Alpine Cave Springtail vs Elongate Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Cave Springtail Elongate Springtail
Scientific Name Onychiuroides alpinus Entomobrya nivalis
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Onychiuridae Entomobryidae
Size 0.8-1.2 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions Italy Europe, North America
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Alpine Cave Springtail

A recently described blind springtail from caves in the Italian Alps. It lacks eyes, pigment, and a jumping furca.

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Did You Know?

It survives in caves where temperatures remain just a few degrees above freezing.

Elongate Springtail

A slender, colorful springtail with variable banding patterns found on tree bark. It is one of the most common European entomobryid springtails.

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Did You Know?

Despite its species name meaning snowy, this springtail is most commonly found on sun-warmed tree bark rather than snow.