Svalbard Springtail vs Seashore Springtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Svalbard Springtail | Seashore Springtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Folsomia quadrioculata | Anurida maritima |
| Order | Collembola | Collembola |
| Family | Isotomidae | Neanuridae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Detritivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Svalbard, Scandinavia, Iceland, northern Russia, Arctic Canada | Europe, 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.
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.
Seashore Springtail
A dark blue-black springtail found in dense clusters on rocky seashores at low tide. It survives tidal submersion by trapping air in its body hairs.
Did You Know?
It can survive being submerged by the tide for hours by breathing trapped air bubbles.