Flotilla of globular springtails - Dicyrtomina ornata

New US species?

Pending confirmation, this may be the first record of this species in the US.

… Jim McClarin, 3 December, 2006 - 7:45am

Moved

… Jim McClarin, 1 December, 2006 - 5:59am

Dicyrtomina ornata

Hi Jim. The most important invariable characteristic in the quite variable pigment pattern is the dark more or less rectangular patch at their butts, typical for D. ornata.
Look carefully at the shape of this patch. If you find specimens with a patch shaped as a Maltheser cross, you have found a close relative: Dicyrtomina saundersi. Checkout collembola.org for a picture of such a specimen. Look carefully for the butts...
Note that saundersi is not yet reported from the USA. So, you can be the first to find them ;-)
Good hunting ;-)

… Frans Janssens, 1 December, 2006 - 5:28am

Good stuff. Fun, too.

Thanks for the info about putting them in water. If I can ever find these critters, I'll remember that. Any hints on how to liberate them after the shoot?

This particular shot is my second favorite, ranking close to the threesome with its repeat-and-variation theme. Do you use a springtail wrangler to get them lined up? LOL!

… Ron Hemberger, 30 November, 2006 - 11:17pm

Liberation

I plan to set these free in the yard. I live on 1.8 acres with lots of trees and vegetation with enough diversity for springtails to make a living. I figure if I bring in new species, I'm building up the biodiversity of this place.

Condo livers or those with meticulously manicured grounds will have to take a hike to find suitable habitat.

… Jim McClarin, 1 December, 2006 - 5:29am

Thanks again

I'll puttem where I foundem.

… Ron Hemberger, 1 December, 2006 - 9:20am