ID : Microscopic Insect

Andrew C · #1 (**permalink**) 20-02-2011, 07:49 AM

Good morning,

During a lichen field meeting at Calverleigh in Mid Devon yesterday I cam across three of these microscopic insects on a gravestone.

On first glance with the naked eye they looked spider-like but under the lens they have antennae so obviously not. They also had the ability to leap far away when they considered to be under threat.

They measured no more than a couple of millimetres at the most and I had to use the camera placed over a 15x hand lens to even get a picture hence the poor focussing quality.

Is anyone able to identify or offer opinions on this specimen please?

Regards,
Andrew.

healfdan · #2 (**permalink**) 20-02-2011, 10:36 AM

This is a guess but from your description, size and ability to spring I suggest looking up Collembola commonly called Springtails

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 20-02-2011, 11:12 AM

Afternoon Andrew,

Yes, Collembola as Dan says. This looks like Dicyrtomina saundersi, one of the very common Globular Springtails.

Take care,

Jason

Andrew C · #4 (**permalink**) 20-02-2011, 02:08 PM

Afternoon healfdan and Jason,

Thanks for the suggestion, that looks spot on after checking the images here Dicyrtomina saundersi Photo Gallery by Toby at pbase.com.

The Collembola Gallery has no other similar looking springtails but are there any or would that be a pretty good and conclusive identifcation?

Regards,
Andrew.

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 20-02-2011, 02:20 PM

It would be 'reasonable', in my opinion. There is another - D. ornata, but there seems to be some confusion as to whether it's a distinct species or just a colour-form of saundersi.

I could probably be more conclusive if I had the key by the late Steve Hopkin.

Andrew C · #6 (**permalink**) 20-02-2011, 02:26 PM

Thanks Jason, I did look at D. ornata but the markings on D. saundersii are a much better match for me including the 'cross shape' on the 'abdomen'.

Regards,
Andrew.