Black Cutworm vs Water Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Cutworm Water Springtail
Scientific Name Agrotis ipsilon Podura aquatica
Order Lepidoptera Collembola
Family Noctuidae Poduridae
Size 40-55 mm wingspan 1-1.5 mm
Habitat Indoors Ponds & Lakes
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Worldwide Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Black Cutworm

A dull brown moth whose soil-dwelling caterpillars sever young seedlings at ground level during the night. It is a cosmopolitan pest that migrates long distances.

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Did You Know?

Cutworm caterpillars curl into a C-shape when disturbed, a diagnostic behavior for identifying them in soil.

Water Springtail

A distinctive dark-colored springtail found on the surface of still freshwater. It is the only species in its family and forms dense aggregations.

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Did You Know?

It can walk on water using surface tension and its water-repellent cuticle.