Springtail Species for Identification

Andrew C · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 07:09 PM

Good evening,

I have been through a batch of specimens collected from the garden today and one is not proving easy for me. I have attached two images of it.

There were plenty of them jumping about for cover whenever I lifted an object off the soil/grass such as tree stumps, plant pots, etc.

They are approximately seven and half millimetres long from the rear to the front of the head not including legs or antennae. This measurement is when rigor mortis has set in.

I am in favour of Tomocerus vulgaris based on the antennae structure and length.

Has anyone got an opinion on this specimen that could help me out?

Regards,
Andrew.

Action_Man · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 08:52 PM

Dont think its a Springtail, is there water close by ? ...

Fauna · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 09:40 PM

I wonder if its one of the landhoppers an Arcitalitrus sp or something there abouts?

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 10:45 PM

Hi Andrew,

Have we 'crossed virtual paths' elsewhere?

I agree with Chris and his sugestion of a Landhopper. As for collecting Collembola, do you have the late Steve Hopkin's 2007-published AIDGAP publication, 'A Key to the Collembola (Springtails) of Britain and Ireland' yet?

Take care,

Jason

Acutipuerilis · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 11:24 PM

Agree with the landhopper! Hopkin's springtail book is well worth having - but you definitely need a microscope to get very far with 90% of species..!

Andrew C · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 08:03 AM

Thanks everyone. After the suggestions, it looks pretty much like a Landhopper.

This leads to a second question for me. Is it one species in the UK (Devon) or are there various species within the Arcitalitrus group?

Would it be right to have this one as Arcitalitrus darrieni or are there other contenders?

Regards,
Andrew.

Andrew C · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Hi Andrew,

Have we 'crossed virtual paths' elsewhere?

I agree with Chris and his sugestion of a Landhopper. As for collecting Collembola, do you have the late Steve Hopkin's 2007-published AIDGAP publication, 'A Key to the Collembola (Springtails) of Britain and Ireland' yet?

Take care,

Jason

No, I don't have the Springtails book but then again I have not yet got a microscope! I think it might be best to buy the horse (scope) before I buy any more carts.