Globular

Guides

  • Megalothorax

    Megalothorax is a genus of minute springtails in the family Neelidae, order Neelipleona. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species. Members are characterized by extremely small body size and globular morphology typical of neelid springtails. The mitochondrial genome of M. incertus has been sequenced, revealing parthenogenetic reproduction and Wolbachia endosymbiont infection.

    parthenogeneticWolbachiamitochondrial-genomeminuteglobular

  • 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.

    springtailsCollembolaminuteglobularbasal-phylogenyGondwanan-distributioncave-dwelling

  • 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.

    springtailsCollembolaglobulardecomposersjumpingsnow-fleasagricultural-pestbiological-controlventral-tubeeversible-vesicles

  • 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.

    springtailCollembolaglobularconglobationsoil-fauna