Psocid (I think) and green springtail.

Gerel · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 07:44 PM

Lots of these chaps on hazel today.

I don't remember what plant this came from, it may have been a buttercup. The yellow specks are pollen grains I think.

Both were 2 - 3mm

Acutipuerilis · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 08:07 PM

Hi Steve,
Can't help with the psocid, but the springtail is Sminthurus viridis - known as the Lucerne Flea.

Bruce Williams · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009, 11:50 PM

Nicely marked barklouse and one I've not seen yet. Nice pic too and worth viewing at the higher resolution (click pic again).

Cute springtail shot - appropriately named too.

Bruce

Gerel · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 08:20 AM

Thaks for the springer ID Joe, why Lucerne I wonder? Never noticed these before although I could have easily overloooked this one, thinking it was an aphid.

Cheers for the comments Bruce, I was hoping that you might have encountered this Psocid before as they seem to have become your specialist subject of late

. I've e-mailed the pic to Bob Saville at the Bark fly Recording Scheme. I'll update this thread if he comes back with an ID

Regards

Steve

Gerel · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 08:22 AM

I got this reply yesterday from Bob Saville regarding the Psocid,

Hi Steve

"It's an immature Mesopsocus species - can't tell definitely which
species but probably Mesopsocus immunis. When I was out in the field
today I found adults so with a bit more hunting you should be able to
turn some up in your area. Males and females are very different - males
have wings, females don't. Have a look at the identification key on the
website to see how you tell them from other species.

With regards

Bob

Bob Saville
National Barkfly Recording Scheme organiser"

Steve

Acutipuerilis · #6 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerel

Thaks for the springer ID Joe, why Lucerne I wonder?
Steve

I assumed Switzerland when I first read it, but no - it's a type of clover!

poschiavanus · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acutipuerilis

I assumed Switzerland when I first read it, but no - it's a type of clover!

A medick really (pedant watch): I think its the one the American's call alfalfa (which recalls memories of countless geography lessons long ago). I imagine the springtail got its name because it's a significant agricultural pest of this crop.

How the crop got its name: who knows?