Svalbard Springtail vs Dark-Horned Casemaker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Svalbard Springtail Dark-Horned Casemaker
Scientific Name Folsomia quadrioculata Psilotreta labida
Order Collembola Trichoptera
Family Isotomidae Odontoceridae
Size 1-2 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Svalbard, Scandinavia, Iceland, northern Russia, Arctic Canada North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Svalbard Springtail

A small, pale springtail with only four simple eyes, for which it is named. It is extremely common in Arctic soils where it plays a major role in decomposition. Populations can reach densities of thousands per square meter.

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Did You Know?

This springtail is so abundant in Arctic soils that it is considered one of the most important decomposer organisms in tundra ecosystems.

Dark-Horned Casemaker

A North American caddisfly building curved tubular cases from sand grains. Larvae are found in small shaded woodland streams.

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Did You Know?

Adults are entirely nocturnal and are rarely seen despite being locally common.