Dicyrtomina Springtail vs Blue-winged Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dicyrtomina Springtail Blue-winged Grasshopper
Scientific Name Dicyrtomina minuta Oedipoda caerulescens
Order Collembola Orthoptera
Family Dicyrtomidae Acrididae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 15-28mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

Blue-winged Grasshopper

A well-camouflaged grasshopper that reveals bright blue hindwings when it flies. At rest it blends perfectly with bare ground. The flash of blue startles predators during escape flights.

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Did You Know?

The sudden flash of blue wings during flight confuses predators, then it vanishes when it lands and folds them.