Water Springtail vs Small Amber Spinner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Springtail Small Amber Spinner
Scientific Name Podura aquatica Caenis macrura
Order Collembola Ephemeroptera
Family Poduridae Caenidae
Size 1-1.5 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, North America, Asia Europe
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.

Small Amber Spinner

A tiny mayfly whose amber-colored spinners fall to the water in dense clouds. Nymphs live among fine sediments in slow-flowing water.

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Did You Know?

Spinner falls can be so dense they coat the water surface like a film, triggering frenzied fish feeding.