Water Springtail vs Garden Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Springtail Garden Springtail
Scientific Name Podura aquatica Bourletiella hortensis
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Poduridae Bourletiellidae
Size 1-1.5 mm 1-1.5 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Gardens
Diet Seed Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

It can walk on water using surface tension and its water-repellent cuticle.

Garden Springtail

A globular springtail commonly found in gardens and agricultural fields. It has a distinctive dark body with yellow markings.

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Did You Know?

It can occasionally damage seedlings by feeding on young plant tissue.