European Trechus Cave Beetle vs Giant Cave Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Trechus Cave Beetle Giant Cave Springtail
Scientific Name Trechus quadristriatus Tomocerus minor
Order Coleoptera Collembola
Family Carabidae Tomoceridae
Size 3-4 mm 3-4.5 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, widely introduced globally Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Trechus Cave Beetle

A small, pale brown ground beetle with four prominent striae on each elytron. Despite belonging to a subfamily with many cave species, this species is a common surface dweller in Europe.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most widespread ground beetles on Earth, having been accidentally introduced to every continent except Antarctica through human trade and agriculture.

Giant Cave Springtail

One of the larger springtails in Europe, often found in caves and damp cellars. It has a distinctive metallic sheen on its body.

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Did You Know?

It can jump up to 100 times its body length using its spring-loaded furca.