Krubera Cave Springtail vs Water Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Krubera Cave Springtail Water Springtail
Scientific Name Plutomurus ortobalaganensis Podura aquatica
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Tomoceridae Poduridae
Size 1-2 mm 1-1.5 mm
Habitat Caves Ponds & Lakes
Diet Fungus Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Georgia Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Krubera Cave Springtail

The deepest-dwelling terrestrial animal ever recorded, found at 1,980 meters underground in Krubera Cave. It is completely eyeless and unpigmented.

💡

Did You Know?

It holds the record as the deepest-dwelling land animal on Earth at nearly 2 km underground.

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.