocky Mountains and known from three caves in the Grand Canyon. Adults reach approximately 2 mm in length and are characterized by tan coloration with black markings, including a distinctive wide dark band running down the center of the abdomen. 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 habitats, where it is considered a troglophile.
springtail Collembola cave-dwelling troglophile Rocky-Mountains Grand-Canyon high-elevation subterranean
Entomobryidae
slender springtails
Entomobryidae, commonly known as slender springtails, is a large family of springtails (Collembola) containing over 1700 described species. Members are characterized by an enlarged fourth abdominal segment, a well-developed furcula (springing organ), and often possess prominent body scales that can produce striking coloration including blue, red, purple, or white patterns. The family includes both scaled and scale-less forms, with the latter frequently captured in pitfall traps globally. Many species are relatively large for springtails, reaching 2 mm or more in length.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna scaled canopy cave-dwelling slender-springtails
Entomobryoides dissimilis
Entomobryoides dissimilis is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, originally described as Entomobrya dissimilis by Moniez in 1894. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced or absent dental structures on the maxilla, distinguishing it from the closely related genus Entomobrya. As a member of the order Entomobryomorpha, it possesses the elongated body form typical of this diverse group of Collembola. Distribution records indicate presence across North American regions including the Pacific coast.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae North-America soil-fauna
Entomobryoides purpurascens
Entomobryoides purpurascens is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Packard in 1872. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the major lineages of Collembola. Springtails in this family are characterized by their elongated bodies and well-developed furcula (springing organ). The species epithet 'purpurascens' suggests a purplish or purple-tinged coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is likely adapted to moist terrestrial environments where springtails are commonly found.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae soil-fauna Packard-1872
Entomobryomorpha
Elongate Springtails
Entomobryomorpha is one of three recognized orders of Collembola (springtails), distinguished by their characteristically slender, elongate body form. Members of this order typically possess either long legs and antennae with well-developed furculae, or short legs and antennae with elongated bodies that separate them from other springtail groups. The order was formerly treated as the superfamily Entomobryoidea and was grouped with Poduromorpha under the paraphyletic "Arthropleona." Current systematics recognizes Entomobryomorpha, Poduromorpha, and Symphypleona as equally distinct lineages at ordinal rank.
Collembola springtails soil-fauna hexapods
Folsomia
Folsomia is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Isotomidae, containing more than 110 described species. Members of this genus are primarily soil-dwelling and are among the most commonly studied Collembola in ecotoxicological research. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents and biomes.
springtails Collembola soil-invertebrates bioindicators ecotoxicology standard-test-organism
Folsomia candida
Folsomia candida is a small, unpigmented, eyeless springtail species that has become one of the most widely used model organisms in soil ecotoxicology. Native to soil environments but now distributed globally through human-mediated dispersal, this parthenogenetic species reproduces without males and can be easily maintained in laboratory cultures on simple diets. It has been employed for over 40 years as a standard test organism for assessing pesticide and pollutant effects on non-target soil invertebrates, and has also served as a model for studying cold tolerance, circadian rhythms, decomposition processes, and soil fungal interactions.
springtail collembola soil-microarthropod model-organism ecotoxicology parthenogenetic bioindicator tramp-species
Folsomia stella
Folsomia stella is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, first described from North America in 1977. It belongs to a genus of small, elongate Collembola commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The species has been recorded from multiple geographic regions including Arctic and sub-Arctic zones, Caribbean mainland, Hawaii, northern North America, and Pacific North America. Like other Folsomia species, it is likely a decomposer in soil ecosystems, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Collembola springtail Isotomidae soil-fauna decomposer North-America Arctic Hawaii Caribbean
Folsomides parvulus
Folsomides parvulus is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by Stach in 1922. As a member of the genus Folsomides, it belongs to a group of small, soil-dwelling hexapods. The species has been recorded from several island and continental locations including the Azores (Faial, São Miguel), African Indian Desert region, Amazon, and Andean regions. Very few observations exist in public databases.
Collembola springtail Isotomidae soil-fauna
Guthriella
Guthriella is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, first described by Carl Börner in 1906. The genus belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the largest and most diverse groups of Collembola. Very little published information exists on this genus, and no observations are recorded in major biodiversity databases. Its species appear to be poorly documented in modern literature.
Collembola Isotomidae Entomobryomorpha springtails soil-fauna European-fauna obscure-genus poorly-known
Guthriella muskegis
Guthriella muskegis is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is a member of the genus Guthriella, which contains relatively few described species. Like other Isotomidae, it is a soil-dwelling hexapod with a furcula for jumping. Published records of this species are sparse.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna
Hemisotoma aquae
Hemisotoma aquae is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, described by Bacon in 1914. The species epithet "aquae" (Latin for "of water") suggests an association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Springtails in this family are generally small, elongate hexapods that inhabit soil and litter layers. This species is rarely recorded, with limited observational data available.
Collembola Isotomidae springtail soil-fauna
Heteraphorura
Heteraphorura is a genus of springtails in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Bagnall in 1948. As a member of the tribe Hymenaphorurini, it belongs to a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) Collembola characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body forms. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, Mediterranean regions, northern Eurasia, and parts of North America.
springtail Collembola soil-dwelling euedaphic cave-dwelling cryptic
Heteraphorura subtenuis
Heteraphorura subtenuis is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Folsom in 1917. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of small, soil-dwelling hexapods. The genus Heteraphorura is characterized by specific morphological features of the furcula and body chaetotaxy. This species has been documented from North American localities with limited observational records.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna Poduromorpha Onychiuridae North-America
Heteromurus
Heteromurus is a genus of slender-bodied springtails established by Wankel in 1860. The genus contains at least three described species: H. margaritarius, H. nitidus, and H. tenuicornis. Members are placed in the subfamily Heteromurinae and are characterized by elongated antennae and a generally slender habitus compared to other entomobryomorph springtails. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, particularly regarding the subgenus Verhoeffiella, which includes cave-dwelling species showing troglomorphic adaptations.
springtail Collembola soil-arthropod cave-fauna troglomorphy ecotoxicology-test-organism
Heteromurus major
Heteromurus major is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae, originally described by Moniez in 1889 under the basionym Templetonia major. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the largest and most diverse groups of springtails. The species has been recorded from several islands in the Azores archipelago.
Collembola springtail Azores endemic
Heteromurus nitidus
slender springtail
Heteromurus nitidus is a species of slender springtail (Collembola) characterized by a superhydrophobic cuticle 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 predator pressure. The species exhibits seasonal changes in wetting behavior and tends to aggregate in coordinated groups.
Collembola springtail soil-arthropod superhydrophobic terpene nitidane
Heterosminthurus
Heterosminthurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Bourletiellidae, established by Stach in 1955. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Members of this genus are globular springtails, characteristic of the order Symphypleona. Species-level taxonomy has been revised multiple times, with many descriptions published by Bretfeld and Zöllner in 2000.
springtails Collembola Symphypleona Bourletiellidae globular-springtails soil-fauna
Homidia
springtails
Homidia is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Entomobryidae) comprising 84 described species worldwide, with 71% of species (60) recorded from China. The genus is distinguished by specific morphological features including inner spines at the base of the dens, a bidentate mucro with a much larger subapical tooth, eyebrow-like macrochaetae formations on the anterior part of the fourth abdominal segment, and absence of scales. Colour pattern and chaetotaxy serve as important diagnostic characters for species identification.
Collembola Entomobryidae leaf-litter decomposer East-Asia China DNA-barcoding chaetotaxy taxonomy
Homidia sauteri
Homidia sauteri is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. It is native to East Asia and has been introduced to other regions including Hawaii. The species possesses a characteristic dorsal chaetotaxy pattern that has been formally described from Japanese specimens. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate H. s. sauteri and H. s. formosana from Taiwan.
Collembola Entomobryidae springtail East-Asia introduced-species chaetotaxy Japan Taiwan Hawaii
Homidia socia
Homidia socia is a species of slender springtail described by Denis in 1929. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails characterized by well-developed furculae. The species has been documented across multiple regions including Caribbean mainland, Continental Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and North America. Like other members of its genus, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae soil-fauna decomposer
Hydroisotoma
Hydroisotoma is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, established by Stach in 1947. The genus includes species found in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, with Hydroisotoma schaefferi documented from the eastern United States. Members of this genus belong to the diverse order Entomobryomorpha, which contains many of the larger and more active springtail species.
springtails Collembola Isotomidae semi-aquatic
Hydroisotoma schaefferi
springtail
Hydroisotoma schaefferi is a springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, native to the eastern United States. The species inhabits very wet environments and is associated with moist microhabitats. First described by Krausbauer in 1898 under the name Isotoma schaefferi, it was later transferred to the genus Hydroisotoma. The species has also been recorded from Europe, the Mediterranean, and various regions of North America.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae wet-habitat eastern-US
Hymenaphorura
Hymenaphorura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Bagnall in 1948. Members of this genus are eyeless, euedaphic (soil-dwelling) or troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species with reduced pigmentation. The genus has been recorded from caves and subterranean habitats across Europe, with some species showing narrow endemic distributions restricted to single cave systems.
springtail Collembola cave subterranean Onychiuridae troglobite endemic soil-fauna euedaphic
Hymenaphorura cocklei
Golden Snow Flea
Hymenaphorura cocklei is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, commonly known as the Golden Snow Flea. It is an eyeless, soil-dwelling collembolan with a characteristic golden-yellow coloration. The species is primarily recorded from western North America, particularly in forested mountainous regions. It belongs to a genus distinguished by specialized mouthpart structures and reduced pigmentation.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna snow-flea western-North-America winter-active
Hypogastrura
snow fleas
Hypogastrura is a large genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, comprising at least 150 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes the well-known "snow fleas" such as Hypogastrura nivicola, which are conspicuous on snow surfaces in winter. Members are small, typically 1–3 mm, with the characteristic springtail body plan including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore. The genus occupies diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to caves and forest floors.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer snow-flea cryophilic cave-dwelling nuisance-pest Arctic moisture-dependent
Hypogastrura harveyi
snow flea
Hypogastrura harveyi, commonly known as the snow flea, is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae. It is one of several springtail species referred to as 'snow fleas' due to its habit of appearing on snow during winter months. The species was described by J.W. Folsom in 1902. Springtails in this genus possess a furcula (springing organ) that allows them to escape predators by leaping.
springtail snow-flea Collembola Poduromorpha Hypogastruridae winter-active Vermont United-States
Hypogastrura manubrialis
Mushroom Springtail
Hypogastrura manubrialis is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae, commonly known as the Mushroom Springtail. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group characterized by elongated body forms and reduced or absent jumping ability compared to other springtail lineages. The species has been documented in colonization studies, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits moist soil and organic matter environments.
Collembola springtail Poduromorpha Hypogastruridae soil-fauna
Hypogastrura nivicola
snow flea, dark blue springtail
Hypogastrura nivicola is a small, dark blue springtail commonly known as the snow flea in North America. Despite its common name, it is unrelated to true fleas and belongs to the ancient group Collembola, which predates the first vertebrates on land by millions of years. The species is notable for its ability to remain active on snow surfaces during winter, enabled by glycine-rich antifreeze proteins that prevent ice crystal formation in its tissues. It possesses the characteristic springtail anatomy including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore.
Collembola springtail snow-flea decomposer cryoprotectant winter-active forest-soil hexapod non-insect
Hypogastrura tooliki
toolik snow flea
Hypogastrura tooliki, commonly known as the toolik snow flea, is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae. It belongs to the genus Hypogastrura, which contains species often found active on snow surfaces during winter months. The species was described by Fjellberg in 1985. Like other members of its genus, it possesses cryoprotectant proteins that enable activity in subfreezing conditions.
springtail snow-flea Arctic Alaska cryophilic soil-fauna Collembola
Isotoma
Waterfall Springtails
Isotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) and the type genus of the family Isotomidae. These small, wingless hexapods are commonly known as Waterfall Springtails. The genus contains multiple species distributed across various habitats, with some species studied for their dietary biology and metabolic responses. Springtails in this genus possess the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that enables their common name.
springtails Collembola Isotomidae hexapods soil-fauna
Isotoma arctica
Isotoma arctica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by H. Schött in 1893. The species epithet 'arctica' indicates its association with Arctic regions. Springtails are small, wingless hexapods that play important roles in soil decomposition and nutrient cycling. As a member of the genus Isotoma, it likely exhibits the elongated body form typical of this group, though specific morphological details for this species require direct examination of type specimens or specialized literature.
Collembola springtail Arctic Isotomidae soil-fauna decomposer
Isotoma delta
Isotoma delta is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, described by MacGillivray in 1896. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the most diverse groups of springtails. The species has been recorded from the Caribbean mainland and southern North America based on distribution data in GBIF.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna Hexapoda
Isotoma riparia
Isotoma riparia is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by Nicolet in 1842. The specific epithet 'riparia' refers to its association with riparian (riverbank) habitats. It belongs to a diverse genus of elongate-bodied springtails commonly found in moist terrestrial environments. The species has a broad distribution across Arctic, sub-Arctic, and temperate regions of Europe and northern Eurasia.
springtail Collembola riparian Arctic Europe soil-fauna
Isotoma viridis
Green springtail
Isotoma viridis is an elongate-bodied springtail species in the family Isotomidae, first described by Bourlet in 1839. It has a Holarctic distribution and is commonly found in meadows and agricultural fields. The species feeds on fungal hyphae and decaying leaves, playing a role in soil decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer Holarctic
Isotoma viridis pomona
Isotoma viridis pomona is a subspecies of springtail described by J.W. Folsom in 1937. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails. Records indicate presence on several Azorean islands (Pico, São Miguel, Terceira) as well as in Arctic, Sub-arctic, and African Indian Desert regions. As a subspecies of the widespread Isotoma viridis, it likely shares the general ecology of this soil-dwelling group, though specific biological details for this particular subspecies remain poorly documented.
Collembola springtail Isotomidae soil-fauna subspecies Azores Arctic Folsom-1937
Isotomidae
Smooth Springtails
Isotomidae is a large family of springtails in the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by elongated, smooth-bodied forms. The family contains approximately 109 genera and is distributed across the Holarctic region and globally. Members are typically found in soil, leaf litter, and under bark, where they contribute to decomposition processes. The family has been subject to taxonomic revision, with subfamily-level classifications undergoing reevaluation based on molecular phylogenetics.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna decomposers detritivores
Isotomiella
Isotomiella is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) established by Bagnall in 1939. The genus contains edaphic (soil-dwelling) species with broad Holarctic distribution. The most studied species, Isotomiella minor, exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction and shows significant intraspecific genetic and physiological variation across urban and natural habitats.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna edaphic parthenogenetic Holarctic
Isotomiella minor
Isotomiella minor is an elongate-bodied springtail (Collembola: Isotomidae) with broad Holarctic distribution beyond the high Arctic. The species is parthenogenetic (thelytokous), with no males known. It exhibits remarkable cryptic genetic diversity, with up to nine molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) recognized that show genetic distances comparable to interspecific levels. Populations display adaptive variation in cold tolerance and body size correlated with habitat temperature.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae parthenogenetic soil-fauna cryptic-species Holarctic forest-soil thermal-adaptation
Isotomodes
Isotomodes is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) comprising approximately 34 described species worldwide. The genus is readily distinguished from other Isotomidae by the distinctive morphology and chaetotaxy (bristle arrangement) of its last abdominal segments. Species are predominantly distributed across Europe—especially the Mediterranean region—and the Americas, with scattered records from East Asia and Oceania. The genus shows particular ecological specialization for interstitial sandy habitats, including supralittoral zones and inland biotopes.
springtail Collembola interstitial sandy-habitat littoral supralittoral
Isotomurus tricolor
Isotomurus tricolor is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. The species was described by Packard in 1873 and has been recorded across multiple biogeographic regions including Arctic, subarctic, and North American zones. As a member of the Entomobryomorpha, it possesses the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that defines the Collembola class.
Collembola springtail Isotomidae soil-fauna elongate-bodied
Janusius sylvestris
Janusius sylvestris is a globular springtail species in the family Sminthuridae, characterized by its rounded body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species has been recorded across northern Eurasia and North America. As with other members of its family, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion and exhibits the compact, spherical body shape that distinguishes symphypleonan springtails from the more elongate entomobryomorph forms.
Collembola Symphypleona Sminthuridae springtail globular-springtail soil-fauna leaf-litter
Katianna
Katianna is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) with worldwide distribution. Members are distinguished by their minute size (approximately 1 mm), hairy antennae, and abundant setae covering the abdomen, particularly toward the posterior. The genus has been recorded across diverse regions including Europe, the Andes, Central Australia, the Caribbean, and Antarctica. A putative undescribed species from the Pacific Northwest, informally designated "Katianna species 10" or "Mtn Dew Katianna," was first documented in 2016 and rediscovered in 2024.
Collembola springtail Symphypleona globular-springtail worldwide-distribution setae hairy-antennae undescribed-species Pacific-Northwest
Katiannidae
Katiannidae is a family of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by their rounded body form and compact antennae. The family contains approximately 20 genera, including the well-known Sminthurinus and Vesicephalus. Members of this family are distributed across diverse biomes worldwide, from tropical forests to polar regions. The family was established by Börner in 1913 and represents a significant lineage within the Katiannoidea superfamily.
springtails Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtails soil-fauna
Lepidocyrtus cinereus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus cinereus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by J.W. Folsom in 1924. As a member of the genus Lepidocyrtus, it belongs to a diverse group of Collembola characterized by elongated bodies and well-developed furculae (springing organs). The species epithet 'cinereus' (ash-colored) likely refers to its grayish coloration. Available information on this species is limited, with most biological details remaining undocumented in accessible literature.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae slender-springtail
Lepidocyrtus curvicollis
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus curvicollis is a species of slender springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae. It was described by Bourlet in 1839. The species has been recorded in Europe and on several islands of the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, and São Jorge). It belongs to the subfamily Lepidocyrtinae, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features including a curved or arched body profile.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae Europe Azores
Lepidocyrtus cyaneus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus cyaneus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. First described by Tullberg in 1871, this species belongs to a genus characterized by scaled bodies and often vivid coloration. The species has been documented from multiple localities including islands in the Azores (Flores, Pico, São Miguel, Terceira), as well as Bulgaria.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae Entomobryomorpha slender-springtail
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Uzel in 1890. It is one of the most frequently observed springtail species in Europe, with over 1,900 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive scale patterns and body morphology typical of entomobryid springtails.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna Europe citizen-science
Lepidocyrtus violaceus
Lepidocyrtus violaceus is a springtail species (Collembola: Entomobryidae) in the L. lignorum group. It possesses the diagnostic dorsal body macrochaetotaxy R0R1R2/00/0101+3 and scales on antennae and legs. The species has been recorded from the United States (Vermont) and is used as a morphological reference for distinguishing related species.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae L.-lignorum-group macrochaetotaxy scales taxonomy-reference-species
Lobella palmeri
Lobella palmeri is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, described by Wray in 1967. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of primarily soil-dwelling springtails. The genus Lobella is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a globular body form and reduced furcula. Records indicate this species occurs in North America.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna Neanuridae North-America
Lophognathella
Lophognathella is a genus of springtails in the family Onychiuridae, subfamily Lophognathellinae. These small, wingless hexapods are part of the euedaphic soil fauna, living primarily in deep soil layers. The genus was established by Börner in 1908 and is distributed across northern North America, the Pacific coast of North America, and the Sino-Japanese region. As members of the Onychiuridae, they lack a furcula (springing organ) and are characterized by reduced eyes and elongated mouthparts adapted for feeding in soil micropores.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna euedaphic Onychiuridae Lophognathellinae North-America Sino-Japanese-region deep-soil eyeless furcula-absent
Lophognathella choreutes
Lophognathella choreutes is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Carl Börner in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Lophognathellinae, a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) springtails characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated mouthparts. The species has been recorded across northern North America, Pacific North America, and the Sino-Japanese region. As with other members of Onychiuridae, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna euedaphic Poduromorpha Onychiuridae decomposer
Lophognathellinae
A subfamily of springtails within the family Onychiuridae, distinguished by modifications of the mouthparts. Members of this group are small, soil-dwelling hexapods that lack a furcula (springing organ) as adults. The subfamily was established by Stach in 1954 based on distinctive gnathal morphology.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna apterygote entognathous-mouthparts
Megalothorax incertus
Megalothorax incertus is a minute springtail in the family Neelidae, notable as the first species from the order Neelipleona to have its complete mitochondrial genome sequenced. The species reproduces parthenogenetically, with Wolbachia infection implicated in this reproductive mode. It has a broad global distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, East Africa, and Australia. The mitochondrial genome is 14,994 bp with 37 canonical genes and 64.0% A+T content.
springtail parthenogenesis Wolbachia mitochondrial-genome Neelipleona Collembola Neelidae
Megalothorax minimus
Megalothorax minimus is a minute springtail species in the family Neelidae, first described by V. Willem in 1900. It belongs to the order Neelipleona, a small group of highly reduced, globular springtails. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range including Europe, North America, and several remote regions including the Antarctic and Subantarctic. Its wide distribution suggests either cryptic diversity or remarkable dispersal capabilities for such a small organism.
springtail Collembola Neelidae soil-fauna microarthropod globular-springtail
Mesaphorura macrochaeta
Mesaphorura macrochaeta is a species of springtail in the family Tullbergiidae, described by Rusek in 1976. It belongs to the genus Mesaphorura, a group of small, soil-dwelling collembolans characterized by reduced or absent eyes and a furcula adapted for jumping. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including polar, temperate, and tropical regions, suggesting broad environmental tolerance or potential cryptic diversity. Like other members of its family, it inhabits soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
springtail soil-fauna Collembola Poduromorpha Tullbergiidae
Mesaphorura yosiii
Mesaphorura yosiii is a species of minute springtail in the family Tullbergiidae. First described from Japan in 1967, it has since been recorded across widely disjunct regions including desert and tropical ecosystems. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body form. Like other members of Tullbergiidae, it inhabits soil and litter layers.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna Tullbergiidae eyeless
Mesentotoma
Mesentotoma is a genus of springtails in the family Entomobryidae, established by J.T. Salmon in 1942. Species in this genus are distributed across widely separated regions including Europe, Macaronesia, the Mediterranean, New Zealand, and Hawaii. The genus belongs to the tribe Entomobryini, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails. Information on specific biology and ecology of Mesentotoma species remains limited in published literature.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae Entomobryini Salmon-1942
Mesentotoma near-dollfusi
Mesentotoma near-dollfusi is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae. It belongs to a genus of small, soft-bodied hexapods characterized by a compact, rounded body form. Records indicate this species occurs in the Near East region, with documented presence in Iran. The specific epithet "near-dollfusi" suggests morphological similarity to M. dollfusi, a related species described from the Mediterranean region.
Collembola Symphypleona Sminthuridae Near-East Iran globular-springtail soil-fauna
Metisotoma
Metisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Isotomidae. The genus includes at least four described species, with Metisotoma grandiceps recognized as the only veritable predator among springtails. Species occur primarily in Arctic, subarctic, and montane tundra habitats across the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Maynard in 1951.
springtails Collembola predatory Arctic tundra Holarctic Isotomidae
Metisotoma grandiceps
Metisotoma grandiceps is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is notable as the only confirmed predatory springtail known to science, a highly unusual trait for this group of typically detritivorous hexapods. The species has a Holarctic distribution, with confirmed records from the Taimyr Peninsula (type locality), Siberia, the Russian Far East, and additional records from North America and Japan. Recent taxonomic revision has redescribed the species based on new material and clarified its diagnostic characters.
predator springtail Holarctic tundra unique-trophic-position Collembola Isotomidae
Micrisotoma achromata
Micrisotoma achromata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by P.F. Bellinger in 1952. It belongs to a genus characterized by small body size and reduced pigmentation. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America, Eurasia, and Malaysia, suggesting either a broad natural distribution or potential cryptic species complexity. Like other isotomids, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae soil-fauna decomposer palearctic nearctic oriental
Microgastrura
Microgastrura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae, established by Stach in 1922. The genus comprises seven described species distributed across the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, and North America. As members of Poduromorpha, these springtails are characterized by a compact body form and reduced furcula. Species-level identification requires examination of chaetotaxy and other fine morphological details.
springtails Collembola Poduromorpha soil-fauna microarthropods
Morulina
Morulina is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, subfamily Morulininae. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive body ornamentation and are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna.
springtails soil-fauna microarthropods Collembola Neanuridae
Morulina callowayia
Morulina callowayia is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Wray in 1953. It belongs to the genus Morulina, which is characterized by a distinctive body ornamentation pattern of tubercles or granules. The species is found in North America, with records from both northern and southern regions of the continent. As with other members of the Neanuridae, it is a soil-dwelling microarthropod.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna North-America
Morulina crassa
Morulina crassa is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described in 1980. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of springtails characterized by a relatively compact body form compared to the more elongate Entomobryomorpha. The species is part of the genus Morulina, which is placed in the subfamily Morulininae. Very few documented observations of this species exist in public databases.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Neanuridae soil-arthropod
Morulina delicata
Morulina delicata is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by E.C. Bernard in 2006. It belongs to the subfamily Morulininae, a group characterized by distinctive body ornamentation and reduced or absent furcula. The species is known from Pacific North America. Springtails in this genus are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola Neanuridae Morulininae soil-fauna decomposer Pacific-North-America
Morulina multatuberculata
Morulina multatuberculata is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by Coleman in 1941. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of ground-dwelling springtails. The species epithet 'multatuberculata' suggests a tuberculate body surface, a characteristic feature of the genus Morulina.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Neanuridae Morulina tuberculate Pacific-North-America Coleman-1941 ground-dwelling soil-fauna microarthropod Morulininae entognathous-hexapod
Morulodes setosus
Morulodes setosus is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by Canby in 1926. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, one of the three main lineages of Collembola. The species epithet 'setosus' refers to the presence of setae (bristle-like hairs). As a member of the tribe Morulodini, it shares characteristics with other neanurid springtails that exhibit distinctive body ornamentation and reduced furcula. The genus Morulodes is part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna of North America.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna Neanuridae North-America Poduromorpha Morulodini microarthropod
Mucrosomia
Mucrosomia is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, subfamily Anurophorinae. It was established by Bagnall in 1949. The genus has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple isolated regions including the Andes, Antarctica and Subantarctic islands, the Cape region of South Africa, the Caribbean, and central Australia. These disjunct distribution patterns suggest potential Gondwanan biogeographic affinities, though specific ecological and biological details remain poorly documented.
Collembola springtail Isotomidae Gondwanan-distribution southern-hemisphere-fauna
Neanura magna
Bear-bodied Springtail
Neanura magna, commonly known as the bear-bodied springtail, is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae. Springtails (Collembola) are small, wingless hexapods that inhabit soil and leaf litter. The common name suggests a robust or stocky body form compared to other springtails. As a member of Poduromorpha, this species possesses the furcula (springing organ) characteristic of the group, though it is reduced or absent in some Neanuridae.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna Poduromorpha Neanuridae
Neanura muscorum
Moss Springtail
Neanura muscorum is a common European springtail species in the family Neanuridae. It is frequently encountered in bark habitats and is characterized by its lack of a furca (springing organ), warty body texture, and blueish-grey coloration. The species feeds on small plants and fungi growing on bark surfaces.
springtail Collembola bark-dwelling furca-absent
Neanura persimilis
Neanura persimilis is a species of springtail described by H.B. Mills in 1934. It belongs to the family Neanuridae, a group of soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent furcula (springing organ). The species has been documented in North America with records from northern, southern, and Pacific regions.
springtail Collembola soil-arthropod North-America
Neanurinae
Neanurinae is the largest subfamily of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, containing approximately 800 described species. These springtails are distinguished by their stout, pudgy bodies, short legs, and complete loss of the furcula—the springing organ that characterizes most Collembola. They move exceptionally slowly and possess a distinctive mulberry-like appearance due to spherical tubercles covering the dorsal body surface. The subfamily was established by Carl Börner in 1901 and is currently divided into six tribes, though phylogenetic analyses suggest this classification may not reflect evolutionary relationships.
springtails Collembola furcula-loss slime-mould-feeders slow-movement chemical-defense tuberculate-body forest-specialists
Neanurini
Neanurini is a tribe of springtails (Collembola) within the family Neanuridae, established by Börner in 1901. Members of this tribe are characterized by their reduced or absent furcula (springing organ), distinguishing them from many other springtail groups. They are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna found across various terrestrial habitats. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed primarily in the Holarctic region.
Collembola springtails soil-fauna microarthropods Poduromorpha Neanuridae Holarctic
Neelidae
Neelidae is a family of minute springtails in the order Neelipleona, comprising at least four genera and more than 30 described species. Members average around 500 μm in length and possess globular bodies superficially resembling those of Symphypleona, with relatively long legs and a well-developed furca. Molecular phylogenetic data places Neelidae as a basal group to all other Collembola, despite earlier morphological hypotheses linking them closely to Symphypleona. The family has worldwide distribution with records from Gondwanan regions, caves, and various terrestrial habitats.
springtails Collembola minute globular basal-phylogeny Gondwanan-distribution cave-dwelling
Neelipleona
Neelipleona is an order of minute hexapods within the class Collembola (springtails). Members are characterized by the complete absence of eyes, a trait distinguishing them from most other springtail groups. The group is primarily represented by the family Neelidae and includes genera such as Megalothorax and Spinaethorax. Many species exhibit troglomorphic adaptations, including elongated appendages and reduced pigmentation, associated with cave-dwelling habits. The taxonomic rank of Neelipleona remains debated, with some authorities treating it as a suborder of Symphypleona or placing it within Entomobryomorpha.
Collembola springtails cave-dwelling troglobiotic eyeless subterranean Neelidae Megalothorax Spinaethorax cryptic-species high-intraspecific-diversity
Neelus
Neelus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neelidae, established by Folsom in 1896. The genus contains both surface-dwelling and troglobiotic (cave-restricted) species. Several species exhibit troglomorphic adaptations including elongated unguis (claws), larger body size, and elongated antennal sensilla. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, with notable cave-dwelling diversity in the Balkans.
springtail Collembola cave-dwelling troglobiotic soil-fauna
Neelus murinus
Neelus murinus is a species of springtail in the family Neelidae, first described by J.W. Folsom in 1896. It belongs to the order Neelipleona, one of the four recognized orders of Collembola. The species has been documented from island localities in the Azores (Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Terceira) and from the Antillean region and southern Florida. As a member of the Neelidae, it is among the smallest springtails, characterized by reduced body size and simplified morphology.
springtail Collembola Neelipleona Neelidae microarthropod soil-fauna
Neokatianna acantholaema
Neokatianna acantholaema is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae, described by R.J. Snider in 1989. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species is known from southern North America and has been documented through 34 iNaturalist observations. As with other members of Katiannidae, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Collembola Symphypleona Katiannidae Neokatianna springtail globular-springtail soil-fauna North-America
Neosminthurus
Neosminthurus is a genus of globular springtails in the family Sminthuridae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. The genus is distributed in Central and North America and contains at least three described species: N. bakeri, N. clavatus, and N. richardsi. Members of this genus belong to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a globular body form. The genus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the antennae and body chaetotaxy.
springtails Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtails North-America Central-America
Neosminthurus richardsi
Neosminthurus richardsi is a species of globular springtail described by Snider in 1978. It belongs to the family Sminthuridae, a group of Collembola characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The species is part of the order Symphypleona, which contains springtails with a globular shape and fused abdominal segments. Like other members of its family, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) used for escape locomotion.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona Sminthuridae globular-springtail
Odontellidae
springtails
Odontellidae is a family of springtails (Collembola) in the order Poduromorpha, established by Massoud in 1967. The family comprises approximately 9 genera and more than 50 described species, distributed across diverse biogeographic regions including subantarctic, arctic, and temperate zones. Species-level identification relies heavily on chaetotaxy, particularly the number and arrangement of sensilla and chaetae on antennae, tibiotarsi, and the dens.
springtails Collembola Poduromorpha chaetotaxy subantarctic arctic taxonomic-revision
Oncopodura
Oncopodura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Oncopoduridae, established by Carl & Lebedinsky in 1905. The genus contains multiple species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including Amazonia, the Andes, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. At least one species, O. moghanensis, has been described from subterranean cave habitats in Iran. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive morphological features of the postantennal organ (PAO) and furca that serve as key diagnostic characters.
springtail Collembola cave-dwelling tropical
Onychiuroidea
Onychiuroidea is a superfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the order Poduromorpha. It comprises approximately five families and over 630 described species. The superfamily includes the well-known family Onychiuridae and several smaller families whose classification has been subject to revision. Members of this group are soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent furcula (springing organ).
springtails Collembola soil-fauna euedaphic
Onychiurus
springtails
Onychiurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae with cosmopolitan distribution. The genus contains numerous species, including both surface-dwelling forms in forest soils and agricultural fields, as well as specialized cave-dwelling species. Members of this genus have been extensively studied as indicators of soil health and pesticide impacts.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna bioindicator cave-dwelling pesticide-toxicity
Orchesella
Orchesella is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae, characterized by subdivided basal antennal segments. The genus comprises approximately 96 species distributed across diverse global habitats from Arctic to tropical regions. Several species, notably O. cincta, have been extensively studied as model organisms for understanding heavy metal tolerance and evolutionary adaptation to polluted environments.
springtail Collembola soil-arthropod heavy-metal-tolerance ecotoxicology genome Entomobryomorpha
Orchesella alpa
Orchesella alpa is a species of slender springtail first described in 1977 by Christiansen and Tucker. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae (formerly placed in Entomobryidae) within the order Entomobryomorpha. The species is known from multiple geographic regions across North America and the Caribbean.
springtail Collembola Entomobryomorpha Orchesellidae North-America Caribbean
Orchesella celsa
Orchesella celsa is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae, described by Christiansen and Tucker in 1977. It belongs to a genus characterized by elongated body forms and well-developed furculae (springing appendages). The species occurs in North American and Caribbean regions. As with other Orchesella species, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
springtail Collembola soil-arthropod decomposer
Orchesella cincta
Belted Springtail
Orchesella cincta is a relatively large springtail species, averaging 4 mm in length—substantially larger than most springtails, which typically remain under 1 mm. The species is distinguished by its distinctive 'belted' coloration, with a darkly pigmented third abdominal segment contrasting against lighter adjacent segments. Native to Western Europe and North America, it has also been introduced to Saint Helena. This springtail exhibits notable physiological plasticity, including populations with evolved heavy metal tolerance from contaminated mining sites.
springtail Collembola heavy-metal-tolerance model-organism ectotoxicology soil-arthropod decomposer
Orchesella flora
Orchesella flora is a species of slender springtail described by Christiansen and Tucker in 1977. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae within the order Entomobryomorpha. The species is native to southern North America. As a collembolan, it is a small, wingless hexapod that inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
springtail collembola soil-fauna
Orchesella texensis
Orchesella texensis is a species of springtail (Collembola) described by Snider in 1997. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae, a group of relatively large and elongate springtails. The species is known from southern North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a Texas origin. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna North-America
Orchesella villosa
Shaggy Springtail, Slender Springtail
Orchesella villosa is a species of springtail in the family Orchesellidae, characterized by its slender body and shaggy appearance. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to North America where it is considered invasive. The species has become a model organism for studying urban evolution, with research demonstrating microgeographic divergence in physiological traits among populations separated by less than one kilometer within cities.
springtail collembola urban-evolution invasive-species model-organism physiological-adaptation heat-tolerance microgeographic-divergence
Orchesellinae
Orchesellinae is a subfamily of springtails (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae. Members are distinguished from other Entomobryidae by a fourth abdominal segment shorter than 1.8 times the length of the third segment, generally more than four antennal segments, recurved labral setae, and a complex metatrochanteral organ bearing at least 11 spine-like setae. The subfamily includes genera such as Dicranocentrus, Australotomurus, and Orchesellides, with distributions ranging from holotropical to Australian endemic and disjunct patterns.
Collembola springtails Entomobryomorpha Orchesellidae holotropical Australia-endemic disjunct-distribution scaled-springtails metatrochanteral-organ labral-setae antennal-segmentation conservation urban-remnants grassland heathland
Paranura anops
Paranura anops is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described in 1980 from western North America. The genus Paranura belongs to the tribe Neanurini, a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) springtails. This species is rarely encountered, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
springtail collembola soil-dwelling rarely-observed
Parisotoma
Parisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Isotomidae, comprising approximately 11 described species. The genus is notable for containing Parisotoma notabilis, one of the most abundant and widely studied springtails in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. This species complex exhibits extensive cryptic genetic diversity, with at least six distinct lineages that show differential distribution patterns and habitat associations. Parisotoma species are eurytopic soil microarthropods used in biological monitoring and ecological research.
springtail Collembola soil-mesofauna cryptic-species parthenogenesis bioindicator urban-ecology genetic-lineages
Parisotoma notabilis
elongate-bodied springtail
Parisotoma notabilis is a cosmopolitan, eurytopic springtail in the family Isotomidae and one of the most abundant Collembola species in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Despite morphological uniformity, the species comprises six distinct genetic lineages (L0, L1, L2, L3, L4-Saltzwedel, L4-Hebert) with divergence levels approaching species boundaries. It is predominantly parthenogenetic, with males rarely occurring, which facilitates rapid colonization of disturbed habitats. The species is widely used as a model organism for studying soil microarthropod population genetics and serves as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring.
springtail Collembola parthenogenesis cryptic-species soil-mesofauna bioindicator urbanization population-genetics eurytopic genetic-lineage
Paronellidae
Paronellidae is a family of elongate-bodied springtails (Collembola) in the order Entomobryomorpha. The family contains approximately 18 genera and at least 90 described species. Members of this family are primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with many species adapted to subterranean habitats including caves. The family includes notable troglobitic genera such as Troglobius and Troglopedetes.
Collembola springtails cave-fauna troglobitic tropical soil-fauna subterranean
Plutomurus wilkeyi
Plutomurus wilkeyi is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Tomoceridae, first described by K. Christiansen in 1964. As a member of the genus Plutomurus, it belongs to a group of relatively large, robust springtails. The species is known from the Pacific North American region. Like other Tomoceridae, it possesses the furcula (springing organ) characteristic of Collembola, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna Pacific-North-America Tomoceridae
Podura
Podura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) constituting the sole genus of the family Poduridae and superfamily Poduroidea. The genus contains four described species, 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 springtail lineages.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Holarctic fossil Baltic-amber monotypic-family
Podura aquatica
water springtail
Podura aquatica, commonly known as the water springtail, is one of only four described species in the family Poduridae. It is exclusively aquatic, living its entire life on the surface of still water bodies where it scavenges. The species exhibits specialized sensory adaptations for locating water surfaces through polarized light detection. Adults possess a large, flattened furcula that enables jumping without breaking water surface tension. The species has a Holarctic distribution and is considered abundant across its range.
springtail Collembola aquatic polarotaxis Holarctic surface-dweller
Poduridae
Water Springtails
Poduridae is a small family of springtails (Collembola) containing a single genus, Podura. Members are stout-bodied and commonly known as water springtails due to their association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The family constitutes the monotypic superfamily Poduroidea and includes four described species. These springtails are part of the order Poduromorpha, one of the three major lineages of Collembola.
Collembola Poduromorpha springtails aquatic stout-bodied Poduroidea
Poduromorpha
Plump Springtails
Poduromorpha is one of three main orders of springtails (Collembola), distinguished by a plump, oval body shape with six visible abdominal segments and retention of all three thoracic segments. Members possess short legs and a short, flat furcula (springing organ), giving the group its name meaning 'foot tail formed'. The order contains approximately 3,400 described species across multiple families including Hypogastruridae, Poduridae, Neanuridae, Onychiuridae, and Brachystomellidae. Poduromorpha are primarily soil-dwelling and exhibit higher diversity in certain coastal and disturbed habitats compared to other springtail groups.
Collembola springtails soil-fauna bioindicator restinga anal-sacks Poduroidea
Pogonognathellus dubius
Pogonognathellus dubius is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Tomoceridae, described by Christiansen in 1964. It belongs to a genus characterized by elongated body form and well-developed furcula. The species is part of the diverse North American springtail fauna, with records from northern, southern, and Pacific regions of the continent. As a member of the Tomoceridae, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments typical of this family.
Collembola springtail Tomoceridae soil-fauna North-America decomposer
Pogonognathellus elongatus
Pogonognathellus elongatus is a species of springtail in the family Tomoceridae, described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive mouthpart structures and elongated body forms. The species has been documented across North American regions including the Pacific coast. Springtails in this family are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola Tomoceridae North-America soil-fauna decomposer
Polykatianna
Polykatianna is a genus of globular springtails in the family Katiannidae, characterized by their rounded body form typical of the Symphypleona. The genus was established by J.T. Salmon in 1946 and contains species distributed across widely separated regions including Australia, Antarctica and subantarctic islands, the Caribbean, and East Africa. Members of this genus inhabit diverse terrestrial environments from arid central Australian landscapes to cold subantarctic ecosystems.
Collembola Symphypleona soil-fauna globular-springtail Katiannidae disjunct-distribution subantarctic Australian-fauna
Polykatianna sminthurina
Polykatianna sminthurina is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, compact body form. The species was described by H.B. Mills in 1934. Records indicate it occurs across North America, including Pacific and southern regions.
springtail globular-springtail North-America Collembola Katiannidae
Proisotoma
springtails
Proisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, established by Börner in 1901. The genus comprises at least 50 described species distributed across diverse biomes including tropical, temperate, Antarctic, and desert regions. Species within this genus are primarily soil-dwelling and have been widely used as bioindicator organisms in ecotoxicological studies due to their sensitivity to environmental contaminants.
Collembola springtails soil-fauna bioindicator ecotoxicology Isotomidae global-distribution
Proisotoma minuta
Proisotoma minuta is an elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is found in Europe and has been recorded in agricultural land in Manitoba, Canada. This species is a fungivore and reproduces sexually. It is commonly used in ecotoxicological studies as a test organism for assessing soil contamination by heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
Collembola springtail soil-invertebrate fungivore ecotoxicology test-organism
Prorastriopes
Prorastriopes is a genus of globular springtails in the family Bourletiellidae, established in 1947. These Collembola are characterized by their rounded, compact body form typical of the Symphypleona order. The genus has been recorded across diverse tropical and subtropical regions including Africa, the Caribbean, and Florida.
Collembola Symphypleona Bourletiellidae globular-springtail tropical subtropical
Protaphorura
Protaphorura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Absolon in 1901. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Palearctic region, with particular diversity in southern Siberia and the Far East of Russia. Several species are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobionts), exhibiting specialized adaptations to subterranean environments. The genus is taxonomically well-studied, with identification keys available for over 85 Palearctic species based on morphological characters including pseudocellar formulae, postantennal organ structure, and chaetotaxy.
springtails Collembola cave-dwelling troglobiont subterranean Palearctic Siberia parthenogenesis
Pseudachorutes
Pseudachorutes is a genus of springtails in the family Neanuridae, containing more than 50 described species. These small hexapods are distributed across diverse biomes including arctic, tropical, and desert regions. As members of the subfamily Pseudachorutinae, they represent a well-established lineage within the Poduromorpha order.
springtails Collembola Poduromorpha Neanuridae soil-fauna hexapods
Pseudachorutinae
Pseudachorutinae is a subfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the family Neanuridae, established by Börner in 1906. The subfamily contains over 50 genera and 200 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, and the Russian Far East. Members are typically small (<1.0 mm), unpigmented springtails with reduced appendages and simplified body structures.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna leaf-litter tropical-forest reduced-morphology unpigmented
Pseudosinella
slender springtails
Pseudosinella is a genus of slender-bodied springtails in the family Entomobryidae, established by Schäffer in 1897. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed across diverse habitats including tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, and even Antarctic and subantarctic regions. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body form and reduced or absent pigmentation. They are part of the diverse soil and leaf litter fauna, contributing to decomposition processes.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna decomposers Entomobryidae cosmopolitan-distribution Antarctic-fauna
Pseudosinella alba
Pseudosinella alba is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. Originally described as Lepidocyrtus albus by Packard in 1873, it is a small hexapod belonging to the order Entomobryomorpha. The species has been recorded from Europe and various other regions including Arctic and Sub-arctic areas, with limited observational data available.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae soil-fauna Europe
Pseudosinella rolfsi
Pseudosinella rolfsi is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1932. As an entomobryomorph collembolan, it possesses the elongated body form and relatively long antennae characteristic of this group. The species has been recorded across North America with observations spanning northern, southern, and Pacific regions. Springtails in this genus are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae soil-fauna North-America
Pseudosinella sexoculata
Pseudosinella sexoculata is a species of elongate springtail in the family Entomobryidae, described by Schött in 1902. Members of this genus are characterized by their slender, scaled bodies and are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The specific epithet "sexoculata" refers to the presence of six eyes (ocelli), a diagnostic feature distinguishing it from related species. Like other entomobryomorph springtails, it possesses a furcula for jumping and lacks a collophore on the first abdominal segment.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer six-eyed scaled
Pseudosinella violenta
Pseudosinella violenta is a species of slender springtail first described by Folsom in 1924. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a group characterized by elongated bodies and well-developed furcula. The species has been recorded across multiple North American regions including the Antilles, southern Florida, Caribbean mainland, and Pacific and southern North American areas. As with most members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae soil-fauna North-America Caribbean Pseudosinella Entomobryomorpha microarthropod
Ptenothrix atra
Ptenothrix atra is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae. It is one of the oldest described springtail species, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, and Caribbean regions. As a member of the Symphypleona, it possesses a characteristic globular body form distinct from the more elongate Entomobryomorpha springtails.
springtail Collembola globular-springtail Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae Linnaeus-1758 Ptenothrix Ptenothrix-atra soil-fauna microarthropod
Ptenothrix beta
springtail
Ptenothrix beta is a species of globular springtail (Collembola: Symphypleona) first described in 1981. It exhibits exceptional morphological variability across its range in the northwestern United States. The species was historically confused with Ptenothrix maculosa and Ptenothrix delongi until citizen scientist observations in early 2025 clarified diagnostic characters, particularly antennal morphology.
springtail globular-springtail Collembola Symphypleona Pacific-Northwest cryptic-species citizen-science taxonomic-revision
Ptenothrix californica
Ptenothrix californica is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae. It is native to the Pacific North American region, particularly California. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1981. As a member of the Symphypleona, it possesses a rounded, globular body form characteristic of this order of Collembola. It is documented in museum collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations.
Collembola springtail Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae California Pacific-North-America globular-springtail soil-fauna
Ptenothrix flavescens
Ptenothrix flavescens is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by Axelson in 1905. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by their rounded, globular body form. The species is known from Europe, though specific ecological details remain limited in available literature.
Collembola springtail Symphypleona Dicyrtomidae European-fauna soil-fauna
Ptenothrix palmata
Ptenothrix palmata is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by Folsom in 1902. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it possesses the rounded, globular body form characteristic of this group. The species has been documented from Arctic, subarctic, and northern North American regions, including Pacific North America. Like other dicyrtomids, it inhabits moist microhabitats in forest floor environments.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtail Arctic subarctic boreal forest-floor decomposer
Ptenothrix undescribed
Ptenothrix is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Sminthuridae). The genus contains multiple species, with at least one undescribed species known to occur in North America. Springtails in this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods that contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The undescribed status indicates formal taxonomic description is pending.
Collembola springtail Sminthuridae undescribed North-America globular-springtail soil-fauna decomposer pending-description
Pygmarrhopalites
A genus of springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the family Arrhopalitidae. The genus was established by Vargovitsh in 2009. Multiple species have been described, including both epigean and troglobiont (cave-dwelling) forms. Some species exhibit troglomorphies including reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, and modified foot complex.
Collembola springtails Arrhopalitidae Symphypleona troglobiont cave-fauna karst Europe North-America Caucasus endemic subterranean
Pygmarrhopalites bellingeri
Pygmarrhopalites bellingeri is a species of globular springtail in the family Arrhopalitidae, first described by Kenneth Christiansen in 1966. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species has been documented from both Caribbean and North American mainland localities. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with moist microhabitats in forested environments.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtail
Salina
Salina is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Paronellidae, first described by MacGillivray in 1894. The genus contains approximately five described species. These springtails are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Amazon, Andean regions, the Caribbean, and continental Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their slender, elongated body form typical of the Paronellidae family.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer tropical
Salina banksi
Salina banksi is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Paronellidae, first described by A.D. MacGillivray in 1894. Springtails (Collembola) are small, wingless hexapods that are among the most abundant terrestrial arthropods, though individual species are often poorly documented. The specific epithet "banksi" honors the naturalist Joseph Banks. This species belongs to a genus and family characterized by elongated body forms adapted for life in soil and leaf litter communities.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer Australian-fauna
Salina beta
Salina beta is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Paronellidae, described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. Springtails in this family are characterized by elongate body forms and are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna. The genus Salina contains multiple species distributed across various regions, though specific ecological details for S. beta remain poorly documented in available literature.
springtail Collembola Paronellidae soil-fauna microarthropod
Schaefferia
Schaefferia is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Poduromorpha: Hypogastruridae) characterized by troglomorphic adaptations in cave-dwelling species. Recent taxonomic work has described highly specialized subterranean species from Iran and Montenegro that exhibit convergent evolution of eyelessness and elaborated sensory structures. The genus demonstrates significant morphological diversification associated with subterranean habitats.
springtail Collembola cave-dwelling troglomorphic subterranean convergent-evolution eyeless
Schaefferia duodecimocellata
Schaefferia duodecimocellata is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae, described by Bonet in 1945. The specific epithet 'duodecimocellata' refers to twelve ocelli (eye spots), a distinctive ocular feature. As a member of Poduromorpha, this species belongs to a group of soil-dwelling springtails with a compact body form. Records indicate presence in North American and Caribbean regions.
springtail Collembola soil-arthropod Poduromorpha twelve-ocelli
Schoettella
Schoettella is a genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, established by Schäffer in 1896. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed across diverse geographic regions including Europe, the Americas, and the Hawaiian Islands. Species within this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods belonging to the order Poduromorpha.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna Poduromorpha Hypogastruridae
Scutisotoma
Scutisotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, subfamily Proisotominae. The genus was established by R.S. Bagnall in 1949 and is distributed across diverse biogeographic regions including Europe, the Arctic, the Himalayas, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean. As a member of the Entomobryomorpha, Scutisotoma shares characteristics with other elongate-bodied springtails.
Collembola springtails Isotomidae Proisotominae soil-fauna
Seira
slender springtails
Seira is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Lubbock in 1870. The genus contains approximately 17 described species. These springtails are characterized by their elongated body form and are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including tropical and subtropical areas.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer Entomobryidae
Seira bipunctata
Seira bipunctata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. It belongs to the genus Seira, which is characterized by elongate body forms and distinct morphological features typical of the Seirinae subfamily. The species epithet 'bipunctata' refers to two spots or punctures, likely describing a distinctive marking pattern.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae Seira soil-fauna
Seira brasiliana
Seira brasiliana is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Entomobryidae. It is a Neotropical species originally described from Brazil, with subsequent records from multiple Brazilian states including Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. As a member of the genus Seira, it possesses the characteristic scaled body covering typical of this group. The species remains poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Collembola Entomobryidae springtail Neotropical Brazil soil-fauna decomposer
Seira dollfusi
Seira dollfusi is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Carl in 1899. The species was originally placed in the genus Sira before being transferred to Seira. It belongs to the group commonly known as slender springtails, characterized by their elongated body form. The species has been documented through 69 iNaturalist observations, indicating some level of detection in field surveys. Taxonomic status varies across sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym of Seira (Seira) squamoornata, while GBIF and NCBI maintain it as an accepted species.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae Seira slender-springtail taxonomic-uncertainty
Seira domestica
Seira domestica is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, originally described by Hercule Nicolet in 1842 as Degeeria domestica. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by elongate body forms. The species has been recorded from Brazil (Pernambuco state).
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae Entomobryomorpha Neotropical
Seira dubia
Seira dubia is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. Springtails in this genus are characterized by their elongated, slender body form and are members of the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the most diverse lineages of Collembola. As with other members of its family, S. dubia possesses a furcula (springing organ) that enables the characteristic jumping behavior of springtails. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to have limited published documentation beyond its original description.
Collembola springtail Entomobryidae soil-arthropod cryptic-species
Seira knowltoni
Seira knowltoni is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 2000. It is currently accepted as a valid species, though some sources list it as a synonym of Seira (Seira) purpurea. As a member of the genus Seira, it belongs to a group of elongate, fast-moving springtails commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae soil-fauna
Sensillanura
Sensillanura is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Neanuridae) established by Deharveng in 1981. The genus is characterized by specific arrangements of sensilla on the body, a diagnostic feature for the group. Recent taxonomic work has described six new species from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, expanding the known diversity of the genus in North America. Species identification relies heavily on detailed examination of chaetotaxy and sensory structures.
springtails Collembola Neanuridae taxonomic-revision Southern-Appalachians sensilla chaetotaxy
Sensillanura barberi
Sensillanura barberi is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Handschin in 1928. As a member of the order Poduromorpha, it belongs to a group of soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their reduced body size and specialized mouthparts. The species has been recorded in Pacific North America, with 35 observations documented on iNaturalist. Springtails in this family are typically found in moist soil and leaf litter environments where they contribute to decomposition processes.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Neanuridae soil-fauna Pacific-North-America
Sensillanura caeca
Sensillanura caeca is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Folsom in 1916. The species epithet "caeca" (Latin for "blind") suggests an adaptation to subterranean or cave-dwelling habitats, a trait common among troglobitic springtails. As a member of the order Poduromorpha, it belongs to one of the most diverse groups of Collembola. Very few specific details about its biology have been documented in accessible literature.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Neanuridae cavernicolous troglomorphic
Sensillanurini
Sensillanurini is a tribe of springtails (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) characterized by distinctive ventral chaetotaxy patterns that have been used to distinguish it from other tribes within the subfamily. The tribe includes the genus Palmanura, which has been subject to recent taxonomic revision revealing multiple new species from Central and South America. Members of this tribe are soil-dwelling arthropods, though detailed biological and ecological studies remain limited.
Collembola springtails Neanuridae Neanurinae taxonomy Central-America South-America chaetotaxy
Sinella
slender springtails
Sinella is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated bodies and are part of the diverse soil and litter microarthropod fauna. Several species, including Sinella curviseta and Sinella coeca, have been subjects of ecological and toxicological research. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna decomposer ecotoxicology-model-organism fungivore
Sinella cavernarum
Cavernicolous springtail
Sinella cavernarum is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Packard in 1888. The species epithet 'cavernarum' (of caves) suggests a troglophilic or troglobitic lifestyle. As an entomobryomorph springtail, it possesses the characteristic elongated body form and well-developed antennae typical of this group. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
springtail Collembola cave-dwelling troglophile Entomobryidae North-America
Sinella recens
Sinella recens is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1998. Springtails in this genus are small, soft-bodied hexapods characterized by their furcula (springing organ) used for locomotion. The species is part of the diverse North American springtail fauna, though specific ecological and biological details remain limited in published literature.
springtail Collembola Entomobryidae North-America hexapod soil-arthropod
Sinella sexoculata
slender springtail
Sinella sexoculata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, described by Schött in 1896. As an entomobryomorph collembolan, it possesses the characteristic elongated body form and well-developed antennae typical of this group. The species has been documented in the Caribbean mainland and Pacific North American regions based on GBIF distribution records. Like other members of the genus Sinella, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Collembola springtail soil-fauna decomposer Entomobryidae Sinella slender-springtail
Sminthuridae
globular springtails
Sminthuridae is a family of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded body shape, four-segmented antennae with successively lengthening segments, and an exceptionally long ventral tube with eversible vesicles. Members possess well-developed tracheae and a furcula for jumping. The family includes 13 genera and is distinguished from the similar Sminthurididae by antennal structure and dens setation. Some species are notable agricultural pests, while others are common in forest litter and snow habitats.
springtails Collembola globular decomposers jumping snow-fleas agricultural-pest biological-control ventral-tube eversible-vesicles
Sminthurides aquaticus
Sminthurides aquaticus is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Sminthurididae, characterized by its globular body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species epithet 'aquaticus' suggests an association with wet or aquatic environments. As a member of the Sminthurididae, it belongs to a family known for small, often colorful springtails with reduced mouthparts. The species has been recorded across multiple biogeographic regions including the Arctic, Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of North and South America.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona Sminthurididae globular-springtail
Sminthurides bifidus
Sminthurides bifidus is a globular springtail in the family Sminthurididae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic globular body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, North America, and the Caribbean region. It is one of approximately 109 observed species of Sminthurides documented on iNaturalist.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtail
Sminthurides malmgreni
Malmgren's Springtail
Sminthurides malmgreni is a puddle springtail species in the family Sminthurididae, distributed across the United States and Europe. It inhabits standing water environments, including puddles and wet leaf litter. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antenna structure, with males possessing distinctive modified antennae.
springtail Collembola puddle-springtail sexual-dimorphism standing-water
Sminthurides plicatus
Sminthurides plicatus is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthurididae, first described by H. Schött in 1891. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body shape distinct from elongate springtails. The species has been recorded in Caribbean and Pacific North American regions. As with other Sminthurides species, it is a small, soil-dwelling microarthropod.
Collembola Symphypleona Sminthurididae springtail soil-microarthropod
Sminthurides weichseli
Sminthurides weichseli is a species of globular springtail described in 1981 from North America. As a member of the family Sminthurididae, it possesses the characteristic globular body form and furcula (springing organ) typical of the order Symphypleona. The species is known from limited observations and appears to have a distribution across northern and southern North America.
Collembola springtail Symphypleona Sminthurididae North-America globular-springtail 1981-description
Sminthurididae
Sminthurididae is a family of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) distinguished by extreme sexual dimorphism, particularly in antennae structure and body size. Males possess clasper-shaped modified antennae used in courtship displays, while females retain unmodified antennae; males are also markedly smaller than females. The family comprises approximately 155 species across 12 extant genera, with notable diversity in the Neotropical region. Diagnostic morphological features include spherical short ventral tube sacs, presence of all abdominal bothriotricha (A–E), and absence of subanal appendage in females.
sexual-dimorphism courtship-behavior antennal-claspers Neotropical-diversity springtails Collembola
Sminthurinae
Sminthurinae is a subfamily of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded body form and well-developed furcula. Members possess the subfamily-defining trait of interocular vesicles—paired sensory structures with demonstrated photoreception function. The subfamily includes the genus Vesicephalus, which exhibits extreme habitat restriction possibly linked to this light-sensitive adaptation. Sminthurinae represents one of the major lineages within the Sminthuridae family.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtail photoreception interocular-vesicles
Sminthurinus atrapallidus
Sminthurinus atrapallidus is a globular springtail species in the family Katiannidae, first described by Snider in 1978. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a compact, rounded body form. The species is known from southern North America and has been documented in citizen science observations.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona Katiannidae globular-springtail
Sminthurinus henshawi
Henshaw's globular springtail
Sminthurinus henshawi is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod with a characteristic rounded body shape. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America and Eurasia. It is one of the more frequently observed springtail species, with over 1,400 citizen science records.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona soil-fauna decomposer
Sminthurinus latimaculosus
Sminthurinus latimaculosus is a globular springtail species described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. As a member of the family Katiannidae, it belongs to the order Symphypleona, which is characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species has been recorded from North America and the Caribbean region. Like other springtails, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for locomotion.
springtail globular-springtail Collembola Symphypleona
Sminthurinus minutus
Sminthurinus minutus is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod that belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form distinct from the elongated shape of other springtail orders. The species was first described by MacGillivray in 1894. As a member of Collembola, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion, though this feature is reduced in some globular springtails.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona soil-fauna hexapod globular-springtail
Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus
globular springtail
Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae, described by Ryder in 1878. It is characterized by its compact, rounded body form typical of the Symphypleona order. The species has been recorded from multiple geographic regions including the Caribbean mainland, Hawaiian Islands, and the Azores (Santa Maria and Terceira). Two subspecies are recognized: Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus quadrimaculatus and Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus bimaculatus Maynard.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona Katiannidae globular-springtail
Sminthuroidea
Sminthuroidea is a superfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the order Symphypleona, established by Bretfeld in 1994. Members share a globular body form with the ability to roll into a ball when disturbed, distinguishing them from elongate springtail superfamilies. The superfamily includes families such as Sminthuridae and Dicyrtomidae, which are among the most frequently observed and photographed springtails due to their relatively large size and often bright coloration.
springtail Collembola globular conglobation soil-fauna
Sminthurus carolinensis
A species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, described from the Carolinas region of the southeastern United States. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it possesses a characteristic rounded, globular body form distinct from the elongate-bodied Entomobryomorpha. The species was formally described by R.J. Snider in 1981.
Collembola Symphypleona Sminthuridae soil-fauna North-America globular-springtail
Sminthurus eisenii
A globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, first described from California in 1891. Belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form and reduced or absent furcula in some species. Part of a genus containing several agricultural pest species, though specific pest status for this species is undocumented.
Collembola Symphypleona Sminthuridae springtail globular-springtail North-America California soil-fauna
Sminthurus fitchi
Sminthurus fitchi is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form distinct from the more elongate springtails in other orders. The species was described by J.W. Folsom in 1896. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a furcula, the springing organ that gives Collembola their common name.
springtail Collembola globular-springtail Symphypleona Sminthuridae Sminthurus North-America Caribbean soil-fauna microarthropod
Sminthurus incisus
Sminthurus incisus is a globular springtail species described by Snider in 1978. It belongs to the family Sminthuridae, which contains relatively large, often brightly colored springtails with a rounded body form. The species is part of the order Symphypleona, characterized by their globular shape and fused abdominal segments. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) used for locomotion.
springtail globular-springtail Collembola Symphypleona Sminthuridae
Sminthurus medialis
Sminthurus medialis is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it exhibits the rounded body form characteristic of globular springtails. The species has been recorded in North America. Like other springtails, it possesses a furcula for springing locomotion.
springtail globular-springtail Collembola Symphypleona North-America
Sminthurus mencenbergae
Sminthurus mencenbergae is a springtail species endemic to the east coast of North America, first described by Snider in 1983. It belongs to the family Sminthuridae, a group of globular springtails characterized by their rounded body shape and distinctive color patterning. The species exhibits characteristic dorsal markings that aid in identification.
springtail Collembola endemic North-America globular-springtail
Sminthurus sp-nr-variegatus
variegated globular springtail
Sminthurus sp-nr-variegatus is a globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, characterized by its distinctive variegated color pattern. This species exhibits the rounded body form typical of the order Symphypleona, with a furcula (springing organ) folded beneath the abdomen. It inhabits surface vegetation and soil litter in various terrestrial environments. The 'sp-nr-variegatus' designation indicates a species near or related to Sminthurus variegatus, pending formal taxonomic resolution.
Collembola Symphypleona Sminthuridae globular-springtail soil-fauna decomposer
Stenacidia
Stenacidia is a genus of springtails in the family Sminthurididae, described by C. Börner in 1906. The genus comprises four described species, with records spanning Europe, Arctic and Subarctic regions, Central Australia, and the Himalayas. Members of this genus belong to the order Symphypleona, characterized by their globular body form.
springtails Collembola Symphypleona globular-springtails
Stenacidia violacea
Stenacidia violacea is a springtail species in the family Sminthurididae, characterized by distinctive coloration with yellowish body and purple lateral markings. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females sometimes appearing dark purple. A notable behavioral trait involves antenna contact during mating, described as resembling a 'kiss'. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with a recent range extension to Iran documented in 2019.
springtail Collembola Symphypleona sexual-dimorphism mating-behavior Nearctic Palearctic
Stenus
rove beetles, water-gliding rove beetles
Stenus is a genus of semiaquatic rove beetles comprising approximately 3100 described species, making it one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. These beetles are specialist predators of small arthropods, particularly Collembola. They possess distinctive adaptations including a protrusible adhesive labium for prey capture and pygidial gland secretions that enable rapid water surface locomotion via the Marangoni effect. The genus occurs worldwide across diverse habitats from aquatic margins to terrestrial leaf litter.
rove-beetles semiaquatic predators Collembola water-gliding Marangoni-effect protrusible-labium Staphylinidae
Stenus comma
Stenus comma is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, notable for its highly specialized predatory behavior. The species employs a unique hunting mechanism using pygidial gland secretions to capture springtails (Collembola). It can eject a viscous, sticky secretion as a droplet on an extendable terminal filament to 'shoot' at prey, or apply the secretion directly during ambush. The beetle demonstrates flexible hunting strategies that adapt to different prey types and defensive capabilities. This species has a broad distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
rove-beetle Staphylinidae predator springtail-predator pygidial-glands hunting-behavior Collembola water-gliding Steninae
Superodontella
Superodontella is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Odontellidae, established by Stach in 1949. The genus has been documented across multiple continents including Europe, where recent studies have expanded its known range into Italy and Ukraine. Species-level identification relies on detailed chaetotaxy, particularly antennal sensilla patterns and specific arrangements of chaetae on body segments.
Collembola springtails soil-fauna Odontellidae chaetotaxy Europe Ukraine Italy Sicily
Superodontella cornifer
Superodontella cornifer is a species of springtail in the family Odontellidae. It has been recorded across diverse regions including Arctic, sub-Arctic, and North American temperate zones, as well as Caribbean mainland areas. The species shows a notably broad geographic distribution for a collembolan. Available records suggest it occupies varied climatic zones from cold northern regions to tropical Caribbean environments.
springtail Collembola Odontellidae broad-distribution
Tetracanthella californica
Tetracanthella californica is a species of springtail described by Deharveng in 1978. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a diverse group of small, wingless hexapods found in soil and leaf litter ecosystems. The species epithet indicates its occurrence in California. Like other Collembola, it contributes to decomposition processes in terrestrial habitats.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae California-endemic soil-fauna decomposer
Tomoceridae
Tomoceridae is a family of springtails (Collembola) within the order Entomobryomorpha. Members are characterized by their elongated bodies and relatively long antennae compared to other springtail families. The family includes both surface-dwelling and cave-adapted species, with some showing pronounced troglomorphic traits such as eyelessness and depigmentation. Tomoceridae has a broad geographic distribution including Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Collembola springtails Entomobryomorpha cave-fauna troglomorphy soil-fauna leaf-litter
Tomocerus
elongate springtails
Tomocerus is a genus of elongate springtails (Collembola) in the family Tomoceridae, characterized by their relatively large size among springtails and distinctive body proportions. Species in this genus are distributed across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with some species exhibiting troglomorphic adaptations in cave habitats. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with species complexes such as the kinoshitai and ocreatus groups recognized. Tomocerus vulgaris is a notable species that has been studied for its life history and ecological interactions, including serving as prey for specialized predators such as harvestmen.
Collembola Entomobryomorpha Tomoceridae springtails elongate-springtails soil-fauna cave-fauna troglomorphy China Holarctic
Tomocerus minor
Tomocerus minor is a cosmopolitan springtail species in the family Tomoceridae. It reaches up to 4.5 mm in body length and exhibits a characteristic uniform bluish iridescence. The species has been recorded across a remarkably broad geographic range, spanning from Arctic regions to temperate and tropical zones across multiple continents and oceanic islands.
springtail Collembola cosmopolitan iridescent
Tomocerus vulgaris
Tomocerus vulgaris is a European springtail species in the family Tomoceridae, characterized by an elongate body form and relatively long antennae. It is a soil-dwelling organism that has been documented as prey for harvestmen, which use adhesive secretions to capture this species despite its water-repellent cuticle. The species has been subject to bionomic studies examining its life history and temperature-dependent development.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna prey-species Europe Tomoceridae harvestman-prey entomobryomorph
Tomolonus reductus
Tomolonus reductus is the sole species in the monotypic genus Tomolonus, a springtail in the family Tomoceridae. It is distinguished from other Tomoceridae by having only three ocelli in its eyepatch, a reduced number compared to relatives. The species was described in 1949 by H.B. Mills. Very few observations exist, with only three records documented on iNaturalist.
springtail Collembola Tomoceridae monotypic-genus North-America
Tullbergia
Tullbergia is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Tullbergiidae, established by Lubbock in 1876. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed across diverse habitats including Arctic, Antarctic, and temperate regions. Some species have been studied for their population dynamics in forest soils.
springtails Collembola Poduromorpha Tullbergiidae soil-fauna Arctic Antarctic forest-soil
Tullbergia arctica
Tullbergia arctica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Tullbergiidae, described by Wahlgren in 1900. The species is distributed across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including northern Eurasia and North America. As a member of the Poduromorpha, it belongs to a group of soil-dwelling hexapods adapted to cold environments.
springtail Collembola Arctic tundra soil-fauna Poduromorpha Tullbergiidae
Vertagopus
Vertagopus is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed across arctic, alpine, and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus includes both widespread and geographically restricted species, with some showing strict alpine specializations. Certain species, such as V. sarekensis, are notable for forming large aggregations and exhibiting coordinated group migration behaviors. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision in eastern Siberia, where new species continue to be described.
springtails Collembola Isotomidae alpine arctic aggregating-behavior cuticular-lipids cyclopropane-hydrocarbons soil-fauna nutrient-cycling
Vertagopus arboreus
Vertagopus arboreus is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is widely distributed across northern Eurasia and parts of Asia. The species is associated with arboreal and ground-level habitats in forested environments. Taxonomic status varies between sources, with some authorities treating it as a synonym of Vertagopus asiaticus.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae arboreal soil-fauna bark-dwelling
Vertagopus pseudocinereus
Vertagopus pseudocinereus is a species of elongate springtail in the family Isotomidae, described from Arctic and northern temperate regions. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by relatively long antennae and a slender body form compared to the more compact Poduromorpha. The species has been recorded across circumpolar and northern montane regions.
springtail Collembola Isotomidae Arctic boreal elongate entomobryomorph soil-fauna decomposer microarthropod
Vesicephalus occidentalis
globular springtail
Vesicephalus occidentalis is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species was described by H.B. Mills in 1935. As a springtail, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) that enables leaping locomotion. The species is part of the diverse community of soil-dwelling microarthropods.
springtail Collembola soil-microarthropod globular-springtail decomposer
Vitronura giselae
Vitronura giselae is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, originally described as Neanura giselae by Gisin in 1950. It belongs to the tribe Paleonurini and is one of several species in the genus Vitronura. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, Southeast Asia, East Africa, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, indicating either a wide natural distribution or human-mediated dispersal. As an entognathous hexapod, it lacks external mouthparts and possesses the reduced body plan characteristic of neanurid springtails.
springtail Collembola Neanuridae Paleonurini
Willemia
Willemia is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae comprising at least 40 described species. Species occupy diverse habitats including sandy substrates (psammophily) and loam soils, with some inhabiting harsh environments such as polar regions, high mountains, and deserts. Phylogenetic studies indicate that psammophily is ancestral in this genus and has been lost twice independently, demonstrating that habitat specialization can be evolutionarily reversible. Species utilizing harsh environments tend to have low clade ranks and are concentrated on former Laurasian continents.
springtails Collembola psammophily Laurasia harsh-environments tibiotarsal-chaetotaxy
Willemia denisi
Willemia denisi is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1932. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group characterized by a cylindrical body form and reduced furcula. The genus Willemia contains multiple species distributed across various habitats, though specific biological details for W. denisi remain poorly documented in the available literature.
springtail Collembola Poduromorpha Hypogastruridae Willemia soil-arthropod
Willowsia
Willowsia is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing approximately six described species. The genus exhibits a pantropical to cosmopolitan distribution, with notable diversity in Asia and multiple species present in the Americas. Some species, particularly W. nigromaculata, are among the most abundant and widely distributed springtails in the northern hemisphere. Phylogenetic studies indicate that Willowsia is polyphyletic, with some species showing closer relationships to other entomobryine taxa. The genus includes both native New World endemics and potentially introduced populations.
springtails Collembola Entomobryidae polyphyletic cryptic-species household-pest pantropical
Willowsia buski
damp grain springtail
Willowsia buski is a medium-sized springtail, averaging 1-2 mm in length, with a smooth, dark-purple to black body and a lighter-colored head. It is found in abundance throughout North America and Europe, with likely cosmopolitan distribution. The species is known to infest stored dry goods, particularly grain, when moisture levels are elevated. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, characterized by four roughly equal antennal segments.
springtail Collembola stored-product-pest grain-pest cosmopolitan-distribution
Willowsia neonigromaculata
Willowsia neonigromaculata is a cryptic springtail species described in 2021 from the United States. It was previously confused with the European species W. nigromaculata due to morphological similarity. Genetic and morphological analysis revealed it as distinct, with diagnostic characters including the number of inner appendages on the maxillary sublobal plate. The species belongs to the family Entomobryidae, one of the most diverse families of Collembola.
springtail Collembola cryptic-species new-species-2021 United-States mouthpart-morphology molecular-taxonomy
Willowsia platani
slender springtail
Willowsia platani is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. First described by Nicolet in 1842, this small hexapod is characterized by its elongated, slender body form typical of the genus. The species is known from Europe and has been recorded across multiple continents including Asia. As a member of Collembola, it lacks wings and possesses the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that gives springtails their common name.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna European-fauna Entomobryidae
Willowsiinae
Willowsiinae is a subfamily of springtails (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, established by Yoshii and Suhardjono in 1989. These elongate-bodied springtails are distinguished by specific chaetotaxy patterns and antennal segment proportions. The subfamily includes several genera found across diverse habitats, though detailed biological studies remain limited for many constituent taxa.
springtails Collembola soil-fauna Entomobryidae
Xenylla grisea
Xenylla grisea is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae, first described by Axelson in 1900. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod found across multiple geographic regions including the Azores, Andean regions, the Caribbean, and Atlantic islands. Laboratory studies have documented its reproductive biology and developmental timing under controlled conditions.
springtail Collembola soil-fauna laboratory-reared