Springtails
Guides
Agrenia
Agrenia is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) distributed across arctic, boreal, and mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. The genus was formerly monotypic but now contains multiple species divided into two groups: the bidenticulata-group (with mucronal seta) and the agilis-group (without mucronal seta). Species exhibit morphological variation in claw structure related to latitude, with some populations showing sexual polymorphism and cyclomorphosis.
Allacma
Allacma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Sminthuridae, first described by Börner in 1906. Members of this genus are globular springtails characterized by their compact, rounded body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The genus contains multiple species distributed across Europe and North America, with records extending to Arctic and Mediterranean regions. Allacma fusca, described by Linnaeus in 1758, is a well-known representative species.
Anurida
Anurida is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established in 1865 by Laboulbène. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution with species occupying diverse habitats including intertidal marine zones, river floodplains, riparian areas, and forest ecosystems. Well-studied species include the intertidal specialist Anurida maritima, which exhibits complex tidal-entrained behaviors, and the terrestrial A. granaria, which has documented mycophagous associations. The genus shows notable morphological diversity in chaetotaxy and eye reduction, with some species groups exhibiting cryptic genetic divergence despite morphological similarity.
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springtails
Arrhopalites is a genus of globular springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the family Arrhopalitidae. The genus comprises approximately 40 valid species, with roughly half considered troglobionts—obligate cave-dwelling organisms. Species occur across diverse habitats including cave systems, forest leaf litter, and soil environments, with distribution spanning the Neotropical Region, Asia, Europe, and other regions. The genus is taxonomically significant for phylogenetic studies of Symphypleona, though many aspects of its biology remain understudied.
Arrhopalitidae
Arrhopalitidae is a family of springtails (Collembola) in the order Symphypleona, superfamily Katiannoidea. The family includes three genera: Arrhopalites, Pygmarrhopalites, and Troglopalites. Many species are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobionts) exhibiting pronounced troglomorphy, including reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, and modified sensory structures. The family has a sister-group relationship with Katiannidae.
Collembola
springtails
Collembola (springtails) are minute hexapods, traditionally grouped with insects but now recognized as a distinct class of non-insect hexapods. They are among the most abundant soil arthropods globally, with estimates of 200–1,800 individuals per cubic decimeter of forest soil. Most species measure 1–3 mm, though some reach 6 mm and the largest known species attains 17 mm. They occupy diverse habitats including soil, leaf litter, caves, rodent burrows, intertidal zones, ant and termite nests, freshwater surfaces, and snow fields. The group is defined by several unique morphological features: a ventral collophore on the first abdominal segment, a furcula (springing organ) on the third or fourth abdominal segment in most species, internal mouthparts (entognathy), and fused tibio-tarsal leg segments. They exhibit simple metamorphosis and continue molting throughout adult life, up to 50 times.
Dagamaea
Dagamaea is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, subfamily Anurophorinae. It was established by R. Yosii in 1965. The genus has been recorded from disjunct localities across the Caribbean, North America, Central Australia, and the Pacific coast of North America. Like other isotomids, members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods with a furcula (springing organ) for escape locomotion.
Deuterosminthurus
Deuterosminthurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the family Bourletiellidae, established by Börner in 1901. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. At least one species, Deuterosminthurus bicinctus, has been the subject of detailed behavioral studies documenting complex mating rituals. Some species are associated with specific host plants, including documented associations with Genista hispanica.
Deutonura
Deutonura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, established by Cassagnau in 1979. The genus contains at least 40 described species, distributed across Arctic, subarctic, and temperate regions of Europe, North America, and Macaronesia. As members of Poduromorpha, these soil-dwelling hexapods are part of the diverse springtail fauna that contributes to decomposition processes.
Dicyrtominae
globular springtails
Dicyrtominae is a subfamily of globular springtails within the family Dicyrtomidae, established by Richards in 1968. Members exhibit the characteristic rounded, globular body form typical of the order Symphypleona. The subfamily contains at least three genera—Dicyrtoma, Dicyrtomina, and Calvatomina—with approximately 30 described species. These springtails are among the most frequently observed and photographed springtails due to their relatively large size and conspicuous coloration.
Drepanura
springtails
Drepanura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Entomobryidae, first described by Schött in 1891. It belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the most diverse groups of Collembola. The genus has been recorded across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean, suggesting broad geographic distribution. As with other entomobryid springtails, members of this genus are likely soil-dwelling microarthropods, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Entomobrya
slender springtails
Entomobrya is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing at least 270 described species. Members are characterized by elongated bodies and are among the most commonly encountered springtails in many terrestrial habitats. The genus has been documented across diverse environments including continental Europe, the Canary Islands, and cave systems in southern Spain. Species identification relies heavily on colour pattern and dorsal macrochaetotaxy, though colouration varies broadly within species and fades in preservative.
Entomobryidae
slender springtails
Entomobryidae, commonly known as slender springtails, is a large family of springtails (Collembola) containing over 1700 described species. Members are characterized by an enlarged fourth abdominal segment, a well-developed furcula (springing organ), and often possess prominent body scales that can produce striking coloration including blue, red, purple, or white patterns. The family includes both scaled and scale-less forms, with the latter frequently captured in pitfall traps globally. Many species are relatively large for springtails, reaching 2 mm or more in length.
Entomobryomorpha
Elongate Springtails
Entomobryomorpha is one of three recognized orders of Collembola (springtails), distinguished by their characteristically slender, elongate body form. Members of this order typically possess either long legs and antennae with well-developed furculae, or short legs and antennae with elongated bodies that separate them from other springtail groups. The order was formerly treated as the superfamily Entomobryoidea and was grouped with Poduromorpha under the paraphyletic "Arthropleona." Current systematics recognizes Entomobryomorpha, Poduromorpha, and Symphypleona as equally distinct lineages at ordinal rank.
Folsomia
Folsomia is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Isotomidae, containing more than 110 described species. Members of this genus are primarily soil-dwelling and are among the most commonly studied Collembola in ecotoxicological research. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution spanning multiple continents and biomes.
Guthriella
Guthriella is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, first described by Carl Börner in 1906. The genus belongs to the order Entomobryomorpha, one of the largest and most diverse groups of Collembola. Very little published information exists on this genus, and no observations are recorded in major biodiversity databases. Its species appear to be poorly documented in modern literature.
Heterosminthurus
Heterosminthurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Bourletiellidae, established by Stach in 1955. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Members of this genus are globular springtails, characteristic of the order Symphypleona. Species-level taxonomy has been revised multiple times, with many descriptions published by Bretfeld and Zöllner in 2000.
Hydroisotoma
Hydroisotoma is a genus of springtails in the family Isotomidae, established by Stach in 1947. The genus includes species found in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, with Hydroisotoma schaefferi documented from the eastern United States. Members of this genus belong to the diverse order Entomobryomorpha, which contains many of the larger and more active springtail species.
Isotoma
Waterfall Springtails
Isotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) and the type genus of the family Isotomidae. These small, wingless hexapods are commonly known as Waterfall Springtails. The genus contains multiple species distributed across various habitats, with some species studied for their dietary biology and metabolic responses. Springtails in this genus possess the characteristic furcula (springing organ) that enables their common name.
Isotomidae
Smooth Springtails
Isotomidae is a large family of springtails in the order Entomobryomorpha, characterized by elongated, smooth-bodied forms. The family contains approximately 109 genera and is distributed across the Holarctic region and globally. Members are typically found in soil, leaf litter, and under bark, where they contribute to decomposition processes. The family has been subject to taxonomic revision, with subfamily-level classifications undergoing reevaluation based on molecular phylogenetics.
Isotomurus
Isotomurus is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails established by Börner in 1903. The genus contains at least 40 described species and is classified in the family Isotomidae. Members are distributed across diverse habitats including desert, tropical, and polar regions. As with other springtails, they possess a furcula for jumping.
Katiannidae
Katiannidae is a family of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by their rounded body form and compact antennae. The family contains approximately 20 genera, including the well-known Sminthurinus and Vesicephalus. Members of this family are distributed across diverse biomes worldwide, from tropical forests to polar regions. The family was established by Börner in 1913 and represents a significant lineage within the Katiannoidea superfamily.
Metisotoma
Metisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails in the family Isotomidae. The genus includes at least four described species, with Metisotoma grandiceps recognized as the only veritable predator among springtails. Species occur primarily in Arctic, subarctic, and montane tundra habitats across the Holarctic region. The genus was established by Maynard in 1951.
Microgastrura
Microgastrura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Hypogastruridae, established by Stach in 1922. The genus comprises seven described species distributed across the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, and North America. As members of Poduromorpha, these springtails are characterized by a compact body form and reduced furcula. Species-level identification requires examination of chaetotaxy and other fine morphological details.
Morulina
Morulina is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, subfamily Morulininae. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are characterized by their distinctive body ornamentation and are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna.
Neanurinae
Neanurinae is the largest subfamily of springtails (Collembola) in the family Neanuridae, containing approximately 800 described species. These springtails are distinguished by their stout, pudgy bodies, short legs, and complete loss of the furcula—the springing organ that characterizes most Collembola. They move exceptionally slowly and possess a distinctive mulberry-like appearance due to spherical tubercles covering the dorsal body surface. The subfamily was established by Carl Börner in 1901 and is currently divided into six tribes, though phylogenetic analyses suggest this classification may not reflect evolutionary relationships.
Neanurini
Neanurini is a tribe of springtails (Collembola) within the family Neanuridae, established by Börner in 1901. Members of this tribe are characterized by their reduced or absent furcula (springing organ), distinguishing them from many other springtail groups. They are part of the diverse soil-dwelling microarthropod fauna found across various terrestrial habitats. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed primarily in the Holarctic region.
Neelidae
Neelidae is a family of minute springtails in the order Neelipleona, comprising at least four genera and more than 30 described species. Members average around 500 μm in length and possess globular bodies superficially resembling those of Symphypleona, with relatively long legs and a well-developed furca. Molecular phylogenetic data places Neelidae as a basal group to all other Collembola, despite earlier morphological hypotheses linking them closely to Symphypleona. The family has worldwide distribution with records from Gondwanan regions, caves, and various terrestrial habitats.
Neelipleona
Neelipleona is an order of minute hexapods within the class Collembola (springtails). Members are characterized by the complete absence of eyes, a trait distinguishing them from most other springtail groups. The group is primarily represented by the family Neelidae and includes genera such as Megalothorax and Spinaethorax. Many species exhibit troglomorphic adaptations, including elongated appendages and reduced pigmentation, associated with cave-dwelling habits. The taxonomic rank of Neelipleona remains debated, with some authorities treating it as a suborder of Symphypleona or placing it within Entomobryomorpha.
Neosminthurus
Neosminthurus is a genus of globular springtails in the family Sminthuridae, first described by H.B. Mills in 1934. The genus is distributed in Central and North America and contains at least three described species: N. bakeri, N. clavatus, and N. richardsi. Members of this genus belong to the order Symphypleona, characterized by a globular body form. The genus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the antennae and body chaetotaxy.
Odontellidae
springtails
Odontellidae is a family of springtails (Collembola) in the order Poduromorpha, established by Massoud in 1967. The family comprises approximately 9 genera and more than 50 described species, distributed across diverse biogeographic regions including subantarctic, arctic, and temperate zones. Species-level identification relies heavily on chaetotaxy, particularly the number and arrangement of sensilla and chaetae on antennae, tibiotarsi, and the dens.
Oncopoduridae
Oncopoduridae is a family of springtails (Collembola) in the order Entomobryomorpha, established by Carl and Lebedinsky in 1905. The family contains the genus Oncopodura, which includes subterranean species adapted to cave environments. Members of this family are characterized by distinctive morphological features of the postantennal organ (PAO) and furcula that are important for species identification.
Onychiuroidea
Onychiuroidea is a superfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the order Poduromorpha. It comprises approximately five families and over 630 described species. The superfamily includes the well-known family Onychiuridae and several smaller families whose classification has been subject to revision. Members of this group are soil-dwelling hexapods characterized by reduced or absent furcula (springing organ).
Onychiurus
springtails
Onychiurus is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae with cosmopolitan distribution. The genus contains numerous species, including both surface-dwelling forms in forest soils and agricultural fields, as well as specialized cave-dwelling species. Members of this genus have been extensively studied as indicators of soil health and pesticide impacts.
Orchesellinae
Orchesellinae is a subfamily of springtails (Collembola) in the family Orchesellidae. Members are distinguished from other Entomobryidae by a fourth abdominal segment shorter than 1.8 times the length of the third segment, generally more than four antennal segments, recurved labral setae, and a complex metatrochanteral organ bearing at least 11 spine-like setae. The subfamily includes genera such as Dicranocentrus, Australotomurus, and Orchesellides, with distributions ranging from holotropical to Australian endemic and disjunct patterns.
Paronellidae
Paronellidae is a family of elongate-bodied springtails (Collembola) in the order Entomobryomorpha. The family contains approximately 18 genera and at least 90 described species. Members of this family are primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with many species adapted to subterranean habitats including caves. The family includes notable troglobitic genera such as Troglobius and Troglopedetes.
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.
Proisotoma
springtails
Proisotoma is a genus of elongate-bodied springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, established by Börner in 1901. The genus comprises at least 50 described species distributed across diverse biomes including tropical, temperate, Antarctic, and desert regions. Species within this genus are primarily soil-dwelling and have been widely used as bioindicator organisms in ecotoxicological studies due to their sensitivity to environmental contaminants.
Protaphorura
Protaphorura is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Onychiuridae, established by Absolon in 1901. The genus contains numerous species distributed across the Palearctic region, with particular diversity in southern Siberia and the Far East of Russia. Several species are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobionts), exhibiting specialized adaptations to subterranean environments. The genus is taxonomically well-studied, with identification keys available for over 85 Palearctic species based on morphological characters including pseudocellar formulae, postantennal organ structure, and chaetotaxy.
Pseudachorutes
Pseudachorutes is a genus of springtails in the family Neanuridae, containing more than 50 described species. These small hexapods are distributed across diverse biomes including arctic, tropical, and desert regions. As members of the subfamily Pseudachorutinae, they represent a well-established lineage within the Poduromorpha order.
Pseudachorutinae
Pseudachorutinae is a subfamily of springtails (Collembola) within the family Neanuridae, established by Börner in 1906. The subfamily contains over 50 genera and 200 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, and the Russian Far East. Members are typically small (<1.0 mm), unpigmented springtails with reduced appendages and simplified body structures.
Pseudisotoma
Pseudisotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, established by Handschin in 1924. Members of this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods found across diverse geographic regions including Arctic, European, Caribbean, Southeast Asian, and Hawaiian localities. As part of the diverse Isotomidae family, they contribute to decomposition processes in their habitats.
Pseudosinella
slender springtails
Pseudosinella is a genus of slender-bodied springtails in the family Entomobryidae, established by Schäffer in 1897. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed across diverse habitats including tropical rainforests, temperate woodlands, and even Antarctic and subantarctic regions. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body form and reduced or absent pigmentation. They are part of the diverse soil and leaf litter fauna, contributing to decomposition processes.
Pygmarrhopalites
A genus of springtails (Collembola: Symphypleona) in the family Arrhopalitidae. The genus was established by Vargovitsh in 2009. Multiple species have been described, including both epigean and troglobiont (cave-dwelling) forms. Some species exhibit troglomorphies including reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, and modified foot complex.
Schoettella
Schoettella is a genus of springtails in the family Hypogastruridae, established by Schäffer in 1896. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed across diverse geographic regions including Europe, the Americas, and the Hawaiian Islands. Species within this genus are small, soil-dwelling hexapods belonging to the order Poduromorpha.
Scutisotoma
Scutisotoma is a genus of springtails (Collembola) in the family Isotomidae, subfamily Proisotominae. The genus was established by R.S. Bagnall in 1949 and is distributed across diverse biogeographic regions including Europe, the Arctic, the Himalayas, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean. As a member of the Entomobryomorpha, Scutisotoma shares characteristics with other elongate-bodied springtails.
Sensillanura
Sensillanura is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Neanuridae) established by Deharveng in 1981. The genus is characterized by specific arrangements of sensilla on the body, a diagnostic feature for the group. Recent taxonomic work has described six new species from the Southern Appalachian Mountains, expanding the known diversity of the genus in North America. Species identification relies heavily on detailed examination of chaetotaxy and sensory structures.
Sensillanurini
Sensillanurini is a tribe of springtails (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) characterized by distinctive ventral chaetotaxy patterns that have been used to distinguish it from other tribes within the subfamily. The tribe includes the genus Palmanura, which has been subject to recent taxonomic revision revealing multiple new species from Central and South America. Members of this tribe are soil-dwelling arthropods, though detailed biological and ecological studies remain limited.
Sminthuridae
globular springtails
Sminthuridae is a family of globular springtails (order Symphypleona) characterized by a rounded body shape, four-segmented antennae with successively lengthening segments, and an exceptionally long ventral tube with eversible vesicles. Members possess well-developed tracheae and a furcula for jumping. The family includes 13 genera and is distinguished from the similar Sminthurididae by antennal structure and dens setation. Some species are notable agricultural pests, while others are common in forest litter and snow habitats.