Spring mechanism on globular springtail

Bruce Williams · #1 (**permalink**) 26-02-2009, 11:17 AM

Was photographing this little springtail, Dicyrtomina ornata I think, when it "sprung" and landed several inches away on its back, It stayed in that position for at least 30 seconds - long enough anyway for me to get a shot of its underside.

I've also posted a partially annotated pic in the hope that someone can point out where the spring retaining catch (called the tenaculum) is in this image (if it's visible at all).

Bruce

NickCantle · #2 (**permalink**) 26-02-2009, 01:22 PM

Wonderful study Bruce- they're such amazing creatures. My fascination lies with their pattern. It's almost like that of 'Digital camouflage' that the Canadian armed forces use. Great to see one in a different perspective too- nicely done

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 26-02-2009, 01:24 PM

Nice one Bruce! I can only really assume the latch is something to do with the collophore?

By the way, I think the springtail is D. saundersi by the verticle line on the backend with horizontal cross-bars. Anyway, the jury is still out on whether they're both the same anyway!!

Bruce Williams · #4 (**permalink**) 27-02-2009, 12:08 AM

Nick - Thanks for nice comments. I see exactly what you mean about the Canadian camouflage kit - spot on!

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Jason - Thanks for the help with identification I'll follow that up. Even though it looks like it could be the "catch", I don't think the collophore (ventral tube) and the tenaculum are the same thing. The general view is that the collophore enables the springtail to maintain water balance. It used to be thought that it enabled the springtail to stabilise itself when it landed after a jump, however I don't think that's the accepted view any more.

Bruce