Poduroidea
Guides
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.