Dicyrtomina Springtail vs Alpine Cave Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dicyrtomina Springtail Alpine Cave Springtail
Scientific Name Dicyrtomina minuta Onychiuroides alpinus
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Dicyrtomidae Onychiuridae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 0.8-1.2 mm
Habitat Underground Caves
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Italy
Conservation Not Evaluated Data Deficient

Dicyrtomina Springtail

A beautifully patterned globular springtail found in leaf litter across Europe. It has a marbled brown and yellow appearance.

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Did You Know?

Under magnification, this springtail reveals intricate mosaic patterns that make it one of the most beautiful soil animals.

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.