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