Collembola-predators

Guides

  • Bdellidae

    Snout Mites

    Bdellidae is a family of moderate to large-sized predatory mites commonly known as snout mites. The family contains approximately 11 genera and at least 278 described species worldwide. They are distinguished by their elongated, snout-like gnathosoma and elbowed pedipalps bearing two long terminal setae (one in the genus Monotrichobdella). Members inhabit diverse environments including soil, leaf litter, vegetation, and intertidal zones.

  • Steninae

    Water Skater Beetles

    Steninae is a megadiverse subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing over 3,000 species worldwide, primarily in the genera *Stenus* and *Dianous*. Members are characterized by their unique prey-capture apparatus: a protrusible elongated labium with paraglossae modified into adhesive pads that eject via haemolymph pressure to capture springtails and other small arthropods. Many species exhibit remarkable water-gliding behavior using gland secretions that reduce surface tension. Adults are diurnal, visually oriented predators of moist habitats.