Glacier Springtail vs Giant Cave Springtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Glacier Springtail | Giant Cave Springtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Isotoma saltans | Tomocerus minor |
| Order | Collembola | Collembola |
| Family | Isotomidae | Tomoceridae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 3-4.5 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Caves |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Alps, Arctic Russia, Greenland, Svalbard | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Glacier Springtail
A tiny, elongate springtail adapted to life on glaciers and permanent snowfields. It is dark-pigmented to absorb solar radiation. Populations can be found actively hopping on glacier surfaces in summer.
Did You Know?
This springtail can survive being encased in ice and resume activity once temperatures rise above freezing.
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.
Did You Know?
It can jump up to 100 times its body length using its spring-loaded furca.