Globular-springtails
Guides
Allacma
Allacma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Sminthuridae, first described by Börner in 1906. Members of this genus are globular springtails characterized by their compact, rounded body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The genus contains multiple species distributed across Europe and North America, with records extending to Arctic and Mediterranean regions. Allacma fusca, described by Linnaeus in 1758, is a well-known representative species.
Arrhopalites
springtails
Arrhopalites is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the family Arrhopalitidae. The genus comprises approximately 40 valid species, with roughly half considered troglobionts—obligate cave-dwelling organisms. Species occur across diverse habitats including cave systems, forest leaf litter, and soil environments, with distribution spanning the Neotropical Region, Asia, Europe, and other regions. The genus is taxonomically significant for phylogenetic studies of Symphypleona, though many aspects of its biology remain understudied.
Calvatomina
Calvatomina is a genus of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) in the family Dicyrtomidae, established by Yosii in 1966. These small hexapods are characterized by their rounded body form and are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Amazon, Andes, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The genus belongs to the subfamily Dicyrtominae, a group known for their distinctive body shape and reduced mouthpart structures. Records from iNaturalist indicate active observation and documentation of this genus, with approximately 170 observations contributing to its study.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stenacidia
Stenacidia is a genus of springtails in the family Sminthurididae, described by C. Börner in 1906. The genus comprises four described species, with records spanning Europe, Arctic and Subarctic regions, Central Australia, and the Himalayas. Members of this genus belong to the order Symphypleona, characterized by their globular body form.
Vesicephalus
Vesicephalus is a genus of globular springtails in the family Katiannidae, distinguished by a unique pair of interocular vesicles with demonstrated photoreception function. The genus is rare and has been recorded from North America, Spain, and Russia. The photoreceptive vesicles are thought to provide high sensitivity to light, potentially restricting these animals to dark microhabitats. At least four species are currently recognized.