Lucifugous Springtail vs Elongate Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lucifugous Springtail Elongate Springtail
Scientific Name Megalothorax minimus Entomobrya nivalis
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Neelidae Entomobryidae
Size 0.3-0.5 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions Worldwide Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Lucifugous Springtail

One of the smallest known hexapods, found in deep soil and cave environments. It is nearly transparent and extremely difficult to observe.

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Did You Know?

At about 0.3 mm, it is among the tiniest hexapods on Earth.

Elongate Springtail

A slender, colorful springtail with variable banding patterns found on tree bark. It is one of the most common European entomobryid springtails.

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Did You Know?

Despite its species name meaning snowy, this springtail is most commonly found on sun-warmed tree bark rather than snow.