Springtail
Guides
Ptenothrix flavescens
Ptenothrix flavescens is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by Axelson in 1905. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by their rounded, globular body form. The species is known from Europe, though specific ecological details remain limited in available literature.
Ptenothrix maculosa
Ptenothrix maculosa is a globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, native to the temperate west coast of North America from Alaska to California. First described by Swedish entomologist Henrik Schött in 1891, this species exhibits extreme color polymorphism, leading to decades of misidentification and the synonymization of several conjectured undescribed species. Definitive identification requires microscopic examination of setal arrangements on the abdomen and furca. It serves as a decomposer in woodland ecosystems and has become a focal species for citizen science monitoring through photo-based identification.
Ptenothrix marmorata
Ptenothrix marmorata is a globular springtail species in the family Dicyrtomidae, characterized by its rounded body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species was originally described by Packard in 1873 under the genus Dicyrtoma. As with other members of its family, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for locomotion and is part of the diverse soil microarthropod community. The specific epithet 'marmorata' refers to a marbled coloration pattern.
Ptenothrix palmata
Ptenothrix palmata is a species of globular springtail in the family Dicyrtomidae, first described by Folsom in 1902. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it possesses the rounded, globular body form characteristic of this group. The species has been documented from Arctic, subarctic, and northern North American regions, including Pacific North America. Like other dicyrtomids, it inhabits moist microhabitats in forest floor environments.
Ptenothrix undescribed
Ptenothrix is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Sminthuridae). The genus contains multiple species, with at least one undescribed species known to occur in North America. Springtails in this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods that contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The undescribed status indicates formal taxonomic description is pending.
Pygmarrhopalites bellingeri
Pygmarrhopalites bellingeri is a species of globular springtail in the family Arrhopalitidae, first described by Kenneth Christiansen in 1966. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species has been documented from both Caribbean and North American mainland localities. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with moist microhabitats in forested environments.
Salina
Salina is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Paronellidae, first described by MacGillivray in 1894. The genus contains approximately five described species. These springtails are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Amazon, Andean regions, the Caribbean, and continental Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their slender, elongated body form typical of the Paronellidae family.
Salina banksi
Salina banksi is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Paronellidae, first described by A.D. MacGillivray in 1894. Springtails (Collembola) are small, wingless hexapods that are among the most abundant terrestrial arthropods, though individual species are often poorly documented. The specific epithet "banksi" honors the naturalist Joseph Banks. This species belongs to a genus and family characterized by elongated body forms adapted for life in soil and leaf litter communities.
Salina beta
Salina beta is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Paronellidae, described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. Springtails in this family are characterized by elongate body forms and are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna. The genus Salina contains multiple species distributed across various regions, though specific ecological details for S. beta remain poorly documented in available literature.
Schaefferia
Schaefferia is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Poduromorpha: Hypogastruridae) characterized by troglomorphic adaptations in cave-dwelling species. Recent taxonomic work has described highly specialized subterranean species from Iran and Montenegro that exhibit convergent evolution of eyelessness and elaborated sensory structures. The genus demonstrates significant morphological diversification associated with subterranean habitats.
Schaefferia duodecimocellata
Schaefferia duodecimocellata is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae, described by Bonet in 1945. The specific epithet 'duodecimocellata' refers to twelve ocelli (eye spots), a distinctive ocular feature. As a member of Poduromorpha, this species belongs to a group of soil-dwelling springtails with a compact body form. Records indicate presence in North American and Caribbean regions.
Seira
slender springtails
Seira is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Lubbock in 1870. The genus contains approximately 17 described species. These springtails are characterized by their elongated body form and are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including tropical and subtropical areas.
Seira bipunctata
Seira bipunctata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. It belongs to the genus Seira, which is characterized by elongate body forms and distinct morphological features typical of the Seirinae subfamily. The species epithet 'bipunctata' refers to two spots or punctures, likely describing a distinctive marking pattern.
Seira brasiliana
Seira brasiliana is a species of elongate-bodied springtail in the family Entomobryidae. It is a Neotropical species originally described from Brazil, with subsequent records from multiple Brazilian states including Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. As a member of the genus Seira, it possesses the characteristic scaled body covering typical of this group. The species remains poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Seira dollfusi
Seira dollfusi is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Carl in 1899. The species was originally placed in the genus Sira before being transferred to Seira. It belongs to the group commonly known as slender springtails, characterized by their elongated body form. The species has been documented through 69 iNaturalist observations, indicating some level of detection in field surveys. Taxonomic status varies across sources, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym of Seira (Seira) squamoornata, while GBIF and NCBI maintain it as an accepted species.
Seira domestica
Seira domestica is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, originally described by Hercule Nicolet in 1842 as Degeeria domestica. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by elongate body forms. The species has been recorded from Brazil (Pernambuco state).
Seira dubia
Seira dubia is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1980. Springtails in this genus are characterized by their elongated, slender body form and are members of the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the most diverse lineages of Collembola. As with other members of its family, S. dubia possesses a furcula (springing organ) that enables the characteristic jumping behavior of springtails. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to have limited published documentation beyond its original description.
Seira knowltoni
Seira knowltoni is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae. The species was described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 2000. It is currently accepted as a valid species, though some sources list it as a synonym of Seira (Seira) purpurea. As a member of the genus Seira, it belongs to a group of elongate, fast-moving springtails commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
Sensillanura barberi
Sensillanura barberi is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Handschin in 1928. As a member of the order Poduromorpha, it belongs to a group of soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by their reduced body size and specialized mouthparts. The species has been recorded in Pacific North America, with 35 observations documented on iNaturalist. Springtails in this family are typically found in moist soil and leaf litter environments where they contribute to decomposition processes.
Sensillanura caeca
Sensillanura caeca is a species of springtail in the family Neanuridae, first described by Folsom in 1916. The species epithet "caeca" (Latin for "blind") suggests an adaptation to subterranean or cave-dwelling habitats, a trait common among troglobitic springtails. As a member of the order Poduromorpha, it belongs to one of the most diverse groups of Collembola. Very few specific details about its biology have been documented in accessible literature.
Sinella
slender springtails
Sinella is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated bodies and are part of the diverse soil and litter microarthropod fauna. Several species, including Sinella curviseta and Sinella coeca, have been subjects of ecological and toxicological research. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents.
Sinella cavernarum
Cavernicolous springtail
Sinella cavernarum is a species of springtail in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Packard in 1888. The species epithet 'cavernarum' (of caves) suggests a troglophilic or troglobitic lifestyle. As an entomobryomorph springtail, it possesses the characteristic elongated body form and well-developed antennae typical of this group. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases.
Sinella recens
Sinella recens is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, described by Christiansen and Bellinger in 1998. Springtails in this genus are small, soft-bodied hexapods characterized by their furcula (springing organ) used for locomotion. The species is part of the diverse North American springtail fauna, though specific ecological and biological details remain limited in published literature.
Sinella sexoculata
slender springtail
Sinella sexoculata is a species of slender springtail in the family Entomobryidae, described by Schött in 1896. As an entomobryomorph collembolan, it possesses the characteristic elongated body form and well-developed antennae typical of this group. The species has been documented in the Caribbean mainland and Pacific North American regions based on GBIF distribution records. Like other members of the genus Sinella, it inhabits soil and leaf litter environments where it contributes to decomposition processes.
Sminthurides aquaticus
Sminthurides aquaticus is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Sminthurididae, characterized by its globular body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species epithet 'aquaticus' suggests an association with wet or aquatic environments. As a member of the Sminthurididae, it belongs to a family known for small, often colorful springtails with reduced mouthparts. The species has been recorded across multiple biogeographic regions including the Arctic, Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of North and South America.
Sminthurides bifidus
Sminthurides bifidus is a globular springtail in the family Sminthurididae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the characteristic globular body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, North America, and the Caribbean region. It is one of approximately 109 observed species of Sminthurides documented on iNaturalist.
Sminthurides malmgreni
Malmgren's Springtail
Sminthurides malmgreni is a puddle springtail species in the family Sminthurididae, distributed across the United States and Europe. It inhabits standing water environments, including puddles and wet leaf litter. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antenna structure, with males possessing distinctive modified antennae.
Sminthurides plicatus
Sminthurides plicatus is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthurididae, first described by H. Schött in 1891. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body shape distinct from elongate springtails. The species has been recorded in Caribbean and Pacific North American regions. As with other Sminthurides species, it is a small, soil-dwelling microarthropod.
Sminthurides weichseli
Sminthurides weichseli is a species of globular springtail described in 1981 from North America. As a member of the family Sminthurididae, it possesses the characteristic globular body form and furcula (springing organ) typical of the order Symphypleona. The species is known from limited observations and appears to have a distribution across northern and southern North America.
Sminthurinae
Sminthurinae is a subfamily of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded body form and well-developed furcula. Members possess the subfamily-defining trait of interocular vesicles—paired sensory structures with demonstrated photoreception function. The subfamily includes the genus Vesicephalus, which exhibits extreme habitat restriction possibly linked to this light-sensitive adaptation. Sminthurinae represents one of the major lineages within the Sminthuridae family.
Sminthurinus
Sminthurinus is a genus of springtails in the family Katiannidae, described by Börner in 1901. The genus contains approximately 90 described species. Members of this genus are globular springtails (order Symphypleona), characterized by their rounded body shape. They are found across diverse geographic regions including Arctic, Antarctic, Andean, and oceanic island habitats.
Sminthurinus atrapallidus
Sminthurinus atrapallidus is a globular springtail species in the family Katiannidae, first described by Snider in 1978. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a compact, rounded body form. The species is known from southern North America and has been documented in citizen science observations.
Sminthurinus henshawi
Henshaw's globular springtail
Sminthurinus henshawi is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod with a characteristic rounded body shape. The species has been recorded across multiple continents including North America and Eurasia. It is one of the more frequently observed springtail species, with over 1,400 citizen science records.
Sminthurinus latimaculosus
Sminthurinus latimaculosus is a globular springtail species described by E.A. Maynard in 1951. As a member of the family Katiannidae, it belongs to the order Symphypleona, which is characterized by a rounded, globular body form. The species has been recorded from North America and the Caribbean region. Like other springtails, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for locomotion.
Sminthurinus minutus
Sminthurinus minutus is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae. It is a small, soil-dwelling hexapod that belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form distinct from the elongated shape of other springtail orders. The species was first described by MacGillivray in 1894. As a member of Collembola, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion, though this feature is reduced in some globular springtails.
Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus
globular springtail
Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus is a species of globular springtail in the family Katiannidae, described by Ryder in 1878. It is characterized by its compact, rounded body form typical of the Symphypleona order. The species has been recorded from multiple geographic regions including the Caribbean mainland, Hawaiian Islands, and the Azores (Santa Maria and Terceira). Two subspecies are recognized: Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus quadrimaculatus and Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus bimaculatus Maynard.
Sminthuroidea
Sminthuroidea is a superfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the order Symphypleona, established by Bretfeld in 1994. Members share a globular body form with the ability to roll into a ball when disturbed, distinguishing them from elongate springtail superfamilies. The superfamily includes families such as Sminthuridae and Dicyrtomidae, which are among the most frequently observed and photographed springtails due to their relatively large size and often bright coloration.
Sminthurus eisenii
A globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, first described from California in 1891. Belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form and reduced or absent furcula in some species. Part of a genus containing several agricultural pest species, though specific pest status for this species is undocumented.
Sminthurus fitchi
Sminthurus fitchi is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae. It belongs to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a rounded body form distinct from the more elongate springtails in other orders. The species was described by J.W. Folsom in 1896. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a furcula, the springing organ that gives Collembola their common name.
Sminthurus incisus
Sminthurus incisus is a globular springtail species described by Snider in 1978. It belongs to the family Sminthuridae, which contains relatively large, often brightly colored springtails with a rounded body form. The species is part of the order Symphypleona, characterized by their globular shape and fused abdominal segments. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a furcula (springing organ) used for locomotion.
Sminthurus medialis
Sminthurus medialis is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it exhibits the rounded body form characteristic of globular springtails. The species has been recorded in North America. Like other springtails, it possesses a furcula for springing locomotion.
Sminthurus mencenbergae
Sminthurus mencenbergae is a springtail species endemic to the east coast of North America, first described by Snider in 1983. It belongs to the family Sminthuridae, a group of globular springtails characterized by their rounded body shape and distinctive color patterning. The species exhibits characteristic dorsal markings that aid in identification.
Sphyrotheca minnesotensis
Sphyrotheca minnesotensis is a species of globular springtail in the family Sminthuridae, first described from Minnesota in 1903. As a member of the order Symphypleona, it possesses the rounded, globular body form characteristic of this group. The species is rarely encountered, with only five observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Stenacidia violacea
Stenacidia violacea is a springtail species in the family Sminthurididae, characterized by distinctive coloration with yellowish body and purple lateral markings. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with females sometimes appearing dark purple. A notable behavioral trait involves antenna contact during mating, described as resembling a 'kiss'. The species has a broad distribution spanning the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with a recent range extension to Iran documented in 2019.
Superodontella cornifer
Superodontella cornifer is a species of springtail in the family Odontellidae. It has been recorded across diverse regions including Arctic, sub-Arctic, and North American temperate zones, as well as Caribbean mainland areas. The species shows a notably broad geographic distribution for a collembolan. Available records suggest it occupies varied climatic zones from cold northern regions to tropical Caribbean environments.
Tetracanthella californica
Tetracanthella californica is a species of springtail described by Deharveng in 1978. It belongs to the family Isotomidae, a diverse group of small, wingless hexapods found in soil and leaf litter ecosystems. The species epithet indicates its occurrence in California. Like other Collembola, it contributes to decomposition processes in terrestrial habitats.
Tomocerus minor
Tomocerus minor is a cosmopolitan springtail species in the family Tomoceridae. It reaches up to 4.5 mm in body length and exhibits a characteristic uniform bluish iridescence. The species has been recorded across a remarkably broad geographic range, spanning from Arctic regions to temperate and tropical zones across multiple continents and oceanic islands.
Tomocerus vulgaris
Tomocerus vulgaris is a European springtail species in the family Tomoceridae, characterized by an elongate body form and relatively long antennae. It is a soil-dwelling organism that has been documented as prey for harvestmen, which use adhesive secretions to capture this species despite its water-repellent cuticle. The species has been subject to bionomic studies examining its life history and temperature-dependent development.
Tomolonus reductus
Tomolonus reductus is the sole species in the monotypic genus Tomolonus, a springtail in the family Tomoceridae. It is distinguished from other Tomoceridae by having only three ocelli in its eyepatch, a reduced number compared to relatives. The species was described in 1949 by H.B. Mills. Very few observations exist, with only three records documented on iNaturalist.
Tullbergia arctica
Tullbergia arctica is a species of springtail (Collembola) in the family Tullbergiidae, described by Wahlgren in 1900. The species is distributed across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including northern Eurasia and North America. As a member of the Poduromorpha, it belongs to a group of soil-dwelling hexapods adapted to cold environments.