Water Springtail vs Lipothrix Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Springtail Lipothrix Springtail
Scientific Name Podura aquatica Lipothrix lubbocki
Order Collembola Collembola
Family Poduridae Sminthuridae
Size 1-1.5 mm 0.5-1.0 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Underground
Diet Seed Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Lipothrix Springtail

A tiny globular springtail found on vegetation and leaf litter surfaces. It has a compact round body typical of the family Sminthuridae.

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Did You Know?

Males of this species deposit sperm packets on stalks and perform elaborate courtship dances to guide females to them.