Alpine Cave Springtail vs Velvet Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Cave Springtail Velvet Tree Ant
Scientific Name Onychiuroides alpinus Liometopum occidentale
Order Collembola Hymenoptera
Family Onychiuridae Formicidae
Size 0.8-1.2 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Caves Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Italy North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Alpine Cave Springtail

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

💡

Did You Know?

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

Velvet Tree Ant

A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.

💡

Did You Know?

Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.