Neustonic
Guides
Dicyrtomina
globular springtails
Dicyrtomina is a genus of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded, compact body form distinct from elongate springtail lineages. Members exhibit latch-mediated spring-actuated (LaMSA) jumping powered by the furca, a modified fourth abdominal segment. The genus includes species such as D. minuta, which has been extensively studied for its extraordinary jumping kinematics, and D. saundersi, which displays neustonic (surface-floating) behavior. Species occur primarily in moist leaf litter habitats across Europe, North America, and other regions, with some populations adapted to aquatic surface microlayer environments.
Idotea metallica
metallic isopod
Idotea metallica is a neustonic marine isopod in the family Idoteidae, commonly known as the metallic isopod. It is recognized by its metallic blue coloration and blunt, squared-off telson. The species inhabits drifting objects at the sea surface, forming persistent local populations on floating patches of debris. It has a worldwide distribution in open ocean waters but is competitively inferior to coastal congeners such as Idotea baltica, limiting its persistence in nearshore environments.
Lepas anserifera
Goose Barnacle
Lepas anserifera is a pedunculate barnacle that attaches to floating substrates including driftwood, ships' hulls, and marine debris. It possesses a capitulum of six white calcareous plates supported by an orange, flexible stalk. The species exhibits rapid growth and early maturation, with individuals reaching reproductive size within approximately two weeks under favorable conditions. As a hermaphroditic filter feeder, it plays a role in marine neustonic communities and has a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate and tropical seas.
Microvelia californiensis
Microvelia californiensis is a species of small water strider in the family Veliidae, described by McKinstry in 1937. The species is known from California and adjacent regions of western North America. Like other members of the genus, it inhabits the surface film of freshwater habitats. Very few observations of this species have been documented in public databases.