Glacier Springtail vs Two-toothed Goldenring

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Glacier Springtail Two-toothed Goldenring
Scientific Name Isotoma saltans Cordulegaster bidentata
Order Collembola Odonata
Family Isotomidae Cordulegastridae
Size 1-3 mm 70-80 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Scandinavia, Alps, Arctic Russia, Greenland, Svalbard Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

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Did You Know?

This springtail can survive being encased in ice and resume activity once temperatures rise above freezing.

Two-toothed Goldenring

A large, dark goldenring dragonfly of central European mountain streams. It is distinguished from other goldenrings by two tooth-like projections on the occipital triangle.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae develop in tiny trickles of spring water no wider than a hand, unlike most large dragonflies.