Springtail
Guides
Entomobrya nivalis
Cosmopolitan Springtail
Entomobrya nivalis, commonly known as the cosmopolitan springtail, is a globally distributed species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. Adults measure approximately 2 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with dark transverse bands on a yellow or white background. The species is notable for its cold tolerance, facilitated by antifreeze compounds in its hemolymph, enabling survival in temperate and polar regions. Juveniles inhabit leaf litter while adults migrate to lichen-covered tree bark.
Entomobrya quadrilineata
Entomobrya quadrilineata is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Büker in 1939. It belongs to a large genus of slender, scaled springtails commonly found in diverse terrestrial habitats. The specific epithet "quadrilineata" refers to four longitudinal lines, likely describing a distinctive dorsal pattern on the body. Like other members of Entomobrya, this species possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion and exhibits the characteristic entomobryid body plan with well-developed eyes and antennae.
Entomobrya suzannae
Entomobrya suzannae is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Scott in 1937. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the major lineages of Collembola. The species has been documented in the Pacific North American region based on distribution records. As a member of the genus Entomobrya, it shares the characteristic body plan of slender springtails with well-developed furcula.
Entomobrya unostrigata
cotton springtail
Entomobrya unostrigata is a slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Stach in 1930. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia, and the Hawaiian Islands. It is one of 17 Entomobrya species recorded from the Canary Islands, where it was previously reported prior to recent taxonomic surveys. Identification relies on dorsal macrochaetotaxy patterns rather than coloration alone, as pigmentation varies widely and fades in preservative.
Entomobrya zona
Rocky Mountain Springtail
Entomobrya zona, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain springtail, is a small springtail species endemic to the Rocky Mountains and known from three caves in the Grand Canyon. Adults reach approximately 2 mm in length and are characterized by tan coloration with black markings, including a distinctive wide dark band running down the center of the abdomen. The species occurs at elevations from 1,700 to over 3,000 meters in arid environments and coniferous forests. It is frequently found in subterranean habitats, where it is considered a troglophile.
Entomobryoides dissimilis
Entomobryoides dissimilis is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, originally described as Entomobrya dissimilis by Moniez in 1894. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced or absent dental structures on the maxilla, distinguishing it from the closely related genus Entomobrya. As a member of the order Entomobryomorpha, it possesses the elongated body form typical of this diverse group of Collembola. Distribution records indicate presence across North American regions including the Pacific coast.
Entomobryoides purpurascens
Entomobryoides purpurascens is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Packard in 1872. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the major lineages of Collembola. Springtails in this family are characterized by their elongated bodies and well-developed furcula (springing organ). The species epithet 'purpurascens' suggests a purplish or purple-tinged coloration. Like other members of its genus, it is likely adapted to moist terrestrial environments where springtails are commonly found.
Folsomia candida
Folsomia candida is a small, unpigmented, eyeless springtail species that has become one of the most widely used model organisms in soil ecotoxicology. Native to soil environments but now distributed globally through human-mediated dispersal, this parthenogenetic species reproduces without males and can be easily maintained in laboratory cultures on simple diets. It has been employed for over 40 years as a standard test organism for assessing pesticide and pollutant effects on non-target soil invertebrates, and has also served as a model for studying cold tolerance, circadian rhythms, decomposition processes, and soil fungal interactions.
Folsomia regularis
Folsomia regularis is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by Hammer in 1953. It belongs to a genus of soil-dwelling microarthropods commonly found in diverse terrestrial habitats. The species has been recorded across multiple biogeographic regions including Arctic, sub-Arctic, and North American zones.
Folsomia stella
Folsomia stella is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, first described from North America in 1977. It belongs to a genus of small, elongate Collembola commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The species has been recorded from multiple geographic regions including Arctic and sub-Arctic zones, Caribbean mainland, Hawaii, northern North America, and Pacific North America. Like other Folsomia species, it is likely a decomposer in soil ecosystems, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Folsomides parvulus
Folsomides parvulus is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by Stach in 1922. As a member of the genus Folsomides, it belongs to a group of small, soil-dwelling hexapods. The species has been recorded from several island and continental locations including the Azores (Faial, São Miguel), African Indian Desert region, Amazon, and Andean regions. Very few observations exist in public databases.
Guthriella muskegis
Guthriella muskegis is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is a member of the genus Guthriella, which contains relatively few described species. Like other Isotomidae, it is a soil-dwelling hexapod with a furcula for jumping. Published records of this species are sparse.
Hemisotoma aquae
Hemisotoma aquae is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, described by Bacon in 1914. The species epithet "aquae" (Latin for "of water") suggests an association with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Springtails in this family are generally small, elongate hexapods that inhabit soil and litter layers. This species is rarely recorded, with limited observational data available.
Heteraphorura
Heteraphorura is a genus of springtails in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Bagnall in 1948. As a member of the tribe Hymenaphorurini, it belongs to a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) Collembola characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body forms. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, Mediterranean regions, northern Eurasia, and parts of North America.
Heteraphorura subtenuis
Heteraphorura subtenuis is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Folsom in 1917. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of small, soil-dwelling hexapods. The genus Heteraphorura is characterized by specific morphological features of the furcula and body chaetotaxy. This species has been documented from North American localities with limited observational records.
Heteromurus
Heteromurus is a genus of slender-bodied springtails established by Wankel in 1860. The genus contains at least three described species: H. margaritarius, H. nitidus, and H. tenuicornis. Members are placed in the subfamily Heteromurinae and are characterized by elongated antennae and a generally slender habitus compared to other entomobryomorph springtails. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, particularly regarding the subgenus Verhoeffiella, which includes cave-dwelling species showing troglomorphic adaptations.
Heteromurus major
Heteromurus major is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae, originally described by Moniez in 1889 under the basionym Templetonia major. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the largest and most diverse groups of springtails. The species has been recorded from several islands in the Azores archipelago.
Heteromurus nitidus
slender springtail
Heteromurus nitidus is a species of slender springtail (Collembola) characterized by a superhydrophobic cuticle that enables it to float on water. The species produces nitidane, an irregular prenylated diterpene with a unique seven-isoprene structure that dominates its cuticular lipids—unlike typical insects that rely on hydrocarbon mixtures. Its distribution is influenced by soil acidity, with documented interactions involving earthworms and predator pressure. The species exhibits seasonal changes in wetting behavior and tends to aggregate in coordinated groups.
Homidia sauteri
Homidia sauteri is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. It is native to East Asia and has been introduced to other regions including Hawaii. The species possesses a characteristic dorsal chaetotaxy pattern that has been formally described from Japanese specimens. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate H. s. sauteri and H. s. formosana from Taiwan.
Homidia socia
Homidia socia is a species of slender springtail described by Denis in 1929. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails characterized by well-developed furculae. The species has been documented across multiple regions including Caribbean mainland, Continental Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and North America. Like other members of its genus, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Hydroisotoma schaefferi
springtail
Hydroisotoma schaefferi is a springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, native to the eastern United States. The species inhabits very wet environments and is associated with moist microhabitats. First described by Krausbauer in 1898 under the name Isotoma schaefferi, it was later transferred to the genus Hydroisotoma. The species has also been recorded from Europe, the Mediterranean, and various regions of North America.
Hymenaphorura
Hymenaphorura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Bagnall in 1948. Members of this genus are eyeless, euedaphic (soil-dwelling) or troglobitic (cave-dwelling) species with reduced pigmentation. The genus has been recorded from caves and subterranean habitats across Europe, with some species showing narrow endemic distributions restricted to single cave systems.
Hymenaphorura cocklei
Golden Snow Flea
Hymenaphorura cocklei is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, commonly known as the Golden Snow Flea. It is an eyeless, soil-dwelling collembolan with a characteristic golden-yellow coloration. The species is primarily recorded from western North America, particularly in forested mountainous regions. It belongs to a genus distinguished by specialized mouthpart structures and reduced pigmentation.
Hypogastrura
snow fleas
Hypogastrura is a large genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, comprising at least 150 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes the well-known "snow fleas" such as Hypogastrura nivicola, which are conspicuous on snow surfaces in winter. Members are small, typically 1–3 mm, with the characteristic springtail body plan including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore. The genus occupies diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to caves and forest floors.
Hypogastrura harveyi
snow flea
Hypogastrura harveyi, commonly known as the snow flea, is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae. It is one of several springtail species referred to as 'snow fleas' due to its habit of appearing on snow during winter months. The species was described by J.W. Folsom in 1902. Springtails in this genus possess a furcula (springing organ) that allows them to escape predators by leaping.
Hypogastrura manubrialis
Mushroom Springtail
Hypogastrura manubrialis is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae, commonly known as the Mushroom Springtail. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group characterized by elongated body forms and reduced or absent jumping ability compared to other springtail lineages. The species has been documented in colonization studies, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits moist soil and organic matter environments.
Hypogastrura nivicola
snow flea, dark blue springtail
Hypogastrura nivicola is a small, dark blue springtail commonly known as the snow flea in North America. Despite its common name, it is unrelated to true fleas and belongs to the ancient group Collembola, which predates the first vertebrates on land by millions of years. The species is notable for its ability to remain active on snow surfaces during winter, enabled by glycine-rich antifreeze proteins that prevent ice crystal formation in its tissues. It possesses the characteristic springtail anatomy including a furcula for jumping and a ventral collophore.
Hypogastrura tooliki
toolik snow flea
Hypogastrura tooliki, commonly known as the toolik snow flea, is a species of springtail in the family Hypogastruridae. It belongs to the genus Hypogastrura, which contains species often found active on snow surfaces during winter months. The species was described by Fjellberg in 1985. Like other members of its genus, it possesses cryoprotectant proteins that enable activity in subfreezing conditions.
Isotoma arctica
Isotoma arctica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by H. Schött in 1893. The species epithet 'arctica' indicates its association with Arctic regions. Springtails are small, wingless hexapods that play important roles in soil decomposition and nutrient cycling. As a member of the genus Isotoma, it likely exhibits the elongated body form typical of this group, though specific morphological details for this species require direct examination of type specimens or specialized literature.
Isotoma delta
Isotoma delta is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, described by MacGillivray in 1896. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the most diverse groups of springtails. The species has been recorded from the Caribbean mainland and southern North America based on distribution data in GBIF.
Isotoma riparia
Isotoma riparia is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, first described by Nicolet in 1842. The specific epithet 'riparia' refers to its association with riparian (riverbank) habitats. It belongs to a diverse genus of elongate-bodied springtails commonly found in moist terrestrial environments. The species has a broad distribution across Arctic, sub-Arctic, and temperate regions of Europe and northern Eurasia.
Isotoma viridis
Green springtail
Isotoma viridis is an elongate-bodied springtail species in the family Isotomidae, first described by Bourlet in 1839. It has a Holarctic distribution and is commonly found in meadows and agricultural fields. The species feeds on fungal hyphae and decaying leaves, playing a role in soil decomposition processes.
Isotoma viridis pomona
Isotoma viridis pomona is a subspecies of springtail described by J.W. Folsom in 1937. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails. Records indicate presence on several Azorean islands (Pico, São Miguel, Terceira) as well as in Arctic, Sub-arctic, and African Indian Desert regions. As a subspecies of the widespread Isotoma viridis, it likely shares the general ecology of this soil-dwelling group, though specific biological details for this particular subspecies remain poorly documented.
Isotomiella
Isotomiella is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) established by Bagnall in 1939. The genus contains edaphic (soil-dwelling) species with broad Holarctic distribution. The most studied species, Isotomiella minor, exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction and shows significant intraspecific genetic and physiological variation across urban and natural habitats.
Isotomiella minor
Isotomiella minor is an elongate-bodied springtail (Collembola: Isotomidae) with broad Holarctic distribution beyond the high Arctic. The species is parthenogenetic (thelytokous), with no males known. It exhibits remarkable cryptic genetic diversity, with up to nine molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) recognized that show genetic distances comparable to interspecific levels. Populations display adaptive variation in cold tolerance and body size correlated with habitat temperature.
Isotomodes
Isotomodes is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) comprising approximately 34 described species worldwide. The genus is readily distinguished from other Isotomidae by the distinctive morphology and chaetotaxy (bristle arrangement) of its last abdominal segments. Species are predominantly distributed across Europe—especially the Mediterranean region—and the Americas, with scattered records from East Asia and Oceania. The genus shows particular ecological specialization for interstitial sandy habitats, including supralittoral zones and inland biotopes.
Isotomurus tricolor
Isotomurus tricolor is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. The species was described by Packard in 1873 and has been recorded across multiple biogeographic regions including Arctic, subarctic, and North American zones. As a member of the Entomobryomorpha, it possesses the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that defines the Collembola class.
Janusius sylvestris
Janusius sylvestris is a globular springtail species in the family Sminthuridae, characterized by its rounded body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species has been recorded across northern Eurasia and North America. As with other members of its family, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion and exhibits the compact, spherical body shape that distinguishes symphypleonan springtails from the more elongate entomobryomorph forms.
Katianna
Katianna is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) with worldwide distribution. Members are distinguished by their minute size (approximately 1 mm), hairy antennae, and abundant setae covering the abdomen, particularly toward the posterior. The genus has been recorded across diverse regions including Europe, the Andes, Central Australia, the Caribbean, and Antarctica. A putative undescribed species from the Pacific Northwest, informally designated "Katianna species 10" or "Mtn Dew Katianna," was first documented in 2016 and rediscovered in 2024.
Katianna maryae
Katianna maryae is a springtail species described in 2014 and endemic to the East Coast of North America. It is recognized by its distinctive camouflage-like color pattern and morphological features including spiked antennae and abdominal striping. The species belongs to the globular springtail order Symphypleona and is one of the more frequently observed springtails in its range, with over 350 iNaturalist records.
Katiannina
Katiannina is a genus of globular springtails in the family Katiannidae, order Symphypleona. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The genus was established in 1951 and is distributed across North America and parts of East Asia. Katiannina species inhabit leaf litter and soil microhabitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Lepidocyrtus cinereus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus cinereus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by J.W. Folsom in 1924. As a member of the genus Lepidocyrtus, it belongs to a diverse group of Collembola characterized by elongated bodies and well-developed furculae (springing organs). The species epithet 'cinereus' (ash-colored) likely refers to its grayish coloration. Available information on this species is limited, with most biological details remaining undocumented in accessible literature.
Lepidocyrtus curvicollis
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus curvicollis is a species of slender springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae. It was described by Bourlet in 1839. The species has been recorded in Europe and on several islands of the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, and São Jorge). It belongs to the subfamily Lepidocyrtinae, a group characterized by distinctive morphological features including a curved or arched body profile.
Lepidocyrtus cyaneus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus cyaneus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. First described by Tullberg in 1871, this species belongs to a genus characterized by scaled bodies and often vivid coloration. The species has been documented from multiple localities including islands in the Azores (Flores, Pico, São Miguel, Terceira), as well as Bulgaria.
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus
slender springtail
Lepidocyrtus paradoxus is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Uzel in 1890. It is one of the most frequently observed springtail species in Europe, with over 1,900 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive scale patterns and body morphology typical of entomobryid springtails.
Lepidocyrtus violaceus
Lepidocyrtus violaceus is a springtail species (Collembola: Entomobryidae) in the L. lignorum group. It possesses the diagnostic dorsal body macrochaetotaxy R0R1R2/00/0101+3 and scales on antennae and legs. The species has been recorded from the United States (Vermont) and is used as a morphological reference for distinguishing related species.
Lobella palmeri
Lobella palmeri is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, described by Wray in 1967. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of primarily soil-dwelling springtails. The genus Lobella is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a globular body form and reduced furcula. Records indicate this species occurs in North America.
Lophognathella
Lophognathella is a genus of springtails in the family Onychiuridae, subfamily Lophognathellinae. These small, wingless hexapods are part of the euedaphic soil fauna, living primarily in deep soil layers. The genus was established by Börner in 1908 and is distributed across northern North America, the Pacific coast of North America, and the Sino-Japanese region. As members of the Onychiuridae, they lack a furcula (springing organ) and are characterized by reduced eyes and elongated mouthparts adapted for feeding in soil micropores.
Lophognathella choreutes
Lophognathella choreutes is a species of springtail in the family Onychiuridae, first described by Carl Börner in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Lophognathellinae, a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) springtails characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated mouthparts. The species has been recorded across northern North America, Pacific North America, and the Sino-Japanese region. As with other members of Onychiuridae, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Lophognathellinae
A subfamily of springtails within the family Onychiuridae, distinguished by modifications of the mouthparts. Members of this group are small, soil-dwelling hexapods that lack a furcula (springing organ) as adults. The subfamily was established by Stach in 1954 based on distinctive gnathal morphology.