Marsh Springtail vs Alpine Cave Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Marsh Springtail Alpine Cave Springtail
Scientific Name Isotomurus palustris Onychiuroides alpinus
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Isotomidae Onychiuridae
Size 2.0-4.0 mm 0.8-1.2 mm
Habitat Wetlands Caves
Diet Detritivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Italy
Conservation Not Evaluated Data Deficient

Marsh Springtail

A colorful elongate springtail found near ponds, streams, and marshy areas. Its color varies from green to orange depending on the population.

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Did You Know?

This springtail is sometimes found in huge numbers on water surfaces, forming colorful floating mats near pond edges.

Alpine Cave Springtail

A recently described blind springtail from caves in the Italian Alps. It lacks eyes, pigment, and a jumping furca.

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Did You Know?

It survives in caves where temperatures remain just a few degrees above freezing.