Small white bug, springtail?

diplura, family Campodeidae

This looks like a diplura (first in BugGuide?), and the long posterior cerci would indicate the family Campodeidae. The identifying characteristics include no eyes, long antennae with bead-like segments, and cerci (either long and slender, like yours, or pincer-like (family Japygidae). Diplura are generally soil-dwelling animals. My impression is that there is some disagreement whether these are classified as insects or belong to their own class. If you Google "diplura" you will pull up some good sites.

… Joe Schuller, 17 September, 2005 - 9:19pm

Diplura

I checked out the Tree of Life site, and it's just like you said, the position of Diplura in hexapods is unclear. Traditionally, it was placed with the Collembola and Protura in Entognatha. But there's evidence it may be a sister group to Insecta.
Before I move this anywhere, I'd like an opinion from a senior editor, like Troy on what to do.
Thanks for the info and ID Joe.

… tom murray, 17 September, 2005 - 10:14pm

Diplura

The "entognathous" condition in this group of insects is not as clearly developed as in the Collembola + Protura (which are grouped as Ellipura Börner, 1910). It seems best to include them as the most primitive insect order, whether or not the Elliplura are "true" insects.

… Andy Hamilton, 19 September, 2005 - 7:33am