Arctic Springtail vs Southern Flannel Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Springtail | Southern Flannel Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megaphorura arctica | Megalopyge opercularis |
| Order | Collembola | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Onychiuridae | Megalopygidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 25-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Svalbard, Arctic Canada, Greenland, northern Scandinavia | Southeastern United States, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Springtail
A white, eyeless springtail that lives in soil and under stones in the High Arctic. It lacks a furcula and cannot jump. It survives extreme cold through cryoprotective dehydration, losing most of its body water before freezing.
Did You Know?
This springtail can survive temperatures down to minus 30 degrees Celsius by dehydrating itself until it contains almost no free water.
Southern Flannel Moth
A fluffy moth covered in cream to orange-brown fur-like scales. Its larva, called the puss caterpillar, is covered in soft-looking hair that conceals venomous spines.
Did You Know?
The puss caterpillar is considered the most venomous caterpillar in North America, with stings requiring medical attention.