Collembola
Guides
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.