Springtail
Guides
Megalothorax incertus
Megalothorax incertus is a minute springtail in the family Neelidae, notable as the first species from the order Neelipleona to have its complete mitochondrial genome sequenced. The species reproduces parthenogenetically, with Wolbachia infection implicated in this reproductive mode. It has a broad global distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, East Africa, and Australia. The mitochondrial genome is 14,994 bp with 37 canonical genes and 64.0% A+T content.
Megalothorax minimus
Megalothorax minimus is a minute springtail species in the family Neelidae, first described by V. Willem in 1900. It belongs to the order Neelipleona, a small group of highly reduced, globular springtails. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range including Europe, North America, and several remote regions including the Antarctic and Subantarctic. Its wide distribution suggests either cryptic diversity or remarkable dispersal capabilities for such a small organism.
Mesaphorura
Mesaphorura is a genus of springtails in the family Tullbergiidae, first described by Börner in 1901. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body forms. They are distributed across multiple continents including Antarctica, South America, Africa, and North America, indicating broad ecological tolerance. The genus is taxonomically placed within the subfamily Mesaphorurinae.
Mesaphorura macrochaeta
Mesaphorura macrochaeta is a species of springtail in the family Tullbergiidae, described by Rusek in 1976. It belongs to the genus Mesaphorura, a group of small, soil-dwelling collembolans characterized by reduced or absent eyes and a furcula adapted for jumping. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including polar, temperate, and tropical regions, suggesting broad environmental tolerance or potential cryptic diversity. Like other members of its family, it inhabits soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Mesaphorura yosiii
Mesaphorura yosiii is a species of minute springtail in the family Tullbergiidae. First described from Japan in 1967, it has since been recorded across widely disjunct regions including desert and tropical ecosystems. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced or absent eyes and elongated body form. Like other members of Tullbergiidae, it inhabits soil and litter layers.
Mesentotoma
Mesentotoma is a genus of springtails in the family Entomobryidae, established by J.T. Salmon in 1942. Species in this genus are distributed across widely separated regions including Europe, Macaronesia, the Mediterranean, New Zealand, and Hawaii. The genus belongs to the tribe Entomobryini, a diverse group of elongate-bodied springtails. Information on specific biology and ecology of Mesentotoma species remains limited in published literature.
Metisotoma grandiceps
Metisotoma grandiceps is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is notable as the only confirmed predatory springtail known to science, a highly unusual trait for this group of typically detritivorous hexapods. The species has a Holarctic distribution, with confirmed records from the Taimyr Peninsula (type locality), Siberia, the Russian Far East, and additional records from North America and Japan. Recent taxonomic revision has redescribed the species based on new material and clarified its diagnostic characters.
Micrisotoma achromata
Micrisotoma achromata is a species of springtail in the family Isotomidae, described by P.F. Bellinger in 1952. It belongs to a genus characterized by small body size and reduced pigmentation. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America, Eurasia, and Malaysia, suggesting either a broad natural distribution or potential cryptic species complexity. Like other isotomids, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Morulina callowayia
Morulina callowayia is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Wray in 1953. It belongs to the genus Morulina, which is characterized by a distinctive body ornamentation pattern of tubercles or granules. The species is found in North America, with records from both northern and southern regions of the continent. As with other members of the Neanuridae, it is a soil-dwelling microarthropod.
Morulina crassa
Morulina crassa is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described in 1980. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of springtails characterized by a relatively compact body form compared to the more elongate Entomobryomorpha. The species is part of the genus Morulina, which is placed in the subfamily Morulininae. Very few documented observations of this species exist in public databases.
Morulina delicata
Morulina delicata is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by E.C. Bernard in 2006. It belongs to the subfamily Morulininae, a group characterized by distinctive body ornamentation and reduced or absent furcula. The species is known from Pacific North America. Springtails in this genus are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Morulina multatuberculata
Morulina multatuberculata is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by Coleman in 1941. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, a group of ground-dwelling springtails. The species epithet 'multatuberculata' suggests a tuberculate body surface, a characteristic feature of the genus Morulina.
Morulodes setosus
Morulodes setosus is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described by Canby in 1926. It belongs to the order Poduromorpha, one of the three main lineages of Collembola. The species epithet 'setosus' refers to the presence of setae (bristle-like hairs). As a member of the tribe Morulodini, it shares characteristics with other neanurid springtails that exhibit distinctive body ornamentation and reduced furcula. The genus Morulodes is part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna of North America.
Mucrosomia
Mucrosomia is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, subfamily Anurophorinae. It was established by Bagnall in 1949. The genus has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple isolated regions including the Andes, Antarctica and Subantarctic islands, the Cape region of South Africa, the Caribbean, and central Australia. These disjunct distribution patterns suggest potential Gondwanan biogeographic affinities, though specific ecological and biological details remain poorly documented.
Neanura magna
Bear-bodied Springtail
Neanura magna, commonly known as the bear-bodied springtail, is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae. Springtails (Collembola) are small, wingless hexapods that inhabit soil and leaf litter. The common name suggests a robust or stocky body form compared to other springtails. As a member of Poduromorpha, this species possesses the furcula (springing organ) characteristic of the group, though it is reduced or absent in some Neanuridae.
Neanura muscorum
Moss Springtail
Neanura muscorum is a common European springtail species in the family Neanuridae. It is frequently encountered in bark habitats and is characterized by its lack of a furca (springing organ), warty body texture, and blueish-grey coloration. The species feeds on small plants and fungi growing on bark surfaces.
Neanura persimilis
Neanura persimilis is a species of springtail described by H.B. Mills in 1934. It belongs to the family Neanuridae, a group of soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent furcula (springing organ). The species has been documented in North America with records from northern, southern, and Pacific regions.
Neelus
Neelus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neelidae, established by Folsom in 1896. The genus contains both surface-dwelling and troglobiotic (cave-restricted) species. Several species exhibit troglomorphic adaptations including elongated unguis (claws), larger body size, and elongated antennal sensilla. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, North America, and Asia, with notable cave-dwelling diversity in the Balkans.
Neelus murinus
Neelus murinus is a species of springtail in the family Neelidae, first described by J.W. Folsom in 1896. It belongs to the order Neelipleona, one of the four recognized orders of Collembola. The species has been documented from island localities in the Azores (Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Terceira) and from the Antillean region and southern Florida. As a member of the Neelidae, it is among the smallest springtails, characterized by reduced body size and simplified morphology.
Neokatianna
Neokatianna is a genus of globular springtails in the family Katiannidae, established by R.J. Snider in 1989. These minute hexapods belong to the order Symphypleona, characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The genus is known from southern North America, though specific species-level documentation remains limited. As with other katiannids, members of this genus inhabit soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Neokatianna acantholaema
Neokatianna acantholaema is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae, described by R.J. Snider in 1989. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species is known from southern North America and has been documented through 34 iNaturalist observations. As with other members of Katiannidae, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Neosminthurus richardsi
Neosminthurus richardsi is a species of globular springtail described by Snider in 1978. It belongs to the family Sminthuridae, a group of Collembola characterized by their rounded, compact body form. The species is part of the order Symphypleona, which contains springtails with a globular shape and fused abdominal segments. Like other members of its family, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) used for escape locomotion.
Oncopodura
Oncopodura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Oncopoduridae, established by Carl & Lebedinsky in 1905. The genus contains multiple species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including Amazonia, the Andes, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. At least one species, O. moghanensis, has been described from subterranean cave habitats in Iran. Species in this genus exhibit distinctive morphological features of the postantennal organ (PAO) and furca that serve as key diagnostic characters.
Orchesella
Orchesella is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae, characterized by subdivided basal antennal segments. The genus comprises approximately 96 species distributed across diverse global habitats from Arctic to tropical regions. Several species, notably O. cincta, have been extensively studied as model organisms for understanding heavy metal tolerance and evolutionary adaptation to polluted environments.
Orchesella alpa
Orchesella alpa is a species of slender springtail first described in 1977 by Christiansen and Tucker. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae (formerly placed in Entomobryidae) within the order Entomobryomorpha. The species is known from multiple geographic regions across North America and the Caribbean.
Orchesella celsa
Orchesella celsa is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae, described by Christiansen and Tucker in 1977. It belongs to a genus characterized by elongated body forms and well-developed furculae (springing appendages). The species occurs in North American and Caribbean regions. As with other Orchesella species, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Orchesella cincta
Belted Springtail
Orchesella cincta is a relatively large springtail species, averaging 4 mm in length—substantially larger than most springtails, which typically remain under 1 mm. The species is distinguished by its distinctive 'belted' coloration, with a darkly pigmented third abdominal segment contrasting against lighter adjacent segments. Native to Western Europe and North America, it has also been introduced to Saint Helena. This springtail exhibits notable physiological plasticity, including populations with evolved heavy metal tolerance from contaminated mining sites.
Orchesella flora
Orchesella flora is a species of slender springtail described by Christiansen and Tucker in 1977. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae within the order Entomobryomorpha. The species is native to southern North America. As a collembolan, it is a small, wingless hexapod that inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Orchesella texensis
Orchesella texensis is a species of springtail (Collembola) described by Snider in 1997. It belongs to the family Orchesellidae, a group of relatively large and elongate springtails. The species is known from southern North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a Texas origin. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments.
Orchesella villosa
Shaggy Springtail, Slender Springtail
Orchesella villosa is a species of springtail in the family Orchesellidae, characterized by its slender body and shaggy appearance. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to North America where it is considered invasive. The species has become a model organism for studying urban evolution, with research demonstrating microgeographic divergence in physiological traits among populations separated by less than one kilometer within cities.
Paranura anops
Paranura anops is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described in 1980 from western North America. The genus Paranura belongs to the tribe Neanurini, a group of euedaphic (deep soil-dwelling) springtails. This species is rarely encountered, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Parisotoma
Parisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Isotomidae, comprising approximately 11 described species. The genus is notable for containing Parisotoma notabilis, one of the most abundant and widely studied springtails in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. This species complex exhibits extensive cryptic genetic diversity, with at least six distinct lineages that show differential distribution patterns and habitat associations. Parisotoma species are eurytopic soil microarthropods used in biological monitoring and ecological research.
Parisotoma notabilis
elongate-bodied springtail
Parisotoma notabilis is a cosmopolitan, eurytopic springtail in the family Isotomidae and one of the most abundant Collembola species in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Despite morphological uniformity, the species comprises six distinct genetic lineages (L0, L1, L2, L3, L4-Saltzwedel, L4-Hebert) with divergence levels approaching species boundaries. It is predominantly parthenogenetic, with males rarely occurring, which facilitates rapid colonization of disturbed habitats. The species is widely used as a model organism for studying soil microarthropod population genetics and serves as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring.
Plutomurus wilkeyi
Plutomurus wilkeyi is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Tomoceridae, first described by K. Christiansen in 1964. As a member of the genus Plutomurus, it belongs to a group of relatively large, robust springtails. The species is known from the Pacific North American region. Like other Tomoceridae, it possesses the furcula (springing organ) characteristic of Collembola, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Podura
Podura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) constituting the sole genus of the family Poduridae and superfamily Poduroidea. The genus contains four described species, including the widespread Podura aquatica and two fossil species from Baltic amber. Members are characterized by their stout body form and are among the more morphologically distinct springtail lineages.
Podura aquatica
water springtail
Podura aquatica, commonly known as the water springtail, is one of only four described species in the family Poduridae. It is exclusively aquatic, living its entire life on the surface of still water bodies where it scavenges. The species exhibits specialized sensory adaptations for locating water surfaces through polarized light detection. Adults possess a large, flattened furcula that enables jumping without breaking water surface tension. The species has a Holarctic distribution and is considered abundant across its range.
Pogonognathellus
Pogonognathellus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Tomoceridae, first described by Paclt in 1944. The genus contains at least two described species: P. flavescens and P. longicornis. It is part of the diverse Entomobryomorpha order, one of the most species-rich lineages of springtails. Members of this genus are found across multiple biogeographic regions including Europe, the Mediterranean, and Arctic zones.
Pogonognathellus dubius
Pogonognathellus dubius is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Tomoceridae, described by Christiansen in 1964. It belongs to a genus characterized by elongated body form and well-developed furcula. The species is part of the diverse North American springtail fauna, with records from northern, southern, and Pacific regions of the continent. As a member of the Tomoceridae, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments typical of this family.
Pogonognathellus elongatus
Pogonognathellus elongatus is a species of springtail in the family Tomoceridae, described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive mouthpart structures and elongated body forms. The species has been documented across North American regions including the Pacific coast. Springtails in this family are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Polykatianna sminthurina
Polykatianna sminthurina is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, compact body form. The species was described by H.B. Mills in 1934. Records indicate it occurs across North America, including Pacific and southern regions.
Proisotoma minuta
Proisotoma minuta is an elongate-bodied springtail in the family Isotomidae. It is found in Europe and has been recorded in agricultural land in Manitoba, Canada. This species is a fungivore and reproduces sexually. It is commonly used in ecotoxicological studies as a test organism for assessing soil contamination by heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
Pseudachorudina ignota
Pseudachorudina ignota is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, described from the Pacific North American region in 1980. As a member of the subfamily Pseudachorutinae, it belongs to a group of soil-dwelling microarthropods characterized by reduced or absent furcula and distinctive head morphology. The species remains poorly known, with minimal published biological data beyond its original description.
Pseudosinella alba
Pseudosinella alba is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. Originally described as Lepidocyrtus albus by Packard in 1873, it is a small hexapod belonging to the order Entomobryomorpha. The species has been recorded from Europe and various other regions including Arctic and Sub-arctic areas, with limited observational data available.
Pseudosinella folsomi
A species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, originally described from North America. Pseudosinella folsomi belongs to a large genus of elongate collembolans characterized by reduced body pigmentation and long antennae. The species is documented in scattered records across southern North America.
Pseudosinella rolfsi
Pseudosinella rolfsi is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1932. As an entomobryomorph collembolan, it possesses the elongated body form and relatively long antennae characteristic of this group. The species has been recorded across North America with observations spanning northern, southern, and Pacific regions. Springtails in this genus are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Pseudosinella sexoculata
Pseudosinella sexoculata is a species of elongate springtail in the family Entomobryidae, described by Schött in 1902. Members of this genus are characterized by their slender, scaled bodies and are typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. The specific epithet "sexoculata" refers to the presence of six eyes (ocelli), a diagnostic feature distinguishing it from related species. Like other entomobryomorph springtails, it possesses a furcula for jumping and lacks a collophore on the first abdominal segment.
Pseudosinella violenta
Pseudosinella violenta is a species of slender springtail first described by Folsom in 1924. It belongs to the family Entomobryidae, a group characterized by elongated bodies and well-developed furcula. The species has been recorded across multiple North American regions including the Antilles, southern Florida, Caribbean mainland, and Pacific and southern North American areas. As with most members of its genus, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter microhabitats.
Ptenothrix atra
Ptenothrix atra is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae. It is one of the oldest described springtail species, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species has a broad distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, and Caribbean regions. As a member of the Symphypleona, it possesses a characteristic globular body form distinct from the more elongate Entomobryomorpha springtails.
Ptenothrix beta
springtail
Ptenothrix beta is a species of globular springtail (Collembola: Symphypleona) first described in 1981. It exhibits exceptional morphological variability across its range in the northwestern United States. The species was historically confused with Ptenothrix maculosa and Ptenothrix delongi until citizen scientist observations in early 2025 clarified diagnostic characters, particularly antennal morphology.
Ptenothrix californica
Ptenothrix californica is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae. It is native to the Pacific North American region, particularly California. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1981. As a member of the Symphypleona, it possesses a rounded, globular body form characteristic of this order of Collembola. It is documented in museum collections and has been recorded in citizen science observations.