Species Podura aquatica

Classification · Size · Identification · Range · Habitat

Springtails in my 'Fish' Tank - Podura aquatica

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Collembola (Springtails and allies)

Order Poduromorpha

Family Poduridae

Genus Podura

Species aquatica (Podura aquatica)

Size

0.5-2.5 mm.

Identification

Although it can be confused at first with some other semi-aquatic hypogastrurids it can easily be distinguished by the very long arms or dentes of the pincerlike jumping organ or furca. [comment by Frans Janssens]

Range

Europe, North America and Siberia

Habitat

Semi-aquatic. Often found floating on the surface of small bodies of standing water such as ponds, as well as on stream and pond banks.

Contributed by Chuck Entz on 27 March, 2006 - 11:26pm
Additional contributions by ceiseman
Last updated 24 October, 2009 - 2:26pm

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2010 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version