Collembola
Guides
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).