Globular Springtail vs Water Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globular Springtail Water Springtail
Scientific Name Sminthurus viridis Podura aquatica
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Sminthuridae Poduridae
Size 1-2.5 mm 1-1.5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Seed Feeders
Regions Europe, Australia, North America Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Globular Springtail

A round-bodied green springtail found in grasslands and agricultural fields. It can become a pest of clover and alfalfa crops.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the few springtails that feeds on living plants and can damage crops.

Water Springtail

A distinctive dark-colored springtail found on the surface of still freshwater. It is the only species in its family and forms dense aggregations.

💡

Did You Know?

It can walk on water using surface tension and its water-repellent cuticle.